A studio for bird study

Tag: photography

July 8, 2013

Female Lapland Longspur- Calcarius lapponicus

by Bryce W. Robinson

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If you understand tundra topography, then you’ll know what I’m speaking of when I refer to polygons. As everything in the tundra is a ground hugger, photography has presented a challenge. If you look at the other photos of shorebirds I’ve posted so far, you’ll notice the overwhelming presence of grass. I’ve resorted to lying on my belly, elbows on the ground, to get the low angle of the birds that creates the image I most desire. A problem has arisen, as I get low, the grass between me and my subject obscures the image. Frustrating…

I do have one ally, in polygons. The polygons are caused by water freezing and thawing on the surface soil of the tundra. When the water collects and freezes, it splits the soil, causing interesting patterns all across the tundra. Each time it thaws, the result is water troughs surrounding small, risen, dry land. Polygons… Each time the process happens, it increases the polygon effect. When I fly out of the area, I’ll try and take a photo of the polygons from above. It is an interesting sight.

There is an area near one of my survey plots that lacks the thick layer of grass typical of the tundra. It is mostly bare soil, with lichens and moss as ground cover, and some flowers. It is a beautiful area, but the main reason I like it is the deep polygon troughs that the lack of vegetation has allowed. The bare ground also allows a clear view between me and my subjects.

Today I was making my way through this area, and I came upon a group of Lapland Longspurs. The birds were very vocal, and excited. Soon I found the reason, a small but able fledgling, doing its best to avoid me. With the female nearby and very attentive, I took my opportunity and utilized the low troughs of the polygons to my advantage. The result was a collection of the best female longspur photos I have to date.

I’ve been trying for decent male longspur photos, but I keep coming away empty handed. Hopefully soon.

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July 6, 2013

Stilt Sandpiper- Calidris himantopus

by Bryce W. Robinson

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I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had here with the birds of the tundra. I constantly find myself on my elbows with a tolerant bird, my shutter clicking away, as I try to remain calm and steady. It’s tricky working with the birds here. They aren’t quite accustomed to humans, but this can be to a photographers advantage. In fact, large creatures aren’t natural threats to these birds. Ultimately, I believe, that to the birds I resemble a creature such as the caribou. I’d like to think I am that large and powerful.

The result is a cautious, but calm subject for photography. So long as you remain calm, slow moving, and non threatening, the birds are relatively cooperative. This cooperation has given me the chance to work on composition and other skills relating to my photography. With the 60D I’ve been using, and a broken 300mm lens, (I won’t go into details why I haven’t been using my 7D, and why I’m limping with a broken lens) I feel I’ve gathered a great group of photos of some of the tundra breeders.

I’ve had a few opportunities with the Stilt Sandpiper, but today was definitely the most fruitful. As the tundra warms, the flowers have bloomed in bounty. The grass is also greening and growing, and coupled with the diverse and multicolored lichen, the tundra has become quite the setting for dramatic photography, and exceptional birding.

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This stilt likely had a few fledglings nearby, as it was showing all of the signs of a parent in distress. Later I reviewed the photos from the day, and noticed that every time the bird opened its mouth, something seemed to be sticking out. It seemed like the birds tongue, and I’m fairly confident that is the explanation. You can see it plainly in the photo above. In other photos from other angles, it shows that the tongue is sideways. I’d love to discover what the problem is with this bird. I do hope that it is nothing serious, as this bird has a job to do raising the next generation.

There are loads of youngsters crawling across the tundra, and I’m loving every chance to experience the new life. I could string a long list of cliches to explain my feelings every time I see the young chicks, but I’ll just let the photos in the future do the talking for me. Stay tuned…

 

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June 30, 2013

Ruddy Turnstone- Arenaria interpres

by Bryce W. Robinson

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It’s been a real treat to see the Ruddy Turnstone on its breeding grounds. These birds have quite a story. Their name is fitting, as they are known to turn stones in search for food, but even more incredible in my eyes is a peculiar piece of their diet. The Ruddy Turnstone eats the eggs of other nests, a behavior quite unlike any other shorebird that I know. They are also quite tenacious. I’ve observed these birds chasing jaegers out of their territory, and while I was taking some time to watch and photograph a pair, they were unreserved in expressing their intolerance of my intrusion. It’s expected when I am hazed by territorial jaegers, but having a turnstone flying at my face comes rather unanticipated. It’s an experience worth having, trust me.

 

 

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June 27, 2013

Semipalmated Sandpiper- Calidris pusilla

by Bryce W. Robinson

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The most common shorebird I encounter lately is the Semipalmated Sandpiper. When displaying, the male flies about, even hovering with wings in rapid motion, calling consistently. The call is difficult to describe, but I’ll make an attempt. There is a sound from childhood, when we as imaginative children fastened a playing card to the spokes of our bicycles with a rubber band to simulate the sound of a motor. The sound of the playing card, while riding at moderate speeds, is much like the display call of the Semipalmated Sandpiper. I ought to simply record the audio…

This bird does not like to leave its nest. When it does, it makes adorable chatter and distressing sounds. As with other ground nesting birds, it has developed distraction techniques in attempts to lure an intruder from the nest. Often, as I process the contents of the nest, the bird wanders closely chatting at me. I find it adorable, but that is the human in me.

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I’ve very much enjoyed experiencing this species on a daily basis. The schedule shows that of the nests I’ve recorded to this point, a few should be hatching in as little as two days. I plan to capture what these delicate birds look like as they first venture into the world. I’m sure it is “face melting”, as they say.

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