Photo ABCs

Western Scrub-Jay

Another Western Scrub-Jay, photographed in Idyllwild. Many bird photographers (including myself) generally avoid side-lighting when photographing birds, but since this bird turned into the sun most of the bird facing the viewer is lit, while the scene still has rather dramatic side-lighting.

Western Scrub-Jay

Photographed last week in Idyllwild, California.

Dark-eyed Junco (juvenile)

Looking not unlike a sparrow, this is, I believe, actually a juvenile Dark-eyed Junco. Photographed last week in Idyllwild, California.

Acorn Woodpecker

On a two-day trip to Idyllwild, California last week, I saw many Acorn and White-headed Woodpeckers. Unlike previous trips, they did not pose for my camera. This male Acorn Woodpecker, though, was squabbling with another and landed on this tree in beautiful light for a few short seconds before flying off. I was lucky to get this photograph.

Steller's Jay

A Steller's Jay, photographed last week in Idyllwild, California. This was photographed in the evening, the bird is in shadow but the background has highlights of pine trees in the sun.

I remember Steller's Jays from my childhood as the noisy, aggressive birds that stole food from picnics in the mountains. Only after photographing them did I realize what a beautiful bird the Steller's Jay really is.

Steller's Jay Silhouette

Photographed last weekend in Idyllwild, California.

Spotted Sandpiper, juvenile

A juvenile Spotted Sandpiper, photographed in December of last year, at Santee Lakes, California.

Red-winged Blackbird

A male Red-winged Blackbird, announcing his territory. Photographed in March of last year at the San Jacinto Wildlife area.

Red-winged Blackbird

A female Red-winged Blackbird, photographed March of last year at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.

Say's Phoebe

A Say's Phoebe, photographed in March of last year, along Davis Road, near the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.