Nature Photography – Mallard Duck Michigan

August 30, 2013 by iaustin

Nature Photography – Mallard Duck Michigan

One Bright Sunny Winter Morning in a Michigan Wetland – The Fat Wobbly Waddler Arrives

Anus Platyrhynchos

Mallard Duck Winter Walk

What’s the old saying… “if it walks like a duck, waddles like a duck, and quack like a duck, it’s a duck!” Off in the distance, slowly heading in my direction, I saw a fat, waddling what looked like an old, short, midget butterball of a little creature. But, it wasn’t a raccoon, it wasn’t a plump ground hog, it was in fat healthy looking duck. This Michigan Mallard Duck was multi-color; starting with an orange beak, followed by a metallic green head, brown neck, brown on top of its back(mantles), lower underbelly a grayish color of white, ending with orange feet with a black and white tail(coverts). The duck’s metallic green head is reminiscent of the same rich green metallic color of found on beetles. The vibrant tangerine orange of the duck’s feet is unsurpassed by man made color.

The Common Mallard is a summer and winter Michigan birds. Mallards are one of a photographer favorite. It is most recognized by its bright vivid green metallic plumage on it’s head.

Mallard Duck Touch Down

Michigan Mallard

One snow covered morning, just as I entered one of Michigan’s favorite birding wetlands, I spotted a Mallard Duck making his descent onto a frozen lake covered with powder white snow. The sun was shinning bright and the surroundings bright white. I like to capture Mallards in action. Their wings outspread with feet tucked in and necks outstretched. Even better if the action is captured with a background color of pure white. On this particular excursion, the ground and sky were all reflecting the bright white light. This brightness gave the duck a brilliant glare, a star of green light of a Mallard gliding in slowly grabbing my attention. It had just stopped snowing and the ground all around looked like it was sprayed with a velvet coating of white angle hair. The full scene or white gave the impression that I was in the center of a white winter wonder land. This beautiful Common Mallard bird was nature’s center of attention.

Dabble of Mallard Ducks

A Dabble of Common Mallards Male and Female

Mallards in Michigan

The sun was shinning, the scenery was true therapy for the soul. It has been said, “Man is never closer to God, than when he is close to Nature.” The Michigan Mallard’s landing here, took on the likeness of a story about heaven and the dove. I was ready to take the shot, my camera settings were set in high key to highlight the brightness.

Mallard Duck Michigan

Mallard in Flight

The above shot taken of a Male Mallard Duck captured a duck rising from near vertical position. I did manage to capture a soft bokeh for the scenery background as droplets fell from the orange feet and the bird disappeared in seconds.

Mallard Fleet

Mallard Duck

Lessons Learned From Birds of Nature

What looks common to the natural eye, looks extraordinary to the thirdeye. Encounter with a ThirdDuck in the Forest of Jimme. – ThirdSon and the River’s Sky.

The Michigan Mallard Duck is more alert and vigilant than I first thought. It sees a good distance capable of spotting danger at distances well over a hundred feet or so. The duck is not that timid. Once I was observed by a small Gaggle of Mallards I could tell had detected my presents however motionless I was at their arrival, after deciding I presented no danger, they settled in but kept a wiry eye toward my semi-camouflaged location. The Mallard can become accustom with human presents, I’ve seen them nesting in a Restaurants flower pot:). See additional Michigan Mallard Duck Photos Here… Mallard Duck Michigan Photo. View other Michigan Birds Here… Michigan Birds.

All About the Common Mallard Duck

Nature Photography – Michigan Bird Identification
Photo Taken: Michigan Wetland

Group: Waterfowl
Name: Common Mallard
Anus Platyrhynchos

Appearance:
The Michigan Common Mallard is a 20-30 inches bird with, green face, brown plumage orange feet.

Adult: Color is metallic green head, female is beige with dark brown specks.

Flight Characteristics:
Quick wing beats, several continual flaps when in flight. The Mallard Duck is a fast and swift flier, can abruptly change direction.

Habitat: The Michigan Mallard Duck prefers of course small inland water reservoirs, lakes, ponds and wetlands.

Nesting: Mallard will construct nest made of grasses and line with down. Nests are located fairly close to the ground.

Incubates 7-10 light green eggs for appx 126-30 days.

Mating Habits: The Common Mallards mate for extended periods.

Feeding: pond weeds and small insects.

