Mule Deer in September on Antelope Island

 

Seeing and photographing Mule deer is always an adventure that sometimes ends with not so great photos.  But there are times when the deer are not far away,  the background is wonderful and the atmosphere is special.

Generally, life is good!

Immature Black-crowned Night Heron Explores New Habitat

 

In late August, I discovered an immature Black-crowned Night Heron perching on unusual place for these species. Typically, when Night Herons hunt they usually stay close to the water so they can strike at prey, if they are not hunting, they hide somewhere in vegetation. But this Heron was too far from water to catch its prey.  

My guess is that this young Heron was exploring a new and unusual perch and probably enjoyed being there.

 

Sometimes the Heron looked down to check what was happening in the water.

There were a few special moments when the Heron opened its wings and they became transparent because the sun was behind the bird.

Generally, life is good!

Notes to Self.

I find it quite amusing how we reflect on the same places at different times of our lives. 

At the beginning of the summer, this place was almost the same as it was a few years ago but it felt like a completely different place. It was more vibrant, peaceful and colorful.

The little shed didn't look as lonely as before which surprised me. It has withstood winter storms, strong winds and survived flooding.  I was looking at the shed and thought how resilient it was, how strong.  

Generally, life is good.  

Who Feeds on Brine Flies on Antelope Island - III

Mostly I photographed Franklin's gulls running through the clouds of brine flies with their open bills to catch as much flies as possible.  In July, I spotted on the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake Red-necked Phalaropes, also feeding on flies to fuel up for their long migration.

This Phalarope was passively snatching flies from the air while standing and resting.  

The clouds of brine flies can be so thick that they interfere with with cameras' autofocus, and it can sometimes be tricky to focus clearly on the birds behind the swarm of brine flies.  Practice helps and so does patience.

Generally, life is good.