A studio for bird study

Tag: wildlife

January 11, 2013

Truly, A Winter of Short-eared Owls

by Bryce W. Robinson

Owl

This winter I have seen more Short-eared Owls than ever before. To be quite honest, I had seen very few before this year. Now I have a feeling that the bird is quite common in my area. I cannot decide whether my exposure to this owl this year is due to my constant traveling, or due to a boom in this years population spurred by an abundance of prey. As for now, it remains a mystery, but is something to look into.

At the moment, the Short-eared Owl is a bird I regularly see. These regular sightings in no way diffuse or dampen the mysticism and allure that I feel when I come upon the creature. More often than not, I first glimpse the owl in the air. As is its habit, it hunts amongst short grass fields and sage landscapes, looking and listening for movement. When it discovers its prey, it makes masterful maneuvers to procure its meal. What a delight to behold this arial owl in the evening light.

The bird in the above photo is the first SEOW that I encountered this season. It sat on this post, in the evening light, in apparent meditation and comfort. At times it would awaken and seem quite nervous, only to slip back into a doze. I will forever remember this season with these birds. They are among my favorite of those that are feathered. I hope sharing my experiences creates the same feelings of awe and wonderment in others, spurring fascination and revere for this special and delicate evening dweller.

 

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December 29, 2012

Short-eared Owl Casting Pellet

by Bryce W. Robinson

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Short-eared Owl- Asio flammeus

I sat with a Short-eared Owl- Asio flammeus this morning for some time. I was lucky enough to capture the owl casting a pellet from a meal the night before. I rarely share my photography lately. The reason being that I am currently unable to afford photoshop or any program to attach a watermark, but this time I couldn’t contain my excitement and need to share this sequence. When I saw the bird hunch its back, I knew what to expect, and raised my lens, ready to capture the scene. The pellet was much larger than I ever thought possible, and I couldn’t believe my luck at the opportunity to capture the sight. Here is the sequence:

IMG_8524IMG_8533IMG_8536IMG_8543IMG_8546IMG_8547IMG_8548IMG_8549

It took quite a while for the bird to expel the large pellet. Afterwards, as the last picture illustrates, the owl looked in my direction with a look of contentment. I wonder if it is satisfying for this creature to regurgitate undigested material.

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December 24, 2012

The Christmas Bird 2012- Downy Woodpecker

by Bryce W. Robinson

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Downy Woodpecker- Picoides pubescens. 16×20″ oil on canvas

Each year I do a christmas painting to capture the season of the solstice. This year I chose the Downy Woodpecker in a snowy wooded setting. I’ve decided that every christmas painting will be gifted to someone, so this year I chose my younger brother Camden. Happy Holidays to all, religious or secular, celebrating the solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, or none of the above.

 

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June 11, 2012

A Start to Beatnik Birding: California Coast Beginning at Big Sur

by Bryce W. Robinson

California Condor- Gymnogyps californianus

I left the desert the other day, and set my heading west. My plan is to take the PCH, highway 1 as far north as I desire. So far the journey has been phenomenal. Truly phenomenal, for I cannot describe in words the sights I have seen and the feeling that they have stirred. My main focus for heading through Big Sur was to see the monsterous California Condor. The other night I camped on the southern end of the area known as Big Sur. I had not seen many birds, but I certainly was pleased with the place I called home for the night. I looked out my tent to an ocean view.

Looking north in Big Sur

I had yet to find the condors, but I knew that I had plenty of time to search. I hit the road with wanting eyes. I told myself that the top priority above any else was to find the condor. I couldn’t help my urges to stop and take in the scene as I wound along the cliffs of the ocean front. My mind had let go of its preoccupation with finding the condors, for the distraction of the scenery was too much.

My eyes caught a glimpse of orange as I wound a corner coming upon a roadside grove of tall conifers. I was in disbelief. Immediately my mind registered the possibility that I had already found my prize. Sure enough, sitting atop a tall tree, overlooking the endless pacific, were two of the largest winged creatures I have ever seen.

California Condor- Gymnogyps californianus

The two birds were very tolerant of me and my camera. I watched them as they sat preening, content with the passing cars and occasional passersby. After nearly an hour, one of the birds left the tree, soaring slow and strong towards the coast. Nearly five hundred feet below the road, the bird landed on the sand. Through my binoculars, I saw a number of birds gather around a large corpse. Gulls and Turkey Vultures yielded their meal to their superior. Every bird backed away as the condor fed upon a decaying elephant seal.

California Condor- Gymnogyps californianus

California Condor arriving at Elephant Seal carcass.

I didn’t expect such a sight for my first time with the California Condor. I noticed another bird below, too large to pass for a vulture. Indeed a juvenile condor soared along the beach. Three condors seemed overly generous for my diligent effort, but I would not complain nor squander the opportunity. I remained for a great deal of time.

The road called to me, and soon I answered. Pulling from the place where I first met the condor, I looked ahead to a long road forward with many birds to come.

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