Call: Series of infamous quack, quack, quack.

Bird Conservation in Michigan

Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for Michigan Wetland Management, Learn More… WATERFOWL DNR Michigan

Check out this DNR resource… Identifying Ducks

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Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul
Michigan Birds

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Michigan Birds

National Geographic

2011 Editors Choice Winning Photo

National Geographic 2011

View Entry on NG website… NG Contest Winners

To purchase Photo Art… DayStarBooks Gallery

To Purchase the I can Make It Fine Art Print… Dialog With Nature

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Birding Associations and Organizations

This Weeks Honorable Mention:

National Wildlife Federation (NWF)
Purpose: The National Wildlife Federation is a voice for wildlife, dedicated to protecting wildlife and habitat and inspiring the future generation of conservationists. Read More Here… NWF Mallard Ducks and Details

Membership Required: Y, $30/yr. Includes award Winning Magazine publication AND a NWF field bag!!!
Informative Website Information: Y
Year Long Events: Y
Active Birder Blog(s): Y
Informative Rating: 10 (*****)

Nature Photography – by Ike Austin

Nature Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Nature Photography – Michigan Black Crowned Night Heron

March 29, 2013 by iaustin

Nature Photography – Michigan Black Crowned Night Heron

On many an Early Morning in a Michigan Wetland – Wetland Habitats
Nycticorax nycticorax

Black Crowned Night Heron

I saw a rather strange looking bird. This bird wore a black thicket of slicked back feathers on top of it’s crown. A large red eye ball with a solid black marble for a pupil) in the middle. The black feathers flowed down it’s back ending just above the tail. Then there was the pure white plumage that covered the chest area and more silverish plumage of the scapulars and coverts on the sides of the Night Heron’s wings. Then we move on down to those alien looking feet. Feet that move like they have a mind of their own. The elongated feet can wrap around a thin branch and allow the bird to extend itself near horizontal reminding me of a human flag – only it’s an outstretched Black Crowned Heron.

black crowned night heron adult

The Michigan Black Crowned Night Heron is somewhat of a reclusive bird. The Black Crowned is a swift flyer and photographers love to catch a shot of the Night Heron in flight. The bird exibits characteristics that are similar to its other nearest neighbor in the Heron family; the Green Heron.

Michigan Black Crowned Night Heron

I will often spot a Black Crowned Night Heron perched high atop of tree stumps. When hunting, the Heron will typically sit on branches that are low to the waters surface and wait motionless for hours for unsuspecting prey. The bird can pounce in a split second and snap up lunch with its beak. While other times the Heron will dive off the branch and submerge its entire body under water to catch a meal. Sometimes you can watch several Black Crowned Night Herons referred to several different names; a rookery of herons, battery of scattering of herons. These groups of Night Herons will congregate, sit for a while, then causally fly off into the distant wetland one by one.

black crowned night heron – juvenile

Black Night Heron Juvenile

The sun had not yet totally engulfed the scenery as the young juvenile I was watching was jumping from branch to branch. Half of the wetland was still under a shadow that was cast by a tall set of cottonwood trees located at the western end of the wetland. The place I was located was at the edge of the elongated shadow of the cottonwoods. The green milkweed shimmered as immature heron had just landed just a few feet from my hidden location. The sun rays also lit half of the wetlands surface producing an interesting backdrop for my over active Heron Juvenile that was moving closer to my concealed location.

The above shot of a Crowned Heron may be one of the best photographs I’ve managed to capture of a Black Capped Heron and with the soft bokeh in the background, the scenery of beauty lasted only minutes.

black crowned night heron michigan

Lessons Learned From Birds of Nature

The Michigan Black Crowned Night Heron is an elusive and vigilant bird. It scouts out a potential threats before settling into a location. This observant Night Heron or Heron Night (often called) will is also distinguished by its maternal parenting skills. I have observed the mature Heron play the role as coach, mentor and parent. On this particular occasion, the lesson of the moment to the young juvenile was how to catch fish for dinner. Under the watchful large red eye of the parent Michigan Black Crown Night Heron, the young juvenile heron was getting a hands-on lesson in survival.

black crown night heron in flight

About the Black Crowned Night Heron
Nature Photography – Michigan Bird Identification
Photo Taken: Lake Erie MetroPark
Group: Herons
Name: Black Crowned Night Heron

Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae

Appearance:
The Michigan Black Night Heron is a 24 inch tall bird with a distinguished black cap of feathers located on top of its head or crown.

