NaturalVisions Blog tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2008-12-15:/weblog2/10 2009-09-18T13:33:00Z Nature Photography, Birds, Wildlife, the Environment, and . . . Movable Type 4.23-en Changes tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1807 2009-09-18T13:10:33Z 2009-09-18T13:33:00Z I decided a couple of days ago that it might be time to look into some different blogging software for several reasons. I've been using MovableType ever since I began blogging, but there were some quirks that I just couldn't... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com
Another problem following the upgrade was that it was impossible to get to all of the archived posts. Not that most would want to do that, but once in a while folks do plus there are times that I want to go look through some of the older stuff, too (I found 3 species I hadn't included in my "life list" that way!). It's all there again with the change over to Wordpress.

I haven't exactly settled on what I'm going to use for the "theme" (the blog's layout and appearance), so you may find that it looks a little different from visit to visit over the first few weeks. Most importantly, however, is that the address has changed slightly so you will need to update your Favorites/Bookmarks to the following:

www.naturalvisionsphoto.com/blog/

Thanks for continuing to follow along and we'll see you over at my "new" place!

]]> Wings on Wednesday: Black Skimmer tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1806 2009-09-16T12:44:45Z 2009-09-16T13:05:44Z Black Skimmer, Fort DeSoto Park, Florida(click image to view larger) One cool bird of the shore, a Black Skimmer coming in for a landing at Fort DeSoto Park near St. Petersburg, FL. Almost always seen in large flocks, they... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer, Fort DeSoto Park, Florida
(click image to view larger)

One cool bird of the shore, a Black Skimmer coming in for a landing at Fort DeSoto Park near St. Petersburg, FL. Almost always seen in large flocks, they are a real pleasure to watch feed as they "skim" just above the water, their lower mandible in the water and ready to snap shut with lightning speed when it touches a fish. Though their conservation status is considered "least concern," in some parts of their range in North America numbers have declined due to over development of coastal regions.
]]> Mammals On Monday: Pronghorn tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1805 2009-09-14T12:34:04Z 2009-09-15T14:42:54Z Pronghorn Buck at Bryce Canyon National Park(click image to view larger)This species is high on the list of my favorite mammals, they are really quite amazing. They are the only surviving member of a family that once included at... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Pronghorn Buck
Pronghorn Buck at Bryce Canyon National Park
(click image to view larger)

This species is high on the list of my favorite mammals, they are really quite amazing. They are the only surviving member of a family that once included at least 12 members, the rest all becoming extinct around the time of the last Ice Age (one was the Dwarf Pronghorn, only about 24" tall!). They are the second fastest land animal on the planet and the fastest in the Western Hemisphere (only the Cheetah is faster). It is said that within days of birth they can outrun the fastest humans and, by 4 to 5 weeks, can outrun a coyote. Top speed for adults is between 55 and 60 MPH (90 - 100 km/h). Their incredible eyesight is comparable to that of a human using an 8 power pair of binoculars and, with the positioning of their eyes (about the size of a horse's!), their field of view is about 320 degrees. It is also said they probably outnumbered the Bison in total population, and there are anecdotal stories from passengers on westbound trains telling of passing herds 70 miles long! By the turn of the 20th Century the population, which has been estimated to have numbered between 40 and 50 million, had been reduced to less than 20,000 by market hunting. The population has recovered to nearly 1 million and in some areas where they had been extirpated (like southern Utah) they have been reintroduced.

Their scientific name, Antilocapra americana, does translate to American antelope and in much of the west there are many people who call this animal an antelope, but they are, in truth, not closely related to the old world antelopes. Please call this unique animal by its proper name, Pronghorn.

]]> Serendipity Saturday: Bryce Canyon Morning tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1804 2009-09-13T01:14:18Z 2009-09-13T01:19:51Z Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Bryce Canyon
Thor's Hammer & The Pope In Reflected Morning Light
(click image to view larger)

One of the magical things about Bryce Canyon is the way the morning sun will reflect off of the plateau's edge and light up the rock formations from behind. This image features the hoodoo's Thor's Hammer and The Pope taken from the upper portion of the Navajo Loop Trail about 30 minutes after sunrise.

