fluffed up

Chukars on a cold winter morning

By Mia McPherson, on January 12th, 2013%

Chukar warming in the morning light – Nikon D300, f9, 1/800, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 350mm, natural light

I’ve been seeing the Chukars on Antelope Island regularly since the snow started to stay on the ground. I read yesterday that this recent storm has dumped quite a bit more out there yesterday and I can’t wait to get back on the island to photograph the birds and animals. I photographed these Chukars three days ago, there was a bevy of them hunkered down and all fluffed up against the cold that were basking in the warmth of the rising sun.

Fluffed up Chukar on a rock – Nikon D300, f9, 1/500, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

It is going to be bitter cold for the next few days so I imagine I will be seeing more fluffed up Chukars when I go to the island.

It is almost hard to believe that in just two months these Chukars will be fighting for territories as they begin the mating season while there is over 9 inches of fresh snow on the ground where I live this morning.

Mia

More Chukar images

Tricolored Heron shaking it up on tip toes

By Mia McPherson, on December 28th, 2012%

Tricolored Heron shaking it up on tippy toes – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

The Great Blue Heron I photographed on Christmas Day seems to have focused my attention on wading birds, yesterday it was Reddish Egrets and this morning I present a Tricolored Heron shaking its feather while on tip toes. I remember photographing this heron with my friends and fellow photographers; Adrian, Mac and Rachel at Fort De Soto’s north beach at the lagoon near the concession stand.

I was laying down on the hard packed sand when I created this image which gave me a great low angle. Another title for this image might be “Tricolored Heron having a bad hair day”.

Mia

More Tricolored Heron images

Killdeer – Wash, Fluff and Dry

By Mia McPherson, on May 2nd, 2012%

Last week I photographed a Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) bathing at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area in Davis County, Utah. I was in a mobile blind (vehicle) and the shorebird was quite comfortable in my presence. I used my Nikon D300, resting on my Noodle, f6.3, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, 0.0 EV and my shutter speed ranged from 1/1600 to 1/2000.

The images are posted in sequential order.

Killdeer bathing

The Killdeer was bathing when we first pulled up and it stopped momentarily.

Killdeer bathing

It soon began bathing again, vigorously. I like the flying water droplets and how the water is running off of the birds back.

Killdeer bathing

The Killdeer would press its body into the water and then rise back up.

Killdeer bathing

Then it would spread out its wings a bit.

Killdeer bathing

Sometimes the Killdeer would dip its head into the water, twist it and fling water over its back. While I wish that some of the water wasn’t in front of the eye blocking the catchlight I am happy that the bird had its eye open in this frame. I love the action shown here.

Killdeer bathing

The Killdeer also bobbed its body up and down without immersing its whole body.

Killdeer bathing

I liked this image because I caught the bill open.

Killdeer bathing

I like the great eye contact in this frame.

Killdeer bathing

And the fluffed up feathers in this frame.

Killdeer bathing

Even 1/1600 wasn’t fast enough to stop the motion blur of the feathers but it did freeze most of the water droplets.

Killdeer bathing

Then the Killdeer stood up and called.

Killdeer bathing

Turned its back and gave us an over the shoulder look…

Killdeer bathing

And it began to preen.

Killdeer bathing

I thought this was a funny pose.

Killdeer bathing

And this one too!

Killdeer after the bath

The bird moved away from the water and gave itself a final fluff before it flew away.

Mia

More Killdeer images

Another Western Meadowlark from today

By Mia McPherson, on February 16th, 2012%

I couldn’t resist posting this Western Meadowlark image that I created today even though I posted one earlier this morning.

Fluffed up Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) ~ Antelope Island State Park, Utah
Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

When I spotted four Western Meadowlarks today on this bush I was just hoping to get close enough to get a few shots of them. This bird was very cooperative and even shook its feathers before flying off. I really like these birds!

Mia

More Western Meadowlark images