A Simple Gesture

 

Nothing dramatic occurred, yet everything felt significant. Two Tundra Swans stood close; one arched its back, slowly unfurling its wings. It was a simple gesture, but utterly mesmerizing.

Generally, life is good.

Power of Wings. American Bald Eagle Takes Off

 

After a long stretch of basking in the sun, the Bald Eagle lifts off from his "hammock".  

The day ahead would be spent searching for food, but by evening the eagle would return to his favorite place to rest and observe the world before night falls.

Generally, life is good.

Long-billed Curlew in Flight

Long-billed Curlew wrapped its wings around itself like a cloak.

Generally, life is good.

Young American White Pelicans

 

When you're trying to explain something to your friends and they're just not getting it.

Generally, life is good.

American White Pelicans

Every morning, American White Pelicans like a feathered fan club gather at the same favorite spot on the Bear River MBR, ready for their daily meet and greet. 

Generally, life is good.

Morning Ritual

I am just preening...

American Pelican strikes a pose after a successful grooming session.

Generally, life is good.

An Unexpected Drama - III. Finale

 

Everything comes to an end, sooner or later. The Sandhill cranes will soon leave the field, only to likely return again. Will they once more face the attacks of the American Avocets? Was this a brief territorial, skirmish, or the beginning of a longer conflict? 

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge offers abundant food resources. Hopefully, this was just a short-lived dispute—unless, of course, the Avocets are intent on claiming the area as a breeding ground.

Generally, life is good.

An Unexpected Drama - I.

 

My favorite pair of Sandhill cranes graced this field each dawn, their peaceful routine undisturbed by any intrusion. 

This morning, however, an unexpected drama unfolded. 

For reasons unknown, cranes were besieged by a boisterous flock of American avocets, whose behavior was surprisingly aggressive as they attempted to drive the cranes away.

Over the past years, the avocets had never contested this territory. Perhaps a new generation of these birds had decided to assert their dominance. 

Far from being intimidated, the large cranes appeared merely surprised and increasingly annoyed by the Avocets' behavior. Sandhill Cranes had no intention of leaving their territory.

to be continued

Generally, life is good.

Male Red-winged Blackbirds

 

Male Red-winged blackbirds are fierce birds.  They are highly territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, spending more than half the day defending their territory.

Don't enter my territory or you will get in trouble.  

Generally, life is good.

Great Blue Heron Takes Off

Great Blue Herons are very cautious birds and they usually tend to fly away from people. It is their survival instinct.  

That morning the Heron changed its direction for unknown reasons.  He flew towards me and it's hard for me to say why the Heron did this.

In this photo I cut off one of the wing tip of the Great Blue Heron but I think it's still acceptable.

It all started simply and nothing foreshadowed that the Heron would soon leave this place.  I regret that I should have anticipated this by giving the bird more space in the frame when it took off.  But I got what I got...

Generally, life is good.

Sunset on the Bear River MBR

 

The birds soar high, their wings a song. A dance of freedom, swift and strong. A tree stands tall, reaching to the sky and softly whispering to the desert.

Generally, life is good.

American Bald Eagle on the Bear River MBR

 

To see an American Bald Eagle is already joy, but to watch him and photograph is real happiness.

Generally, life is good.

What Do Tundra Swans Eat ?

 

The desire to learn as much as possible about the Tundra swans, observing them and, of course, searching for information, suddenly turned into a small project.

*** 

During their migration, Tundra swans passing through the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge will feed on a variety of food sources, mostly plant-based. Swans don't typically hunt for fish like some birds such as ospreys or kingfishers.   

Our bird refuge is an important and ideal place for swans to rest and refuel during their long journey to Alaska. 

Tundra Swans forage by tipping their bodies forward in the water, using their long necks to reach underwater vegetation.

Tundra Swans and American Coots often are feeding together. It’s possible that Coots just like the company of larger birds like the swans, either for protection or simply because they tend to be more comfortable in groups.

Generally, life is good.

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

 

I still have a feeling that this is the same hawk that I met a week ago, although I could be wrong.

The Hawk was very close and stayed on the old pole for quite a long time allowing me to take as many photos as I wanted.  It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it brings great joy.

Generally, life is good.

Independance

 

This solitary Tundra Swan caught my attention the moment I spotted it. He stood on the bank of a frozen river, oblivious to the absence of other swans around it.

Interestingly, some Tundra Swans can lead a more solitary life style, especially during winter when they’re do not from pairs or when they’re in large bodies of water. 

Generally, life is good.

Today on the Bear River MBR

 

This morning the temperature was 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius) and the idea to drive to the Bear River MBR seemed crazy.

I am glad that, despite my doubts and fears for my camera, which is not used to working in the severe frost, I plucked up my courage and, despite cold went to the bird refuge to see Tundra Swans.

Generally, life is good.

Notes to Self. Inspiration

 

Inspiration comes like a breeze. It's like a little spark of curiosity.

***

For the past few months I have been looking at the sunset photos from a local photographer with stunning and colorful sky effects. These photographs were taken on the Bear River MBR and looked more like abstractions, where the sky was a flaming "sea".

I really wanted to see this sky, but did not dare to find myself in the desert slowly sinking into darkness.

***

The most unpredictable thing happened when, having overcome my fear and finding myself in the desert before sunset, I was suddenly struck not by the colors of the blazing sky, but by the silhouettes of trees bathed in a golden glow. Their mysterious, intriguing silhouettes and their timeless beauty were indescribable.

Generally, life is good.

His Majesty American Bald Eagle Has Arrived at Bear River MBR

 

Every year I celebrate the arrival of American Bald Eagles to Bear River MBR, especially the eagle that has become my favorite over the years.

This year, this Bald Eagle surprised me by arriving at Bear River MBR in mid-November, a little early. 

The Bald eagle "owns"a perch on the Bear River, where he rests and watches  the world go by.  The eagle's perch has become shorter over the years but it's still in the same place and belongs to His Majesty.

Generally, life is good.

Another Encounter with a Long-tailed Weasel

This weasel was not going to play hide and seek with me and was not going to stand on his hind legs and show off in all his glory. He crawled out of a hole in the road, looked around briefly and disappeared.

Generally, life is good.

My First Wilson's Snipe

I have never seen or photographed this interesting bird on the Bear River MBR before.

Wilson's snipe searched for worms and other invertebrates in the muddy swamp.  His head was moving up and down like a sewing machine, only at slow speed, and I had to wait for the bird to rest for a few seconds to take his photos.  Luckily, this happened several times.

 

As you look closely at the eyes of Wilson's Snipe, you will notice that they are set back so far on the head that the bird almost has eyes at the back of his head.

For this reason, it's extremely difficult to sneak up on a snipe from behind, whether it is a predator or a human.

Generally, life is good.