Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Bird Photography Weekly # 36

One of my favorite birding spots is about a mile or so from where I live. One can find several different types of birds, especially water-type birds there. Besides a creek and a trail, there is also a set of percolation ponds there. This place is called Oka Ponds and is part of the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Back in January, on a nice day as I was about to leave the area, a belted kingfisher landed in a nearby tree. He sat there perched for the longest time. I really didn't think he/she would sit there long enough for me to get some decent pictures, but the bird did not seem to be in a hurry to leave. This is one of my favorite shots. Be sure to click on the photo so you can view a larger image.
Then in early march I went back to visit the area, and surprisingly I saw another belted kingfisher there. This one I caught in flight. It was so exciting watching this bird hover over one of the perc ponds.

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15 comments:

tahoe614 said...

Do you have a sense of the wildflowers on Mt Hamilton Road. Thinking of taking the family there to see for Mother's Day.

Linda in Erie said...

Those are wonderful shots of the kingfishers. I love the hovering shot. They have such large heads on such small bodies. It serves them well, though. That deep gray is really striking against their white.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Wow Mary! I can barely get my bins on a Kingfisher let alone get a photo. LOVE the flight shot!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Those are amazing shots.From experience I know these birds don't always give too many photo ops.
Blessings,Ruth

Mary C said...

Hi Tahoe, welcome. I'm not familiar with the wildflower situation on Mt Hamilton Rd, but I would think this is the perfect time to take a drive up there. I've noticed how beautiful the wildflowers have been all along the freeways around here; so if that is any indication of what you might expect around Mt Hamilton, then you shouldn't be disappointed. It's possible you might be able to google Mt Hamilton to see if there is a website available. Joseph Grant County Park, which is the park just before you start climbing up the narrow road probably will be full of wildflowers. Good luck!

Thanks, Linda. I never really knew it before that kingfishers can hover. That was so cool to see.

Funny you should say that, Lynne. Until this year I never saw a kingfisher. And now, this year I not only get to see kingfishers more than once, but I also get the opportunity to capture them digitally.

Right on, Ruth! My first kingfisher experience was earlier this year at Elkhorn Slough, and it hovered over the water only long enough for me to identify it. Then, twice, at this Oka Ponds area (more local for me), I get two photo ops. I certainly feel blessed.

gwendolen said...

Lovely photos Mary. Kingfishers are so cool. Most of the African species sit still for ages, the Pied Kingfisher especially. Very photogenic birds.

Mary C said...

Thanks, Gwen. Very interesting about the pied kingfisher. Isn't it funny how "shy" some birds/species can be and others aren't?

Heidi said...

I like the one sitting still too... I hope I get another chance at one.

Leedra said...

Great flight photo. The kingfishers are so cute....would love to capture a photo...just once.

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Ruth said...

Kingfishers are so hard to photograph and your flight picture is wonderful!

Mary C said...

Thanks, Red. I hope you get a chance, too, to get one perched. I *know* it will be better quality.

Thanks, Leedra. I wish you the same as I am wishing Red - hoping that one day soon you can also get a great photo of a kingfisher.

Thanks so much, Ruth. With all the riparian places around you, you are bound to see a kingfisher, too. And get a really cool photo of one.

Mel said...

Kingfisher!!! Never seen one :(

Shelley said...

Great work on these photos! Those kingfishers move fast! I like how his mouth is open in that last photo~! Must be getting ready to partake in a meal....

Birdfreak said...

Wonderful photos! I love them! Kingfishers are so incredible to watch.

Mary C said...

Thanks everyone!

 

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