Photo ABCs

Red Crossbill

A female Red Crossbill, also photographed in June of this year at the Crestview rest area south of June Lake, California. The Red Crossbill feeds exclusively on conifer seeds (such as the one falling to the ground!)

Red Crossbill

The Red Crossbill's diet consists exclusively of seeds which it extracts from conifers, using its unique crossed bill. This bird typically travels in flocks, and it is unpredictable where or when you will find them. The male Red Crossbill can be bright red, or orange, as this bird is.

At the Crestview rest area south of June Lake, California, I noticed Mountain Chickadees feeding on the ground next to the rest rooms. I got my camera to photograph them. I heard the sound of birds above my head, looked up, and not ten feet away was a flock of Red Crossbills feeding in a tree, oblivious to my presence! As I had never been close enough for decent photos of crossbills before, they took precedence over the chickadees.

Often the best areas for bird photography are areas where the birds become accustomed to people, such as highway rest areas. Indeed, I spent over an hour at this rest area, finding Red Crossbills, Mountain Chickadees, White-headed Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers, and other birds, most allowing close approach. It was perhaps the most productive stop of my week-long trip through the California Sierra Nevada!

 

 

Violet-green Swallow

A Violet-green Swallow spreads its wings atop a tufa at Mono Lake, as the Sierra Nevada mountains rise in the background. The composition would have been more conventional if the bird had followed my instructions and faced into the scene, but it did not cooperate. I think I like it the way it is. (click or tap to enlarge)

Sage Thrasher

A Sage Thrasher, atop a tufa at Mono Lake. Photographed in June of this year.

Mountain Bluebird

A Mountain Bluebird, taking flight from a fence post in the ghost town of Bodie, California. Photographed in June of this year.

Western Kingbird

Yet another Western Kingbird! This one was also photographed south of Bishop, California, not far from the previous photo. Look closely and you can see the white outer tail feathers.

Western Kingbird

Another Western Kingbird, showing off its white tail edges which is one difference between this species and the similar Cassin's Kingbird.

This bird was photographed south of Bishop, California, in June of this year. The green background is an agricultural field.

Western Kingbird

A Western Kingbird (the same bird as in another recent post) fluffs its feathers. Photographed recently at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.

American Kestrel

An American Kestrel perches during an afternoon of hunting at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.

Cactus Wren

A Cactus Wren takes flight from a cactus in Bonelli Park, San Dimas, California. Photographed in January of this year.