Adult:
Color is top half black, underside white or silverish, female color is similar to the male, the juvenile is rather quite conspicuous with it’s spekled beige and white plummage, bright orange eyes and yellow beak.

Flight Characteristics:
Smooth wing beats, several flaps then pause that produce a smooth sustained glide in flight. The Black Night Heron is a swift flier.

Habitat:
The Michigan Black Crowned Night Heron prefers brushy dense thickets located in grasslands, lakes and wetlands.

Nesting:
Night Heron is colonial and will construct nest made of branches and twigs of various sizes. Nests are located fairly close to the ground, in trees or shrubs.

Incubates 3-4 pale green eggs for appx 21-26 days.

Mating Habits: The Black Night Heron’s mating habits are unconfirmed.

Feeding: Amphibians, fish, small mammals.

Call: Series of fluctuating deep guark, quarks.

Bird Conservation in Ohio
Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for detailed information about the Michigan Night Heron;
Learn More… DNR Ohio

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Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul
Michigan Birds

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Michigan Birds

National Geographic

2011 Editors Choice Winning Photo

National Geographic 2011

View Entry on NG website… NG Contest Winners

To purchase Photo Art… DayStarBooks Gallery

To Purchase the I can Make It Fine Art Print… Dialog With Nature

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Nature Photography – Michigan Red Cardinal

February 24, 2013 by iaustin

Nature Photography – Michigan Red Cardinal

One Early Morning in a Secluded Michigan Wetland – 100 Shades of Red

Cardinalis Cardinalis

Red Cardinal

I saw one hundred shades of red sitting on a frosted frozen branch. This Cardinal was red on red, in red on black. No, no, it was red, on black, on red, with a red beak! This bird had a red cap at the top of it’s crown, red ear patch, red moustachial stripes, red eye ring, red nape at the nape of it’s neck. The ruby red color was even covering the entire mantle and tertials from the top of it’s head to the primary tip projection of it’s tail. Red under tail coverts, red greater coverts on the edge of the wings, median coverts where a charcoal slate colored shade of red, the greater primary coverts, the marginal, lesser, median, and greater coverts all different shades of red. Did I mention the bird had a red chest and even an all red beak?

The Northern Cardinal is a summer and winter bright ruby red winged creature. This Cardinal is another prolific photographed bird. It is most recognized because of it’s bright vivid red plumage.

Michigan Red Cardinal

One Cold and chilly morning I spotted a Red Cardinal sitting motionless in a thicket of branches. The morning air was chilled and crisp. Normally, this bird is photographed on branches covered in a layer of pure white snow. However, on this occasion, the thicket of branches were covered in a thin layer of ice. This ice gave the branches an almost pinkish hew, a unique contrast with the Cardinal posing as the center piece. The branches looked as though they had been sprayed with a coating of velvet frost sprinkled the full length of the branches which gave the effect of diamonds studs along the many smaller stems. This all red Northern Cardinal bird looks like a living Jewel.

Northern Cardinal Female

The sun had not yet disturbed this frosty frozen scenery as the birds location was protected; set just below a twenty foot ravine. But this was quickly about to change as the sun slowly rose, it encroached on the Northern Cardinal’s location, the sun rays also quickly melted the ice crystals off the nearby branches on contact. I had to quickly setup and try to get this shot.

Cardinal in Flight

The above shot of a ruby red Cardinal may not be the best photo, but I did manage to capture the scenery just before it all dissipated in minutes.

Lessons Learned From Birds of Nature

The Northern Red Cardinal is a very alert and observant bird. It scouts out a potential feeding location with distant threat surveyance strategy. It is elusive and very skittish. This observant Cardinal will also match previous scenery against current and can quickly distinguish that something has changed since it’s last visit. This is a very observant and intelligent bird. See additional Michigan Red Cardinal Photos Here… Red Cardinal Michigan Photo. View other Michigan Birds Here… Michigan Birds.

About the Northern Red Cardinal

Nature Photography – Michigan Bird Identification
Photo Taken: Lake Erie MetroPark

Group: Groesbeaks and Buntings
Name: Northern Cardinal
Cardinal cardinalis

Appearance:
The Michigan Northern Cardinal is a 8-9 inch bird with, black face mask and all red plumage, and a bad hair day crown.

