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Snowy Egret by amphotogplace

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Bathing and flapping, Flapping and Bathing by amphotogplace

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The Yellow Flash by amphotogplace

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Red Winged Friend by amphotogplace

Probably my most perfect picture of one of my newest birdie friends I made at John Heinz NWR.

Also a great example of what my new lens can do!

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Looking at You by amphotogplace

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Lately this big bird has been literally stalking our normal bird clientele. More often than not, our usual flocks of Sparrows, Blue Jays, Cardinals and the like are no where to be seen; this hawk on the other hand has all but conquered our backyard. I felt pretty honored to be able to photograph him as well as I did!

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The Greenest Heron by amphotogplace

I was pretty over joyed to have had the opportunity to photograph this little guy. Being late September I thought I had missed my chance and that the Green Herons would have migrated. Either I misjudged the time frame or this little one didn't get the memo because he was pretty content with the spot he was foraging in; attracted quite a crowd of other photographers too!

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Catch of the Day by amphotogplace

What more can I say about the Egrets at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge? They are beautiful birds and fantastic models. Everything came together nicely for this photo as I particularly enjoy how I captured the ripples in the water.

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Call of the Catbird by amphotogplace

Ever since I rescued one from repeatedly ramming his head into the garage window any more than he already had, Catbirds have had a special place in my heart. He was so soft, so still in my hands but oh so ready to get the hell out of there once I opened them! While out on my journeys through the parks and refuges, the call of the catbird is very distinct and also very near!

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Taking a Break by amphotogplace

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Couple of Ducks by amphotogplace

This is another of my earliest photos I believe from the second or third trip to John Heinz. It was also one of those moments that sneaks up on you. I happened to be trekking by and heard some familiar quacking. Sure enough, behind the reeds,were these two ducks with this little spot all to themselves! A tad romantic if you think about it.

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Cozmo by amphotogplace

This was an experimental photo I did when I was just starting out. I had seen many pictures that erased all color except for the subject and wanted to replicate it. I'm sure there was an easier way than just using the adjustment brush but it is what I knew how to use. This portrait is of my Indian Ring Necked Parakeet named, Cozmo.

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During a session of hanging out the window, this bird appeared and almost modeled for the camera (Perhaps they knew how photogenic they were). For quite a while I was unsure who this new visitor was until recently I witnessed a group of Starlings eating from the plentiful apples on our apple tree. There, along with the usual speckled, black adults was a brown bird exactly like the one I photographed. The clumsy nature and follow the leader mentality told me the rest.

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My most recent trip was to Bombay Hook NWR which was a beautiful area filled with many different kinds of birds! Towards the end of the trip I was able to get a photo of two Black Vultures perched atop a chimney. I've always wanted to snap a photo of a vulture up close but I always figured it would be a Turkey Vulture. Seeing as how this was the first time I had ever seen this kind I was more than happy to take their photograph!

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This is one of my earlier photos from one of my early visits to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. I have a soft spot for the egrets there because one was amazingly cooperative during my first visit. If I recall correctly, this one was not.

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To say my first trip to Middle Creek Wildlife Management area was a bust would be a lie. First off, it was a lovely place to visit! Second, while the birds and other wildlife did not cooperate, the insects certainly did. This damselfly and I actually had a bit of a stare off while I photographed it.

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Quite obviously this photo was taken in winter. Seeing as how a heat wave has set in for my area I figured a nice, cool photo would be apropos. Of course, if we were to ask the subject, this poor frozen European Starling, I'm sure it would rather take the summer weather.