Shorebirds and other Marine Wildlife

Sep 25

About a month ago I met up with members of the Northern California Women Photographers group in Moss Landing along the California Coast. Several members took a tour along the inlet of Elkhorn Slough and it was a day to explore to find those subjects in nature that spoke to us.

I spent most of my time on the beach photographing the willets, whimbrels, and sanderlings trying to be sneaky while carefully chasing after them, or trying to quickly walk ahead of them. I’d stealthily walk up the beach, then turn around and get low to photograph them. Unfortunately, for me they were not fooled. They went about their business of searching the watery sand for their meal. Running back and forth, following the wave out and running back to the sand as the waves returned. In the moment, I did not know what species they were. I relied on my Merlin Bird ID app to identify them once I got home and had the images on my computer.

“The twilight is sad and cloudy,

The wind blows wild and free,

And like the wings of sea-birds

Flash the white caps of the sea."

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Clearly, as a landscape photographer trying to learn wildlife photography, I have a lot to learn. But, I’m getting there! And, I cannot complain when getting out to shoot to practice wildlife photography involves spending time at the beach.

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Although it was a very foggy day, the weather did not dampen our spirits. It was a great day to spend time with other women who enjoy photography as much as I do, who are supportive of each other, and there is no drama! Thanks for a great day, ladies. I know we’ll be doing it again.

Now, just go shoot!

*****

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More wild birds...

Birds! Birds! Birds! | Northern California Nature Photographer

When I began learning photography, birds were not on my radar as subjects. People, nature, landscapes, still life, and general things of interest to me were my subjects. In fact, I’ve never really cared for birds. It might be because I was attacked by a rooster once upon a time.

Sandhill Cranes in the Central Valley | Nature in Northern California

As my interests evolved in photography subjects, I became interested in wildlife and, ultimately, birds. Because birds are everywhere, they are just such a great subject. Each year during the winter there are thousands of sandhill cranes in the valley who over-winter here.

Loons of British Columbia

From the first time I heard the call of loons on a nature program on TV, I was captivated! The calls of the loons seem a bit forlorn, mysterious, and a somewhat haunting. I wanted to see, hear, and photograph them in person. British Columbia was just the place!

Ospreys Nesting on a Power Pole Perch

Nesting on power poles might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about birds building their homes, but for ospreys, it's a common occurrence that showcases their adaptability and resilience in the face of changing environments.

Sandhill Cranes in the Valley | Nature in Northern California

Love at the Lake

It’s mating season for the Mute swans and they perform a very elegant mating ritual which we wanted to photograph. We had gotten to our destination at daybreak when the geese, swans, and other wildlife seemed to be just waking up. It was quite calm and peaceful without much activity.

Sandhill Cranes | Nature in Northern California

I enjoy shooting multiple genres. So a couple of years ago, I began learning to shoot wildlife - mainly birds. The Sandhill Cranes are one of the species that occupy our area during the late fall and winter. Armed with only a brief description the location in which I might find them, I headed out very early to locate and photograph them. It's hard to find birds, even very large birds, when it is still dark. But, I did.

Birds of Prey in January 2022

The new year arrived with so many birds in January 2022. When the weather becomes cold and foggy or rainy, getting out for landscape photography is a little more difficult. So, I look for other things to shoot. In the Sacramento Valley, we are in the heart of the Pacific Fly Zone, so there's an abundance of migrating waterfowl. There are also lots of birds of prey.

More Birds in January 2022 Week 2

So Many Birds in January 2022

Examples of a variety of wild birds photographed during a 365 2020 photography project.

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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.

Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.

Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.

(530) 633-7575

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