Adult: Color is bright red, female is beige with orange beak.

Flight Characteristics:
Jittery quick wing beats, several flaps then pause and a slip dip when in flight. The Red Cardinal is a fast flier.

Habitat: The Michigan Red Cardinal prefers brushy dense thickets located in grasslands, lakes and wetlands.

Nesting: Cardinal will construct an open cupped mounded nest made of branches and twigs of various sizes. Nests are located fairly close to the ground.

Incubates 3-4 bluish eggs for appx 12-14 days.

Mating Habits: The Northern Cardinals mates for extended periods.

Feeding: Seeds, insects, berries, grain.

Call: Series of fluctuating song like low-high whistles. Song Bird.

Bird Conservation in Michigan

Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for Michigan Wetland Management, Learn More… DNR Michigan

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Michigan Birds

National Geographic

2011 Editors Choice Winning Photo

National Geographic 2011

View Entry on NG website… NG Contest Winners

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Birding Associations and Organizations

This Weeks Honorable Mention:

American Birding Association (ABA)
Purpose: The ABA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides leadership to birders by increasing their knowledge, skills, and enjoyment of birding. Mission Statement and Code of Ethics… Read More Here… ABA Code Of Ethics

Membership Required: Y, $45/yr.
Inforemative Website Information: Y
Year Long Events: Y
Active Birder Blog(s): Y
Informative Rating: 8

Nature Photography – by Ike Austin

Nature Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Michigan White – White Winter Wonder Wetlands

February 2, 2013 by iaustin

Michigan’s White Winter Wetlands Covered in Snow

Ike Austin – Photography that is therapy for the soul

“Michigan White” – Winter Wetlands Covered in Snow

White skies, white trees, white bark, white branches, white bush, white shrubs, white cattails, white grasses, white woody plants, white plants. White landscape, white evergreens, white maples, white oaks, white dogwoods, white black spruce, white forestry. White meadow, white sedge, white bogs, white fen, white rushes, whites edges, white rivers, white lakes, white streams. White lowlands, swales and dunes, white basins, willows, white berry, white prairie, white sand. White floodplains and white islands. White water, white ponds, pure white snow, pure white scenery, now that’s pure in its visual form, that’s nature’s definition of pure white, now that is “Nature White.”

A fresh quilting of white snow is a sight that can capture your attention. If you are lucky enough to be standing in the right place, and just happen to be facing the right perspective, you may experience a feeling of presence, a presence of a higher form of life.

Winter White Wonder Wetlands of Michigan

The pure white snow, clean fresh air, untouched by mechanical disruption… and only then will…..the soul, when it engage pure silence, is recharged —ThirdSon and the River’s Sky

Lesson’s from Nature

There are times I nearly loose faith in mechanical man who actions change the pure snow to dirty-white. Then, after encountering a scenery of white purity, as defined by nature, in the form of pure white snow, facing unblemished white landscapes, my faith is renewed. Despite the stress that will proceed our personal lives, we are encouraged at such a site, because nature confirm’s that we can, and we will renew. And being newly reinvigorated, we return once again to pure white thought of an unpolluted mind.

Nature Speaks in Season

Nature speaks in spring, nature speaks during summer and fall, nature speaks in winter. Nature speaks during the falling snow, yes, Nature Speaks in Silence.

Beauty of Nature White

Nature has a lot to say about true purity, nature has its own definition of white, to learn the true meaning, one must quiet the soul to hear the silence that speaks to the mind. Blanketing the landscape in white manna, that glides down from heaven called snow, to replenish the wetlands, rivers, lakes and streams, and for a few standing close, their minds are renewed, their souls replenished by white winter wetlands, layered in a white quilting of snow.

Many snowy covered wetlands present an opportunity to provide needed therapy to the soul and at the same time, take your breath away with the white beauty that adorned the landscape with each of its white individually custom shaped white pearls that drift down slowly from the winter sky, each taking their place landing on a branch, a twig, a stem of a tree.

