While going through my archives I found this photo of a fishing immature Black-crowned Night Heron taken 10 years ago today at Farmington Bay WMA. The young heron was standing in rushing water waiting for fish to go past it.
Immature Black-crowned Night Heron fishing – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light
What this single image doesn’t show is the number of other birds that I found and photographed that same morning on Antelope Island State Park or Farmington Bay WMA.
Where Are The Birds?
The prolonged gray and cloudy weather hasn’t been my only problem this winter. Another problem is finding birds. Birds that should be here that aren’t and birds that are here but in much lower numbers are a real concern. I am working much harder to find fewer birds than I did ten years ago.
On a recent trip to Farmington Bay WMA I raised my lens for five different species. Of those five only four species were close enough to take the quality images that I was seeking.
Ten years ago today I had Chukars in my viewfinder on Antelope Island. Chukars are much harder to find there now. Quite often I see my friends and fellow photographers mentioning how they miss those birds on the island. I miss them too.
Also ten years ago this morning at Farmington Bay WMA I took photos of these birds:
- Several Great Blue Herons
- Black-crowned Night Herons
- Rough-legged Hawks
- Ring-necked Pheasant hen
- Barn Owls
- immature Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk
Plus there were birds that I found but didn’t get the chance to photograph which included:
- Hooded Mergansers
- Western Meadowlarks
- various ducks
- sparrows
- Canada Geese
- A Belted Kingfisher
- American Crows
- Bald Eagles
- And probably more birds that I am not remembering today
I am struggling now to find birds. Climate change and habitat destruction are the biggest causes. Drought, the dying Great Salt Lake, and uncontrolled, sprawling growth along the Wasatch Front are taking a toll on the birds.
Sadly, there are times that I feel as though I am watching and photographing their slow move towards extinction. I probably am in some cases.
Life is good. It is better with more birds.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black-crowned Night Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Fascinating shot. The eye contact is wonderful. As for the scarcity of birds you’ve noted…that’s really alarming. Our ecological priorities are a hot mess! Thanks Mia.
Life is definitely much better with birds. Much, much better.
Bear River Migratory is, as I am sure you have witnessed, is also a bird ghost town. It’s so hard to watch.