]]> Friday Quiz #167 tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1803 2009-09-11T11:50:19Z 2009-09-11T12:08:41Z Last week's bird was a little on the tricky side, only because this species is infrequently seen in juvenile plumage: Crested Caracara. Along both coasts, as well as many inland areas, shorebird migration is in full swing. This week's... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Quiz #167Last week's bird was a little on the tricky side, only because this species is infrequently seen in juvenile plumage: Crested Caracara. Along both coasts, as well as many inland areas, shorebird migration is in full swing. This week's bird is actually on of the later species to move south and looks very similar to a close cousin that lives on the opposite coast.

Good luck and great birding!
]]> Milestones: Years, Numbers, and "The Spark" too tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1802 2009-09-10T17:32:15Z 2009-09-11T02:46:05Z Sometime over the next few weeks and months I will be surpassing some "birding" milestones.One of those will most likely occur first, and that will be the 10th anniversary of my interest in birds (whenever it actually occurs - see... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com
The fact of the matter is, I don't know exactly when the anniversary date is, just that sometime in late September or early October of 1999 I went looking to get some photos of herons and egrets down at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Titusville, Florida. At the time I was perfectly content to work away at my "second job," photographing auto racing. But a client at my primary job was a bird photographer who's work caught my eye, and I thought it would be kind of fun to take a few pictures of birds myself, just for a diversion. Now, in a way I was actually returning to a place I'd been before because, when I bought my first camera much of what did, and how I learned the basics of photographic techniques, was by making nature images (mostly in black & white). I ventured out a few times to the refuge, made a few nice photos, and then I saw "The Bird(s)."

Bald Eagle at MINWROne afternoon down at the refuge I saw a pair of Bald Eagles and was just amazed at how magnificent these birds were (had never seen them in the wild), and kind of became, shall we say, obsessed with getting a nice photo of one. It took a while for that to happen but, in the meantime, when there weren't any eagles around, I'd cruise around the wildlife drive at the refuge taking photos of herons, egrets, spoonbills, and whatever else I could find. Then I started noticing the birds in my yard, eventually joined my local Audubon chapter, and, though it would be a few more years, quit shooting cars and concentrated on birds. (This is one of the eagles that maintained a nest near the entrance to Blackpoint Wildlife Drive that first caught my attention. Many years ago I loaned a large framed print of this shot to the refuge to hang in the Visitor Center; as far as I know it is still there. The eagle had just flown into a tree talons first, broke this piece of branch from the tree, and was carrying it back to the nest.)

So, this 10th anniversary of my "relationship" with birds is milestone number one.

Unlike others who keep lists of the birds they've seen, I always been more concerned with the birds for which I have photos, only casually keeping a "life list." Some time ago I started marking off species I'd seen on an AOU checklist, noticed that I'd surpassed 350, and so started to look for a better method of keeping track. I tried a couple of online things, looked at software birding diaries, and finally settled on just a plain old spreadsheet. Over the past several weeks I've moved all that data over to this spreadsheet so that I can monitor things a little easier, mainly because I knew I was approaching 400 species I had seen. In fact, a few months ago, I realized it was within reach, and by the time I hit 382 got to thinking I might be able to hit the target by the end of the year. I really had my doubts as to whether or not I'd make it and, without a little luck, it will be tough with Winter approaching. But I've been slowly pecking away at it and, as of this morning, have but five to go to attain that goal. I've been helped by the fact that a couple of days ago I discovered a photo of a Horned Grebe, a species that wasn't on my list, and, in going through some old blog entries, found three additional species I had seen but not recorded.

What I need to do now is go through the Utah state checklist and see what might be out there that I haven't seen to get me to the goal. Tundra Swan would probably be a "gimme" in late October if I drive up to the Salt Lake area, but after that it will be a challenge to reach 400 by December 31. I'll keep you posted!

So there ya' go, ilestone #2 will be reaching 400 species on my life list.

Another milestone I'm approaching is the total number of bird species that I have photographed. This particular total represents only those species I've made images of that I consider worthy of being placed in my portfolio; I've photographed more than this total, but you know, some just aren't "keepers." Sitting now at 294, so I'm closing in on 300. Though may be a few in my slide files that I don't have in digital and I haven't counted yet.

