birding

Burrowing Owl juvenile on a Sagebrush

By Mia McPherson, on April 21st, 2013%

Burrowing Owl juvenile

I can’t resist photographing Burrowing Owls, I just can’t. They are so much fun to see and observe. I photographed this juvenile last year as it tried to get its balance back while perched on a Sagebrush and the pose and facial expression amuses me.

I’ve been seeing the Burrowing Owls on the island again, it won’t be too long before there are chicks.

Mia

Male American Kestrel in low light

By Mia McPherson, on April 12th, 2013%

Male American Kestrel in low light

Male American Kestrel in low lightI prefer the golden light that is often talked about but I also appreciate images that are taken in low light for the subtle tones and the mood that low light can add to a frame. This image was taken on a foggy, cold morning but it must not have been too cold since there isn’t hoarfrost clinging to the perch.

I’m hoping this post is published this morning, some of you may be aware that I have been having issues with my hosting provider and the service they are supposed to be providing which is 99% up time.

Mia

Mountain Plovers – A Dream Come True

By Mia McPherson, on April 10th, 2013%

Mountain Plover adult

A Lifer! My face has melted!

This morning while looking for Long-billed Curlews on Antelope Island State Park I spotted a bird in the distance and put my lens on it. If I had been in a position to fall out of a chair I would have but the truck door kept me from doing so. What I saw through my lens was a Mountain Plover, a bird I have long dreamed of seeing. A rarity here in Utah. My jaw dropped and as we drove over to get closer I held my breath hoping it wouldn’t fly away.

It didn’t and as we pulled close enough to get images I spotted another plover. I had to remind myself to breathe.

Mountain Plover

After trying to call my friend Shyloh to let him know about the bird and failing because my cell signal stank I was able to get an email sent to UBIRD (a bird list) telling everyone who follows the list about the Plovers.

We spent from 8:20 am to 10:01 am with those birds. I’m still smiling so hard it hurts, not only did I get to see them but I took hundreds of high quality images too.

I’m blown away by how beautiful Mountain Plovers are in person. Blown away.

Mia

Today on On the Wing Photography

By Mia McPherson, on April 3rd, 2013%

Today marks the publication of my 700th post for On The Wing Photography. Yesterday I passed the 250,000 views mark on my blog which has reached viewers in 170 countries.

I’m so grateful to all of my viewers, for the comments you make on my posts, about my images and for the information you share with me. It has been a learning experience for me. I love sharing my photos with you all and hope that some of the tips I give have been helpful. I’ve also gotten to meet so many wonderful people through this blog.

I’m not a writer, I am just someone who writes about what I photograph, about my subjects plus the stories behind the images.

Also yesterday a friend of mine, Rod Wellington finished a 256 day, 3800 mile, totally self-propelled journey. Rod kayaked from the uppermost source of the Missouri River at Brower’s Spring in Montana, down the Missouri River to its confluence with the Mississippi River where he headed south to the Gulf of Mexico. All of this was under his own power including some long portages.

This isn’t the only long journey that Rod has set his sights on as he plans the do the 7 longest river on 7 different Continents all of which will be totally self-propelled. He is an amazing man and inspiration! Check out his blog at Zero Emissions Expeditions.

I have some news I want to share with you all. Yesterday the new edition of the National Geographic Pocket Guides to Birds of North America; by Laura Erickson and Jonathan Alderfer, hit the book store shelves.

The reason I am writing about this book is because it has two of my images in it!

Perched adult Loggerhead Shrike

This Loggerhead Shrike image is on page 110.

Snowy Egret

And this Snowy Egret is on page 39.

When I was a child I used to pour over the National Geographic Magazines that were a gift subscription from my grand parents and as I grew older I also purchased books published by National Geographic. Who knew that one day my photos would be in a book published by National Geographic? I am truly honored.

This book has 192 pages with 160 of them devoted the top species of birds found in North America with beautiful illustrations and images and it is packed with information about those birds. The small size of the book makes it perfect for tucking into a backpack or as a handy reference book for carrying along in a vehicle.

Mia

The National Geographic Pocket Guides to Birds of North Americabook is now for sale at book stores, on the National Geographic web site, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Breaking News: The World’s first Brown Cowbird x Painted Bunting Hybrid!!

By Mia McPherson, on April 1st, 2013%

The World’s first Painted Bunting x Brown Cowbird Hybrid

I had just finished my shower this morning and opened the front window to get some fresh air when this strange bird flew in and landed on the flowerbed in front of my window. It was so colorful that I quickly grabbed my camera and I was able to get this one image before the bird flew away.

From the plumage pattern, the bill, shape of the bird, colors and the bright red eye ring I was able to ID this fine feathered friend as the world’s first Brown Cowbird x Painted Bunting hybrid ever!! How it came to be in my front yard is a miracle and how these two species bred is too!

Will backyards everywhere soon have the kaleidoscope colored hybrid in their backyards too? Will people start appreciating Brown Cowbirds more if they know they might see one of these wonders sometime soon? Imagine flocks of these numbering in the thousands, we will all need sunglasses so our eyes don’t melt from the vibrant colors!

Wouldn’t you love to see this gorgeous hybrid too?

Mia