Photo ABCs

Cattle Egret

A Cattle Egret, in its breeding plumage, photographed in June of last year near the Salton Sea.

Western Sandpiper

A Western Sandpiper feeding just before sunset. Photographed along Poe Road at the Salton Sea in April. The bird was using its wings to balance against a strong westerly wind.

Western Sandpipers

This photo was taken in April, along Poe Road at the southern end of the Salton Sea. A large flock of Western Sandpipers was feeding in the shallow water, with a very strong westerly wind blowing. The birds were using their wings to balance. It was well after sunset in fading light, so the exposure is long enough that the wings are blurred.

Band-tailed Pigeon

The Band-tailed Pigeon is the largest pigeon in the United States. There are resident birds in Idyllwild, California, where this picture was taken.

White-breasted Nuthatch

A White-breasted Nuthatch, photographed in Idyllwild, California.

Pygmy Nuthatch

A Pygmy Nuthatch, photographed at Idyllwild, California.

Lesser Goldfinch

A Lesser Goldfinch, in Idyllwild, California.

Western Scrub-Jay

Another Western Scrub-Jay photographed in Idyllwild.

White-breasted Nuthatch

A White-breasted Nuthatch, photographed at Idyllwild, California.

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.