That really kind of takes care of the upcoming milestones

Elsewhere, my Bryce Canyon list is at 145 species, so I'm nearing 150 there (out of 210 possible, 35 of those quite rare). Within the state of Utah I added 2 species yesterday down near St. George (Verdin and Greater Roadrunner) for a total of 172.

It'll be interesting to see what the next 3-1/2 months brings . . .


]]> Wings on Wednesday: Snail Kite tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1801 2009-09-09T02:02:08Z 2009-09-10T04:26:42Z Snail Kite, Lake Marian, Florida(click image to view larger)With the catch of the day in it's talons, this immature Snail Kite certainly learned quickly how to hunt for Apple Snails. There was also a banded and satellite transmitter equipped... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Snail Kite
Snail Kite, Lake Marian, Florida
(click image to view larger)

With the catch of the day in it's talons, this immature Snail Kite certainly learned quickly how to hunt for Apple Snails. There was also a banded and satellite transmitter equipped female foraging in the same area that, if I had to guess, was probably this bird's mother. This catch was by far the largest snail by either of them while I was there. Here's a bonus shot after the snail was extracted and the shell discarded.

Lake Marian is southeast of Orlando and one of the "3 lakes" of Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. These kites were seen near the Lake Marian Marina south of the WMA; another location to look for them is at Joe Overstreet Landing north of the WMA. In addition to kites, within the WMA you can look for endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and, on a lucky day, you might see some of the non-migratory population of reintroduced Whooping Cranes near Overstreet Landing. Check out the Great Florida Birding Trail (East Section) for more info if you're heading to Florida.

]]> Mammals On Monday: Long-tailed Weasel tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1800 2009-09-07T13:32:14Z 2009-09-10T04:45:28Z Long-tailed Weasel at Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, Alaska(click image to view larger)On my trip to photograph bears at Katmai National Park's Hallo Bay in August 2006, our group came upon this unexpected bonus while walking to the area... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Long-tailed Weasel
Long-tailed Weasel at Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, Alaska
(click image to view larger)

On my trip to photograph bears at Katmai National Park's Hallo Bay in August 2006, our group came upon this unexpected bonus while walking to the area in which the bears were feeding. While certainly looking cute, the Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata), which usually hunts small rodents, can take on animals much larger that itself, including rabbits. When first seen the weasel was peering over the back side of this piece of driftwood but, curious, crawled through a hole in the back and through this whole on the front for a better look at our small group of photographers.
]]> Serendipity Saturday: International Vulture Awareness Day tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1799 2009-09-05T13:09:23Z 2009-09-05T13:35:01Z Turkey Vulture at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (FL)(click image to view larger) Black Vulture at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (FL)(click image to view larger) California Condor along the Big Sur Coast (CA)(click image to view larger)In celebration... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (FL)
(click image to view larger)

Black Vulture
Black Vulture at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (FL)
(click image to view larger)

California Condor
California Condor along the Big Sur Coast (CA)
(click image to view larger)

In celebration of International Vulture Awareness Day, we have a very special Serendipity Saturday with three images of these misunderstood and (often maligned) birds. Around the world many populations of vultures are under pressure and in danger of extinction, including of course, the California Condor. These birds, by eating the remains of dead animals, fill a very important ecological niche, and the loss of even one species would be tragic.

Enjoy the photos and hug a vulture today! 
]]> Friday Quiz #166 tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1798 2009-09-04T13:03:16Z 2009-09-04T13:16:49Z Last week's bird was from the somewhat tricky group of smaller terns. The key to identifying that particular bird was the dark carpal bar on the folded forewing. Other small North American terns, including Arctic, Aleutian, and Least (immature),... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Quiz #166Last week's bird was from the somewhat tricky group of smaller terns. The key to identifying that particular bird was the dark carpal bar on the folded forewing. Other small North American terns, including Arctic, Aleutian, and Least (immature), show this feature but it is generally not as prominent. Although you didn't have knowledge of where the image was mad, only the Least Tern in that group is very likely to be seen in Florida (Arctic Terns do, but very rarely).