Wetlands in Michigan

White Winter Wonder Wetlands

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for Michigan Wetland Management, Learn More… DNR Michigan.gov Wetlands

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

National Geographic 2011 Ed

ThirdSon and the River’s Sky

ThirdSon and the River’s Sky

As a kid, I spent an enormous amount of time down by the river. I was drawn like a magnet to the many sounds of nature that filled the air-the tides rumbling ashore, the faint call of seagulls echoing in the distant background. I would remain there all day under the pretense that I was fishing. I would walk the shores for miles, moving from one spot to the next. I later discovered that the sky above this river was alive.
Read More

Raptor Bird of Prey – The Redest RedTail

January 20, 2013 by iaustin

Raptor Bird of Prey – The Redest RedTail

Buto Jamaicensis

The Redest RedTail

Hawk Talons looks more like natures version of Automatic Knives for this large raptor bird of prey. The Red tailed hawk is one of Michigan’s favorite bird of prey hawks. The mature redtail looks almost powerful. the chest can appear protruded & robust and if you are fortunate to get a closeup look at an open set of those claws or technically known as talons , the sight will leave you with an impression of futility for those unfortunate enough to get snared by those talons hydraulic death grips. Check out these MONSTER TALONS on this Michigan Red-tailed Hawk!!!

The Michigan Red-tailed Hawk is single mindedness in it’s pursuit and is non-distracted by other birds that seek to antagonize the Michigan raptor bird of prey while enjoying a meal.

Raptor Bird of Prey - Michigan Red-tailed Hawk

Raptor Bird of Prey – Pair of Predators – Red-tailed Hawk

Redtail of the Redtail Hawk closeup

The Red, Robust Raptors of Michigan

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

National Geographic 2011
Editors’ favorite submissions to the 2011 photo contest

Nature Photography – Michigan Belted KingFisher

January 12, 2013 by iaustin

Nature Photography – Michigan Belted KingFisher – The Blue Streaker

Megaceryle Alcyon – to grieve

Every Michigander should make seeing a Belted KingFisher in action a 2013 commitment. Observing their fishing activity is both therapeutic and interesting to watch. Firstly, the KingFisher quickly sends out a rapid machine gun like voice (KingFisher Call) to signal its arrival. After landing on a protruding strategically located tree branch, the King Fisher is now ready to dive for underwater prey. See Michigan Belted KingFisher photos here. Flickr – Michigan Bird photos King Fisher here.

Michigan – Blue Waters, Blue Birds – The Great Blue State

Belted KingFisher Michigan

Visit Wildlife in the Wetlands Art Gallery

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

National Geographic 2011
Editors’ favorite submissions to the 2011 photo contest

Michigan Belted KingFisher – Blue Streak of Michigan

January 12, 2013 by iaustin

Michigan Belted KingFisher – The Michigan Blue Streak

Megaceryle Alcyon

The Belted Michigan KingFisher – Blue Streak Michigan is an elusive bird. The Belted KingFisher is swift in flight, quick on aerial maneuvers and one of the most fascinating and entertaining birds to watch when catching fish. When the KingFisher fish, it power dives downward from a high branch plunge and submerge itself under water to quickly emerge from the water’s depth with a small fish in it’s large elongated beak.

The Belted KingFisher is a most peculiar looking bird. With a rather extended long protruding beak and large head sporting its trademarked Don King looking hair style, and almost miniature feet, the King Fisher is easily distinquished from other birds of similar size and blue color. Despite these peculiarities, the KingFIsher has a lot of lessons we can learn about our own life and nature.

: Belted KingFisher Michigan – True Blue

Thereafter, the Michigan KingFisher quickly darts to a nearby branch where it then proceeds to harshly thrash the small prey against the branch multiple times; swinging it’s head back and forth, back and forth, beating the small prey into unconsciousness.

: Belted KingFisher Michigan

Michigan KingFisher – Blue Streak of Michigan
It is also interesting to watch the Belted KingFisher when a pair of the birds are often seen conducting a chase routine with another companion KingFisher. The birds can be seen flying close, just barely skimming the water’s surface looking like a blue streak. I thought it appropriate to give this Michigan bird the sub-title of… Blue Streak of Michigan. Nature Photography – Michigan Birds

Blue Angel – Keen Eyesight and Observation
The Belted KingFisher is one of those birds I have concluded posses both keen eyesight and a detailed observation. I must already be in position and remain motionless for an extended period of time. A small move will cause the KingFisher to causally move on to a further branch off in the distance. Interestingly, the KingFisher does not react in a panic once my present has been discovered like the Blue Heron or White Egret might over react in a near panic. No, not the Belted KingFisher, the Belted KingFisher will make it’s departure appear as natural as possible.

