Common Raven on the causeway to Antelope Island Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
Ravens hold a special place in my heart because they are smart (actually brilliant for birds), collectors of things shiny and/or odd, they let you know about their presence with hoarse croaking sounds and they are very amusing to observe and photograph.
Edgar Allan Poe considered them creepy, Native American’s regard them as tricksters and have marvelous stories about the birds. Me; I like them a lot.
They are a challenge to photograph and expose properly because of their dark feathers and features. Earlier this week I spotted a Common Raven perched on a rock on the north side of the Antelope Island causeway, it turned out to be a very cooperative subject by staying perched on the rock for a period of about 15 minutes which allowed me to use different EV compensation settings and apertures.
The issues with exposing this bird correctly were the lightness of the rock it was perched on and the light blue of the Great Salt Lake in the background. I needed to raise my EV compensation by +.07 to expose the blacks of the bird so details could be seen in the plumage but that left some areas of the rock a bit bright. I’ve found it easier to reduce exposure in light areas while post processing rather than trying to make dark tones lighter as that can introduce unnecessary noise in the dark areas. When I processed this file I brought the dark tones up slightly in ACR (Adobe Camera Raw), after that in Adobe Photoshop I selectively masked the perch and then brought the exposure down on just the rock.
What I liked most about this image in particular was the head angle and how the light showed the shiny iridescence of the Raven’s plumage. I also like the nice clean background.
Earlier in this post I mentioned that Common Ravens are “collectors of things shiny and/or odd” and I wanted to provide an example of that. A few days before I photographed the Common Raven above I was out on Antelope Island and there were about 8 birds floating around in the wind near the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake over a sagebrush covered hill. I had been trying to photograph the ravens in flight when I noticed that one of the birds appeared to be carrying something in its feet. I knew the light angle was not the best but I took some shots anyway so that I could see what it was the raven had in its feet. When I got home and reviewed those images on my screen I was amused and puzzled at the same time. I had guessed from the pinkish color of the object that it might have been a very young vole, I was wrong! Way wrong.
Common Raven with a Paddleball ball?
I believe that the object the Common Raven was a ball from the children’s game “Paddleball”, it wasn’t a vole at all. I remember playing with Paddleball when I was a child. The puzzling thing; for me anyway, was where did the Common Raven find a Paddleball ball on Antelope Island or how it found it at all in the abundant grasses and sagebrush.
Male Ring-necked Pheasants in autumn grasses and Pickleweed (from 2010) Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Some days when I don’t go out to photograph I look back through my files to find out what birds I had seen around the same time last year so I’ll know what birds I might find in certain locations. I also like looking back through the files because I find images I haven’t edited yet.
There are quite a few Ring-necked Pheasants to be found at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area but they can be a challenge to find out in the open. I photographed these two males (one is mostly hidden) last year. We’d already had frost so the Pickleweed had turned crimson red in some spots, combined with the straw colored grasses this turned out to be a rather colorful image. Ah, autumn is very beautiful.
Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow (from 2010) Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I like the subdued colors in the image above of this juvenile White-crowned Sparrow. The leaves on this shrub had already fallen and pale golden grasses made for a nice background setting. Despite the bird and the setting having similar coloration the birds stands out very well.
Pied-billed Grebe (from 2008) Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 320, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
The Pied-billed Grebes that I have seen very little of during the summer are now making their appearance. They might be “plain” birds but what they lack in color they make up for with their attitudes, they are fiesty little grebes. I’ve seen them chasing after Red-breasted and Common Mergansers with fish to try and grab the food, Red-breasted Mergansers outweigh the Pied-billed Grebe by approximately 1.3 lbs and Common Mergansers out weigh them by 2.4 lbs. Pretty gutsy birds.
Red-winged Blackbird male Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
In October and November large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds can be found in the Salt Lake Valley along with similar flocks of Starlings and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. I love the sound of the flocks lifting off in unison when I can hear the “whoosh” of their wings.
The Red-winged Blackbird above posed for over 10 minutes on this cattail giving me plenty of time to get my exposure right, photographing black birds is a challenge. When the temps get really chilly Red-winged Blackbirds (and other species) get “sticky”, meaning they are less apt to fly off right away.
Male Northern Harrier hovering in flight (from 2010) Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f5.6, 1/500, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
Autumn means more Northern Harriers in the local places where I photograph birds, although harriers are year-round residents in the Salt Lake Valley, I see them most often and in greater numbers during the fall and winter. Male and female harriers look very different from each other. The male is often called the “Gray Ghost” though I’ve had many hits on my blog for the key words “light morph northern harrier”. The females are darker, brownish and have paler yellow eyes than the male.