For this week, a species you rarely see photos of in this plumage. Good luck and great birding - lots of species on the move south!
]]> Video: Hummingbird Taking a Bath tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1797 2009-09-03T14:49:32Z 2009-09-03T14:56:50Z While it certainly lacks the amount of splashing one might see when say, oh, a Robin takes a bath, this is how you "splish-splash" if you are a Rufous Hummingbird. The whole sequence is about 1.5 minutes long.(Requires the... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com
(Requires the Adobe Flash Player on your computer; file size is about 10 megs.)

Don't see the video player? Click here to view . . .



]]> Wings on Wednesday: Greater Sage-grouse tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1796 2009-09-02T12:30:00Z 2009-09-02T13:27:11Z Greater Sage-grouse battling on a lek near Bryce Canyon National Park(click image to view larger)Not far from Bryce Canyon Airport is a Greater Sage-grouse lekking ground where it is possible to witness displays by the males and, occasionally, a... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Greater Sage-grouse
Greater Sage-grouse battling on a lek near Bryce Canyon National Park
(click image to view larger)

Not far from Bryce Canyon Airport is a Greater Sage-grouse lekking ground where it is possible to witness displays by the males and, occasionally, a pair of them engage in a territorial battle. If a male wanders to close to an area staked out by another male, feathers do fly as they smack either other around with their wings. In this particular encounter the bird on the left was the loser.
]]> Mammals On Monday: Red Fox Kit tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1795 2009-08-31T12:57:19Z 2009-08-31T13:10:06Z Red Fox Kit, Bryce Canyon National Park (click image to view larger) Last summer word got out from one of our law enforcement rangers that there were some foxes being seen frequently near the junction of Sunrise Point Road... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Red Fox Kit
Red Fox Kit, Bryce Canyon National Park (click image to view larger)

Last summer word got out from one of our law enforcement rangers that there were some foxes being seen frequently near the junction of Sunrise Point Road and the Lodge Loop Road. This meant of course, since I'd never photographed a fox, I would have to spend some time there and see what I could do. Things turned out pretty well and I was able to make some images of the kits on multiple days. The adults had set up their den in a culvert right at the junction and this is one of the kits, up close and personal, just outside the den's entrance.

One of the neat aspects of this is that, prior to last year, breeding Red Foxes were unknown at Bryce Canyon. Though not the "discoverer," my images became the first "official documentation" that the species was breeding in the park. They didn't return to the same location this year, which was probably for the better, since they lost half of the litter because of the high amount of traffic in that location.

Now if I could just find one of the Gray Foxes that are found here . . . 
]]> Serendipity Saturday: Paradise River - Mount Rainier tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1794 2009-08-29T12:57:20Z 2009-08-29T13:29:28Z Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Paradise River
      Cascade on Paradise River - Mount Rainier National Park
                                                              click image to view larger

One of many cascades that can be found along Paradise River as it snakes its way from the summit of Mount Rainier. The river's primary source is from Paradise Glacier on the southwest flank of this massive dormant volcano in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park.

To capture the soft look of flowing water requires a slow exposure. In this image I used a 1/4 second exposure, my 17-40mm Canon lens set at an aperture of f/22, and, because of the  bright skies, used an ISO setting of 50 in order to obtain the desired "look."
]]> Friday Quiz #165 tag:www.naturalvisionsphoto.com,2009:/weblog2//10.1793 2009-08-28T12:39:23Z 2009-08-28T12:47:09Z Last week's mystery bird was pretty non-descript without a lot of clear identifying features. From bill shape we can determine it is a warbler, the real key however was the little orange patch showing at the top of our... Kevin, FCD http://www.naturalvisionsphoto.com Quiz #165Last week's mystery bird was pretty non-descript without a lot of clear identifying features. From bill shape we can determine it is a warbler, the real key however was the little orange patch showing at the top of our bird's head: Orange-crowned Warbler.

Across North America migration is really beginning to kick into high gear, and one of the tougher families to identify in basic (non-breeding) plumage is the one to which this bird belongs. Take a turn at it and let me what you come up with.

As always, good luck and great birding!
]]>