Juvenile Northern Harrier in flight over a marsh – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
The light was beautiful yesterday morning at Farmington Bay WMA and I was able to photograph a few species if birds including this juvenile Northern Harrier flying over the marsh. The harrier had been flying almost directly at me and when they banked and made a turn, the light seemed to make it glow.
Ring-billed Gull flying over Farmington Bay – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were a few darker clouds to the north that made their way into a few on my images but I think they added interest to what otherwise would be just a plain blue background. This Ring-billed Gull flew past while I was watching grebes and I like the light on the bird and the darker background.
American Coot in flight with dark clouds in the background – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Then I saw an American Coot flying in the distance and had to get images of it. I don’t often see coots flying and this one made a big loop in front of me and even though the bird is small in the frame… I like it.
A lot.
Red-winged Blackbird calling from the top of a phragmites – Nikon D810, f8, 1/800, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Some of the Red-wing Blackbirds were singing on top of cattails and phragmites and this one was bathed in nice light along side the road. I couldn’t resist aiming my lens at him!
Great Blue Heron fishing at Farmington Bay – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The wind was calm so the water in one of the ponds where I photographed the Great Blue Heron was smooth as silk until it plunged its bill under the water for prey and caused some ripples on the surface of the water.
A White-faced Ibis and fall colors – Nikon D810, f9, 1/800, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was surprised to find three White-faced Ibis along the road because most of them have already migrated south and I was delighted that this ibis was perched in front of vegetation that shows the colors of autumn.
I enjoyed the morning at Farmington Bay.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my bird photos in their galleries.
Thank you for the wonderful assortment. The harrier and the heron are standouts!
What a glorious day. Thank you.
I am really impressed with the Coot in flight – I’ve always just seen them on the water or walking around, whatever the species. So this shot is very special.
Beautiful images Mia! Love the colors of the ibis and vegetation!
Wow! What a feast of images! Love the belly view of the banking Harrier, the necklace on the gull, the aerodynamic shape of the flying coot (I’ve never seen one flying), the fluffiness of the Red-winged on the fluffy Phragmites, the mirror-like surface of the water with an almost oriental print quality of the Great Blue and its reflection, and then the Ibis(didn’t realize you had them) on the silver foliage…anyone of them could stand alone. Beautifu!!!…
Exquisite!!!!! Love them all. Last year a heron graced me with his presence—he came one day, sat on our neighbor’s garage and then the next day he was at our pond, looking with his piercing eyes but didn’t grab a goldfish—then he ambled away, never to be seen again. What a treat! All you photos are just amazing, Mia!
Wow, what a variety. Have never seen a coot flying. Great photos, as always.
Outstanding images, Mia. An enjoyable event for sure.
As always I enjoy the variety of birds you post and your comments.