birding

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

I count at least four chicks, but they can have as many as ten in a brood. I tried me hardest to not startle them, but I had to get some shots. The chicks were too adorable. They were climbing over each other to get a view. The parent stayed perfectly still. It just stared into my soul. Easily a top ten birding experience.

For the first time I had my new 100-400mm lens out in a kayak and I took some of the best photos I've ever taken. This set is one of my favorites and I can't choose just one so you get them all. Expect more birds in the coming days.

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

I was getting out of my car at an Aldi and heard the distinct call of the killdeer across the street. I happened to see an adult killdeer chilling by a manmade pond and luckily had my camera handy. I walked over and noticed it had a brood of three chicks. I didn't want to get too close and disturb them as this was all next to a highway with a lot of traffic.

Nikon DSLR 300mm, coastal New England yesterday.

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

A juvenile American Robin.

Great Lakes region, USA. June 2026.

An adult American Robin chasing after its fledglings.

I saw no other Mandarin ducks of either species on my walk, so I'm guessing this cutie was off exploring new pastures.

River Thames, Tilehurst, Reading. Canon R5 + RF200-800

And a close up:

Grand Marais, MI. June 2026.

Some friends and I took a trip to Grand Marais, MI recently. We stayed at a place that had a small pond in the yard and this juvenile Hooded Merganser came to hang out for a bit.

Bit of iridescence, I liked the contrast with the weeds, and a lack of anything better in todays crop of photos...

Prospect Park, Reading, UK

Canon R5 MkII + RF200-800

Was planning on going out this weekend but got stuck working so enjoy this one from when I went to Bempton

Taken on my XT50 & Tamron 150-500mm

I'm in Atlantic Canada and apparently this shouldn't be here today! Merlin would not ID it but Google image search suggests Sandhill Crane.

One of the benefits of live photos, captured this by happenstance.

The Merlin app doesn't recognize it. I haven't been able to see the bird yet. Location is northern Japan

Southern US. Sorry for the picture through the 'nocs, but this bird was so cool, I had to get even the shittiest pic!

Southwestern USA, June 2026

Where: Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
When: Saturday, 20 June 2026, 1:14pm.
Gear: Sony A6700 + Tamron 150-500mm

Osprey perches on a commercial fishing vessel. Nikon DSLR 300mm, Coastal New England yesterday.

More posted as I was pleased to see anything the least unusual today at all (too hot even at 9am) rather than them being great shots. Can't expect much shooting from under an old conifer with bright sunlight on the far side (so +1 2/3 exposure modification).

Canon R5MkII + RF200-800

First time using a multi flash setup at night, quite stressful to get the amount of fill right, lots of wasted shots.

Taken with my XT-50 & Tamron 150-500mm

Rather overcast this morning, for all we're told we're about to have a massive heatwave... anyway, always happy to see a Nuthatch in Prospect Park, UK, even if they like the shade. Ring-necked Parakeets are escapes/introductions that have managed to survive and thrive in the wild in parts of the UK - but are seen as destructive & noisy.

Canon R5MkII + RF200-800

North Texas, US April 2025 First time I have seen ducks in a tree!

Never seen one of these guys on the tower before. Let alone a nest. I wasn't up there long. Don't think I disturbed them too much. One of them eventually sat on the nest till I climbed down.