About the Kingfisher
Nature Photography – Michigan Bird Identification
Photo Taken: Michigan Wetland
Name: Black Crowned Night Heron

Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Alcedindae

Appearance:
The Michigan Kingfisher is a 8-10 inch short stumpy bird with a distinguished wild hairdo cap of feathers located on top of its head or crown.

Adult:
Color is top dark evening blue, underside white or silverish, female color is similar to the male which ports a reddish burgundy band across the chest.

Flight Characteristics:
Smooth to flickering wing beats, several flaps then pause that produce a smooth sustained glide in flight. The Kingfisher is a swift flier.

Habitat:
The Michigan Kingfisher prefers brushy dense thickets located in grasslands, flying from tree to tree along the edge of lake shores and wetlands.

Nesting:
Kingfisher constructs their nests by tunneling burrows several feet into the earth horizontally along the edge or end banks of wetlands. Nests are located in the ground, sometimes hidden by trees or shrubs.

Incubates 3-7 pale white eggs for appx 21-26 days.

Mating Habits: The Kingfishers are monogamous during the mating year.

Feeding: Amphibians and fish.

Call: Series of rapid piercing loud rattled-pitched screeching.

Lessons From Nature
We can learn how not to be over dramatic in our reactions when we disagree or disapprove of someone or something by watching how the KingFisher casually responds to uninvited inhabitants that they disapprove of in their domain. Nature Photography Therapy for the Soul

The KingFisher can be spotted openly at Kensington Metro Park, Erie Metro Park and an abundant of wetlands.

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Michigan
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Birds Photography Night Heron

National Geographic 2011
Editors’ favorite submissions to the 2011 photo contest

For some interesting and imaginative, new awareness reading…
read the book below.

ThirdSon and the River’s Sky

As a kid, I spent an enormous amount of time down by the river. I was drawn like a magnet to the many sounds of nature that filled the air-the tides rumbling ashore, the faint call of seagulls echoing in the distant background. I would remain there all day under the pretense that I was fishing. I would walk the shores for miles, moving from one spot to the next. I later discovered that the sky above this river was alive.
Read More

Lessons Learned – Dialogues in the Forest of Jimme’

Nature Speaks – Nature Photography, Therapy for the Soul –
Everyone can Hear

Nature Speaks – Through Birds – Therapy for the Soul

Michigan Bird – Mallard Duck – Sun and Darkness Dialogue

Michigan Bird – SandHill Crane Ancient Feet Dialogue

Birds of Michigan – Great Horned Owl Dialogue

Birds of Michigan – Great White Egret Dialogue

Birds of Michigan – Green Heron Dialogue – One Strange
Sunset in Jimmie’

– ThirdSon and the River’s Sky

Michigan’s Blue Heron – Most Photographed Michigan Bird

January 8, 2013 by iaustin

Michigan’s Blue Heron
One of the Most Photographed Birds in Michigan

The Michigan Blue Heron is often photographed as a silhouette, as a main foreground photographic subject, artist painted rendition, residential signage or photographed and submitted as contest entries. The Michigan Blue Heron in one of the most prolific photographed birds in Michigan, this rather large bird is seen in many Michigan Metro Parks, State Parks, open wetlands, farmlands, near rivers, lakes, even an occasional roadside spotting.

Keen Eyesight and the Michigan Blue Heron – Eye of the Heron

Not much is written about the keen eyesight of the Blue Heron. However, on rare occasions, during my many years of bird observation, I once noticed a Blue Heron staring almost straight up looking up into the what appeared to be an empty clear blue sky. I knew the Blue Heron had to be watching something so I really focused and low and behold, their was in fact the tiniest black dot gliding upon the thermal drafts. I aimed and looked through my 400mm lens and sure enough it was a Michigan Bald Eagle soaring high above. If I may guess, I think that the eagle was at least a mile high in the sky; it was only a dot to the naked human eye. Much is written about the eagle’s keen eyesight, but after observing the Blue Heron, it wouldn’t surprise me if he is almost equal in bird vision.

Vigilance and the Great Blue Heron

Another trait I’ve noticed about the Blue Heron is it’s vigilance. This bird will fly in, land and remain stationary almost motionless for several minutes. The Blue Heron will observe everything in it’s immediate area just to be sure that no predators are lurking about. Only after safety is confirmed does the Blue Heron start it’s traditional fishing routine.

