michelepix
@michelepix
Avid avian photographer
A European Starling carries food back to its nest. A group of about 100 brought to the US in the 1800s has grown to a population of some 200 million. That number is said to be in decline. Alas, the starling’s bad habits give it pest status, so hope is that decline is true . #birds_matter #birds
I had a rare chance to watch this Green Heron in full hunting mode. This is a bird with impressive stealth and skill in action! #birds_matter #birds
This could be a look at this young Western Grebe’s last ride. Parents carry them for a few weeks but as they grow they must begin to fend for themselves. This parent made every effort to shake its youngster off and only relented after several tries. Growing up is hard to do! #birds_matter #birds
A good example of right time, right place - a dose of good luck meant I was ready to capture this moment as momma Western Kingbird arrived to feed her youngster. The pleasure the little bird took in its meal of wasp put a smile on my face as well. #birds_matter #birds
A White-faced Ibis rookery near me has been very productive this year. The chicks are hard to see among the reeds but there is no mistaking the clamor that arises when a parent arrives with food. Talk about a feeding frenzy! #birds_matter #birds
A Western Tanager fuels up on berries. Getting ready for a long flight south! #birds_matter #birds
A Razorbill yawns just enough to permit a glimpse of its stunning orange gape. Already the coolest of the cool in birdworld, it turns out to be even cooler than that. #birds_matter #birds
An Arctic Tern elegantly skims the waters for its next meal. #birds_matter #birds
A Black Guillemot gives observers a good look at its amazing red gape. That brilliant color plays a key role in the guillemot’s courtship activities as well sending a strong warning message to would be aggressors. Can we agree that red is the most powerful color? #birds_matter #birds
Snow Buntings were everywhere on Grimsey Island. The males are striking in their black-and-white, but the fledglings, juveniles and females sport an array of plumages. It seemed as if every “new” small bird I saw was a Snow Bunting in another of its many variations. #birds_matter #iceland #birds
Black-legged Kittiwakes are pelagic gulls who spend nine months of the year over the oceans. At breeding time they build nests on the narrowest of ledges along steep cliffs. How is it that their chicks don’t fall off? It’s just another of Mother Natures’s mysteries. #birds_matter #iceland #birds
A Meadow Pipit brings home the bacon. So to speak. #birds_matter #iceland #birds
The Rock Ptarmigan is one hardy creature. It is the only bird that spends its entire lifecycle within the arctic tundra areas. This bird was right to be shy as ptarmigan is the classic Christmas dinner dish in Iceland. True, ‘Tis not the season but it’s wise to be cautious. #birds_matter
Atlantic Puffins “beaking”. This is how mated partners renew acquaintance after months apart at sea. Of course other members of the circus (yes, that’s one name for a puffin colony) watch to ensure all is going well. #birds_matter #birds
Arctic Terns are very protective of their nesting areas. On Grimsey, even on a road, they come race towards me menacingly, scream, hover and drop loads on my person. The fact is, everybody’s got to be somewhere and today my place is here. Sorry, terns . #birds_matter#birds
These Horned Grebe parents are looking very fine in their breeding plumage. They stay busy keeping their chicks fed. #iceland #birds_matter
The Redwing is a sweet thrush that migrates impressive distances. It breeds in northern areas of Scandinavia among other areas and travels south for the winter. This lady has a talent for grocery shopping - she uses ultraviolet vision to locate berries. How cool is that? #birds_matter #birds
The European Golden Plover breeds in subarctic areas and heads to the warmer climes of southern Europe and North Africa for winter. This bird followed me as I hiked a rocky path and cried out in disappointment when I turned to leave. Sorry, I’ve also enjoyed our time together. #birds_matter #birds
The White Wagtail is common throughout much of the eastern hemisphere, but unknown in the western. Always fun to see a new bird! #birds_matter #birds
An Atlantic Puffin flies in with a delivery of sandeels for the young’uns. It is moving lickety split and will dive directly into its burrow. All part of its strategy to avoid the gulls who would steal its catch. Iceland #birds_matter #birds
Arctic Tern courtship - he offers her a fish in exchange for her favors. In this case, she declined. #birds_matter #birds
An Atlantic Puffin is one of thousands flying in to high Iceland Cliffs to gather nesting materials. It’s breeding season! These birds spend 9 months of the year at sea without ever touching land. #birds_matter #birds
Heat haze was not my photo friend as I watched six juvenile White-tailed Kite practice flying and hunting. It was such a treat to see but the photos were trash. These images of one youngster learning to stick the landing were the best I could salvage. #birds_matter #birds
A Snowy Egret carries essential construction material up to its nest - the remodeling/updating/repair efforts never end! #birds_matter #birds
An American Bittern permits a portrait. Just a brief pose before it vanishes, bittern-style. #birds_matter #birds
A Barn Swallow stays busy, feeding her young on the fly. They are so demanding! #birds_matter #birds
One day late, a dad tribute. This Yellow-headed Blackbird isn’t great at chick-care but he loves the ladies and his amorous attentions produce a fine group of progeny. #birds_matter #birds
An Ash-throated Flycatcher - a summer visitor across the US - strikes a pretty pose. #birds_matter #birds