The Day My Short-eared Owl Obsession Began
Six years ago today I photographed my first Short-eared Owl in low light at Bear River MBR and it was the day my obsession and fascination with these beautiful owls began.
Breeding Season for Killdeer at Bear River MBR
It is breeding season for Killdeer at Bear River MBR and for all of Utah.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge White-faced Ibis
For weeks I have been seeing White-faced Ibis fly overs and yesterday I had my first opportunity to photograph them for the year at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
First Spring Red-winged Blackbird Males
Yesterday at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge I was able to photograph several first spring Red-winged Blackbird males.
An Adult Forster’s Tern Hovering Over Prey
When I photographed this Forster's Tern hovering over prey there were several others in the area doing the same thing which makes it difficult to decide on which bird to photograph.
Male Yellow-headed Blackbird Portrait
I was able to take this male Yellow-headed Blackbird portrait because the bird seemed more intent on catching midges than being nervous about me.
Great Blue Herons Expelling Bile? (Graphic)
I have only seen and photographed these two Great Blue Herons expelling bile in Florida and Utah. I wonder how often this occurs.
Cliff Swallow Nesting Season at Bear River MBR
More of the swallows will migrate to the refuge very soon and the Cliff Swallow nesting season will start.
A First Day of Spring Western Grebe
I eagerly anticipate the birds that arrive with spring including an early spring Western Grebe who will soon be courting and rushing at the refuge.
A Dead D810 and a Killdeer in a burned area of Bear River MBR
After they burn the phragmites it doesn't take long for life to go back to normal for some of the birds like this Killdeer in a burned area.
Great Blue Heron at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
These images of a Great Blue Heron at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge were taken last September on the auto tour route at the refuge.
Juvenile Barn Swallow at Bear River MBR
Last year in mid August I photographed a very cooperative juvenile Barn Swallow at Bear River MBR and realized I hadn't posted any images of the bird or written about my encounter with it.
Western and Eastern Kingbird Juveniles
I feel fortunate that I am able to see and photograph both the Western and Eastern Kingbird juveniles here in northern Utah.
Marsh Wren Nesting Season Begins Soon
The males will start singing before too long and the Marsh Wren nesting season in Utah will begin.
Tundra Swans Lifting Off from Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Watching and photographing the Tundra Swans lifting off from Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday was slightly bittersweet for me because I know they will soon be heading north to mate.
Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron Stalking Prey
Last August I was able to spend time observing and photographing this juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron stalking prey at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Adult and juvenile White-faced Ibis
I thought a comparison of adult and juvenile White-faced Ibis might be interesting for those of you who aren't familiar with this western species of ibis.
Snowy Egrets of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
The Snowy Egrets of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge never fail to delight me with their bright white plumage, golden feet, bright yellow lores and feathery plumes.
I Went Looking for a Snowy Owl and Got Barn Owls in Flight
I went looking for a Snowy Owl and got Barn Owls in flight instead at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Bathing Common Merganser at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
There isn't much open water right now but in a few places where it is open it attracts waterfowl including this bathing Common Merganser male in breeding plumage.
Western Grebe in late Summer
I took this image of a Western Grebe in late Summer last year at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge when the marsh vegetation has started to turn gold and mornings had begun to feel crisp and invigorating.
Winter California Gull at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Ring-billed and California Gulls are the typical gulls I find in Utah so it wasn't much of a surprise to find this California Gull at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Bear River MBR Barn Owl on a Winter Morning
I spent about 15 minutes with this Barn Owl yesterday after I spotted it along the north side of the auto tour loop at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Beyond
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a winter wonderland right now and although it is very quiet it is still teeming with life.
Sunrise, a Bald Eagle and Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
I photographed this adult Bald Eagle at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge early on New Year's Day when the light of dawn was still golden.
Ring-billed Gull in Flight at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
I photographed this Ring-billed Gull in flight at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on New Year's Day on the west side of the auto tour loop.
Flying Straight into the New Year
This Barn Owl seems to be flying straight into the New Year and that is what I am doing. Spreading my wings and facing what comes at me head on.
Winter Barn Owls and Spinning Ice Circles at Bear River MBR
The theme of my photo adventure yesterday seemed to be Barn Owls and spinning ice circles at Bear River MBR.
Rough-legged Hawk perched on a stump
The first great opportunity I had with them this year was this male Rough-legged Hawk perched on a stump at Bear River National Wildlife Refuge in Box Elder County.
Clark’s Grebe and its prey
Earlier this year I photographed this Clark's Grebe and its prey at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in northern Utah.