Birding Pictures
I went birding a couple of weekends ago in my old stomping grounds of Abilene, TX where I grew up. It was fun, and I managed to get a number of pictures of birds (and the ever present summer dragonflies of course). While none of them are spectacular, it was nice to get shots of feathered friends, since before owning a telephoto lens they were simply out of reach. You can, as always, find them in the gallery.
I did manage to get three interesting pictures of a Franklin’s Gull (here, here, and here). For birder’s, the reason these pictures are interesting is because of this species similarity to Laughing Gull. Normally, Franklin’s Gulls can be separated by large white tips to the flight feathers (primaries). However, during this time of year, the birds largely lack these, and one could get the identification wrong. These picture show a number of characteristics which separate the two. Note that the white eye crescents are much bolder, the underwing coverts are in flight are largely white (they would have strong brown markings if it were a Laughing Gull), the black on the underside of the primaries is less extensive than Laughing Gull, and the black band on the top of the tail does not go all the way to the edges. This bird shows the necessity of caution in relying on one mark (white to the tips of the primaries) in identifying a bird like Franklin’s Gull.
Ah, the subtleties are what keep it fun!
Pretty darn good avian photography, at least to my eye. I suspect that in bird photography, as in photography in general, the most critical component of the imaging system is the eye (and brain) right behind the camera. Keep up the good work!
Well done! I know a little bit about the time and skill it takes to produce such pictures. You do have an eye for the artistic, both in your photos and web design. Now, umm…could you send BCAS your Lesser Yellowlegs, Franklin’s Gull, and Empidonax pictures? I would be most grateful…
Noticed you didn’t mention the bill shape. In my opinion that’s the most important and obvious difference between the two species .
Hi Jay,
Great photos.
Regarding the one labeled “Greg Egret”, is that a typo, or are you on a first-name basis with this bird?
Also, it looks like someone took a bite out of your Twelve-spotted Skimmer, turning it into an Eleven-spotted Skimmer. Perhaps it was Greg?
Good point on the bill Michael. I was quickly rattling off some plumage differences, but you’re right of course. The bill’s an easy mark with some experience and if you’re close enough to see it.
Keith, thanks for noticing. I’ve fixed it, as he and I are not on a first name basis of course.
I learned “Green Heron” and then I had to unlearn it and say “Green-backed Heron.” Now do I have to unlearn that and go back to “Green Heron”?
Where is Fox News when you need them?
It’s tough Joe. And clearly you should eschew those scientists that created your misery.