All Photographs by David lilly
A while back I wrote an article about the White-breasted nuthatch. in the article I talked about how the nuthatch is upside down for ninety percent of the time, just like the photo to the right.
I was photographing this nuthatch and was lucky to get its wings open. They are very fast, if you blink they are gone.
I consider myself lucky to get this photo.
Nikon d 500 with a Nikon 200 - 500mm lens.
All bird photos do not have to be exposed properly.
There are other techniques a photographer can use.
In the case of the Hairy woodpecker to the right, the sun was setting. So, instead of trying to expose the bird, I decided to underexpose for rim lighting. By doing so I avoided a common problem in situations similar to this - burning out the background
Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 500mm pf lens
The Rock pigeon is a colourful bird in the right light.
Photographing the bird in the snow in a way to isolate it against the snow was a bonus. They are not easy to photograph as they spook easily.
Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 500mm pf lens
The common loon (Gavia immer) undergoes significant changes in behavior, appearance, and habitat between summer and winter due to its migratory nature and the varying environmental conditions in its range. Here's a comparison of the common loon in summer versus winter:
Summer:
Breeding Plumage: In summer, common loons exhibit their vibrant breeding plumage, characterized by glossy black heads, distinctive white stripes on their necks, and checkered black-and-white patterns on their backs. Their plumage is at its most striking during the breeding season, serving both for camouflage and display purposes.
Breeding Behavior: During the summer breeding season, common loons establish territories on freshwater lakes in northern regions. They engage in courtship displays, mate selection, and nest-building activities. Their haunting calls are a characteristic feature of summer nights on northern lakes.
Nesting: Common loons construct floating nests made of vegetation at the water's edge, often in secluded areas to minimize disturbance. They typically lay 1-2 eggs per clutch.
Feeding: In summer, common loons primarily feed on fish, diving underwater to catch their prey using their streamlined bodies and webbed feet.
Parental Care: Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks after hatching. Common loon chicks ride on their parents' backs for protection and warmth.
Mikon D500 with a 500mm Nikon pf lens
Winter:
Non-breeding Plumage: In winter, common loons molt into a drabber, grayish plumage. This plumage lacks the striking patterns and colors seen during the breeding season, providing better camouflage in their winter marine habitats.
Migration: Common loons migrate to coastal waters, bays, and estuaries for the winter months, leaving behind their breeding grounds in the northern lakes. They travel long distances to reach these wintering areas, often congregating in large numbers in favored locations.
Feeding Behavior: During the winter, common loons primarily feed on fish, but they may also consume crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic prey found in coastal habitats. They are well-adapted for diving in saltwater environments, where they spend much of their time foraging underwater.
Social Behavior: In wintering areas, common loons often congregate in loose flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. They may also form mixed-species flocks with other seabirds.
Vocalization: While common loons are less vocal during the winter compared to the breeding season, they still produce a variety of calls, including soft wails and yodels, which are used for communication and territory defense.
In summary, the common loon's summer and winter behaviors, plumage, and habitats differ significantly due to the seasonal changes in their environment and life cycle.
I photographed the loon on the right a few days ago in the Bay of Fundy.
Mikon D500 with a 500mm Nikon pf lens