progress on my photography skills
Got some great close-ups today! I feel like I'm starting to see some real progress on my photography skills.
Greater Roadrunner has a convertible top
This is only the third roadrunner I've ever seen, so I didn't know that the feathers on top of their head can be raised or lowered at-will. Today's roadrunner had a lowered top.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
While I was focused on the roadrunner, another bird photographer came up to me and asked if I could hear a woodpecker nearby. I couldn't hear it because I wasn't really listening--I was focused on the roadrunner but I also haven't done a good job at honing my listening skills yet. I got some great shots of the woodpecker, but more importantly, I got to chat with another birder, and he taught me a lot about listening to birds.
Red-shouldered Hawk up-close and personal
I ran into that same birder about an hour later. I heard a loud bird call nearby, but I assumed it was a Great-tailed Grackle (which can be quite loud and have a variety of calls). He told me it was a hawk and we went looking for it. It was right in front of us, and I captured this detailed close-up.
Black-crowned Night Heron
When I first saw this, I had no idea what it was. I've seen a ton of Great Blue Herons which are tall, lanky, and large--unmistakable. But this was my first night heron. They like to hang out lakeside in trees or right on the water, and they stand uncannily still. They'll also walk right by you, seemingly unphased by your presence.
Dark-eyed Junco: final shot of the day
I was walking to my car after a lovely day of birding and spotted this little bird sitting on a picnic table and had to capture the shot.