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk (from 2010) Tooele County, near the Stansbury Mountains, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
Raptors like this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk move down fom the high country during the autumn to the valleys to stay during the winter, the past few weeks I have seen their numbers increasing.
This Red-tailed Hawk was basking in the morning light near the top of an earthen dam with the Stansbury Mountains in the background. I couldn’t have asked for better light.
Photographing birds during Autumn is a wonderful time for me in Utah, the beautiful fall colors delight and enthrall me, the air gets nippy and I find myself feeling a surge of energy whenever I am outdoors. I’m thinking about adding new base layers to my clothing, warmer, insulated boots and buying a box of hand warmers so I don’t freeze my finger tips off.
Yes, I am looking forward to the birds I’ll see and photograph this autumn and winter but just being out there with them is great too.
Male Horned Lark behind boulder Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Normally when I see Horned Larks preening it doesn’t last very long, a car or person comes by and scares the birds off, the sound of the shutter startles it or a raptor in the sky causes it to be alarmed and it flushes.
Yesterday I came across this very cooperative male Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris). This male bird preened for a full seven minutes and I took 256 images of it. The bird was behind a boulder at first but popped up on top of the right almost immediately and began to preen, he sure put on a show. This post won’t have much text but it does have plenty of images.
Little did I know how this Horned Lark was getting prepped for a marathon preening session.
Warming up for the preening session Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Lift those wings! Yes, even birds seem to need to limber up Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Stretch those shoulders Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Is this my best side? Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
All fluffed up Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Keeping an eye on the sky Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Grooming is important Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Scratching an itch Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Horned Lark pilates Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Stretching left side Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Now stretch the right wing Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Shake it off Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Head tuck Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
The Paparazzi pose Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
The over the shoulder look Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
One more stretch Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Checking out the sky Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
A handsome bird Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Almost done Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Time to fly Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
Alert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) ewe Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/250, ISO 320, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 110mm, natural light, not baited
I went on my first camping trip to Flaming Gorge National Recreation area from the 18th through the 22nd of September and was awe inspired, dumbstruck and thoroughly amazed by the beauty found there. The gorgeous vistas, flaming red rocks, mountains, valleys, stunning water views and the abundant wildlife made me dizzy with joy.
Spending the first two nights high up in the mountains was wonderful, there were warm temperatures during the day and brisk nights plus it was only a short walk to the edge of the cliffs that overlooked the deep blue water below. There were pungent aromas from the sagebrush and pines found there, the sound of the wind blowing through the golden grasses, the sounds of Northern Flickers and Clark’s Nutcrackers, Turkey Vultures riding on the warm current of the sliffs and to my happiness, Bighorn Sheep often wandered through the camping areas. I’ve only photographed Bighorn Sheep (Mountain Sheep some people call them) a few times and here they were, calmly foraging close to where I was! I was thrilled and excited. Okay, I was way beyond that but I was and am trying to be calm about it!
Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) ewe Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah Nikon D200, handheld, f9, 1/250, ISO 320, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 125mm, natural light, not baited
After wandering around looking for birds while heading back to the campsite we found a small flock of ewes and their young eating very close to camp. They were so close to the road that I had to put down my D300 with the 200-400mm VR attached and use the backup D200 that had the 70-300mm VR on it. I carry three DSLR’s for trips like this one, the other D200 has an 18-200mm VR on it for landscapes.
These Bighorn Sheep weren’t skittish at all, in fact I was concerned a few times at the campsite when they would approach me too close for my comfort. When they came into the campsite while I was outside I often moved so that the wooden picnic table was between the sheep and myself.
Portrait of a Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) ewe Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah Nikon D200, handheld, f8, 1/125, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, natural light, not baited
I find the eyes of Bighorn Sheep fascinating, they do not have round pupils, what they have is more of an elongated oval-shaped pupil that goes from side to side, their eyes look slightly eerie but yet very interesting.
There were no rams nearby and the ewes seemed to feed peacefully in a group for the most part. I did see two of the ewes challenge each other a bit by standing on their back legs, front legs dangling or striking out and while they did make movement that indicated that they might have a go at butting their heads together though it never came to that.
Back View of a Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) ewe Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah Nikon D200, handheld, f9, 1/500, ISO 320, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 220mm, natural light, not baited
Bighorn Sheep used to number in the millions but by the 1900′s their numbers had dwindled so low from competition by domesticated sheep, hunting and diseases that the estimated population was just several thousand and at that time there were concerns about their possible extinction. In 1936 the Arizona Boy Scouts mounted a state-wide campaign to save the sheep and before long other organizations followed. There is more information on that here.
Radio-collared and tagged Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) ewe Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/125, ISO 400, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 200mm, natural light, not baited
Among the flocks of ewes and lambs that I saw in two different locations there were a number of ewes that had been tagged and radio-collared. While I don’t find that “jewelry” very appealing in my images I do appreciate the fact that through studying the tagged and collard sheep scientist may be able to help and ensure the survival of these beautiful wild animals. Thanks for your help Red #22!
Young Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah Nikon D200, handheld, f8, 1/250, ISO 320, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 240mm, natural light, not baited
I’m not sure at what age we should stop calling baby Bighorn Sheep “lambs” and start calling them “young”, but since this is late in the year I have been calling this a young Bighorn Sheep, they are the future of this species and I hope they will be able to overcome the obstacles that nature presents them with and the ones that we; as humans, have caused or introduced. I can not imagine North America without the Bighorn Sheep!
Mia
*More to come on Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area soon!
Chukar calling in early morning light with Black Mustard in the background Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 265mm, natural early morning light
I can recall vividly the first time I saw a wild Chukar (Alectoris chukar) on Antelope Island State Park and remember thinking “Wow, what an exotic bird!“ That thought probably was a bit strange though because at the time I was living in Florida and quite often saw birds there that would definitely be considered “exotic” here in Utah.
Chukar in sagebrush Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/160, ISO 320, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 325mm, low light
The fact is that Chukars are “exotic” any where they are found in North America. Chukars are an introduced upland game bird species that originally come from Eurasia. After introduction to the Great Basin feral populations became established and the Chukars have thrived in certain areas, one of those locations is Antelope Island State Park in northern Utah which is surrounded by the Great Salt Lake.
Close up of a Chukar Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f8, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Chukars have red bills, gray crowns, a cream colored throat which is bordered by a thick black area of feathers that makes me think they are wearing a V-necked sweater. The black border extends upward past the eye and across the forehead, the reddish orbital rings stands out quite well from the black feathers. Chukars are rotund birds and I believe the image above shows that quite well. To me it almost appears that the Chukar has swallowed a full water-balloon whole!
Side view of a Chukar with Black Mustard in the background Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 265mm, natural early morning light
Chukars have beautifully marked flanks with cream, black and slightly rufous stripes, are primarily gray with pale pinkish gray backs. Chukars have short tails, reddish legs and their wings are short and rounded.
The females are slightly smaller than the males and the females lack spurs. I only learned about the spurs today while researching this species so I’ll have to start looking for them to ID the gender of the birds I am photographing.
Springtime Feeding Chukar Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f8, , 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Chukars are seed-eaters though they also eat insects. Cheatgrass; an introduced species from Eurasia, is a preferred food for Chukars, they ingest both the seeds and the green leaves. It makes perfect sense to me that they would eat a grass species that they ate in their homeland. Cheatgrass is considered an obnoxious weed in North America so I’m sure no one minds the Chukars eating their fill.
Chukar running across the Oolitic Sand of the Great Salt Lake Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Because Antelope Island is located within the Great Salt Lake there are times when Chukars can be seen scurrying along the dunes of Oolitic Sand found on the shorelines. I find the formation of Oolitic sand quite fascinating, for more information about it you can click here.
While on Antelope Island I most often hear the Chukars before I see them, they cluck often which can clue a photographer in on where they might be located. Chukars form loose flocks, I have heard the flocks called coveys or crèches but simply prefer to call them a “flock”.
Chukar on gravel Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f8, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
On the island you can see Chukars in different habitats. They can be seen on grassy slopes, in amongst the rocks and boulders, the dunes and in areas with sagebrush and rabbitbush. Early in the morning I often see them perched on top of the rocks or winding their way through the grasses.
Chukar walking down a boulder Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah
Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/400, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 325mm, natural light
Chukars are social birds so if you see one there are probably more around. I believe there are times when the Chukars I spot on top of rocks or boulders are the “lookout” or “sentinel” bird that will alarm the others that are feeding on the ground of the presence of a predator.
Adult Chukar with chicks Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f5.6, 1/1000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light.
The nests of Chukars are shallow scrapes lined with grasses and breast feathers, my research indicates that they are difficult to find and I’d have to agree as I have never found or seen one. I’ve read where Chukars lay anywhere from seven to twenty-one eggs with the average being around fifteen.
I personally have seen adults with loads of chicks running all over the place. Keeping track of that many young must be akin to herding cats!
Towards the end of summer and into fall some of the adults begin to look ratty with the edges of their feathers appearing worn and often bare spots of skin are showing on or near the neck. They aren’t so “pretty” then but I’ll still photograph them.
Chukar calling on a snow-covered rock Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, Utah Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I haven’t spent a whole lot of time observing Chukars on Antelope Island during the winter but they are certainly present at that time of the year, they are not a migratory species. I hope to spend more time on the island in winter photographing them though as they are very beautiful against a fresh, white snow and sunny skies.