Michigan Blue Heron – Keen EyeSight

Nature Photography – Blue Heron, More Photographs

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Birds of Michigan Series
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

National Geographic 2011
Editors’ favorite submissions to the 2011 photo contest

Bird Photographs – Nature of Birds

January 1, 2013 by iaustin

Bird Photography – The Nature of Birds
I see greater wisdom in the eyes of some birds, than in the faces of some men —ThirdSon

The close observation of watching birds over the years has enlightened me in a way where traditional teaching has been void. Bird activity and behavior has demonstrated that a higher form of cognitive processes are being executed in those small heads of theirs, than what I have been led to believe.

Birds Photography - Great Horned Owl - Photo by Ike Austin

Birds Photography - Green Heron - Photo by Ike Austin

I have witnessed birds that appear to be more engaged in something more like contemplation, compared to just mindless idleness and sitting on a branch.

Birds Photography - Osprey - Photo by Ike Austin

Certain other birds often exude an equally fierce posture equal to that of human protectionism if they feel their young are threatened.

Photography Birds - Red Tailed Hawk

I would be standing motionless inside the house, hiding behind a double pane glass patio door and this certain Red-tailed Hawk would would instantly react to the silent opening and closing of the lens aperture and he’d give me that human-like look of annoyance then fly off; actually maintaining a sustained looking back at me while flying off.

This hawk would always take the time to survey all the windows in the house. If I pick a new spot, the hawk will look until he finds me. On the other hand, if I stay completely away from any of the windows, the hawk will sit on the branch for hours. Want to hear the strangest part about this hawk, if my wife comes to the window by herself, the hawk will not fly off.

Bird Photography - Mallard Ducks

I understand that some Mallards will maintain a mating pair for a couple of years. There was this one time I saw a thrashing of water, an intense commotion taking place on the other side of the wetland. A predatory bird had snatched a Mallard Duck. After the incident the helpless squawking Mallards settled down, I was quite astonished to notice the emotion of remorse being expressed as the group of Mallards; sat huddled in a tight group, motionless and quiet for that entire afternoon close to the seen of the crime.

Bird Photographs - Swan

Nature Photography – Michigan Birds

Nature Photography Birds

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Birds of Michigan Series
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Birds Photography Night Heron

National Geographic 2011
Editors’ favorite submissions to the 2011 photo contest

Nature Photography – Michigan Blue Heron

December 21, 2012 by iaustin

Nature Photography – Michigan Great Blue Heron
One Early Morning in a Michigan Metro Park

During my regular excursion into nature, I would often encounter this large and Prehistoric looking bird with big bluish, grayish plummage. I have seen this giant Great Blue Heron many times, but have never gotten tired of Michigan Blue Heron presents, its high glide, loud squawk and proud elongated super strut.

great blue heron has landed

Michigan Big Beautiful Blue

This majestic looking bird has provided the most picturesque silhouette is often seen in many occasions such as landscape scenes, photo back drops, artist drawings and gift items. This Michigan Bird is a elongated beautiful bird with it’s long neck and tall legs that help to create the most interesting scenery when stalking prey of small fish, or standing motionless with that trademark one-legged pose. In full sun or dense fog, the Grey Heron is a bird sighting that will always create a feeling of relaxation and always grab my attention. See this spectacular landing of the Great Blue Heron Michigan Bird

In-Flight

With an open in-flight wing span that can extend over six feet, the blue Michigan Bird of nature is hard to miss. Whether seen in one of Michigan’s wetlands or Metro Parks, walking on the ground, gliding close near the water’s surface or flying high, Big Blue is lord of the skies and one of the rare birds that with it’s every move ,can become the center of everyone’s attention. The loud squawk of this peculiar Michigan trademark bird is truly reminiscent of a sound coming right out of one of those infamous Jarassic Park movies. If you happen to startle one of these wetland birds the Big Blue will bealow out a deep bass-like, slow motion, long cackle sound that fills the surrounding air. Or, it will cackle at other Herons that enter it’s territory uninvited. It is a common sight to watch one Blue Heron chasing close behind another until it reach the outer edge of the more dominate Blue Herons domain.

Blue Heron Looking Up

After settling territory dispute, the giant heron will slowly circle the area then glide back down looking as light as a feather where upon it can resume it’s fishing activities.

Nest Building – Top of the World
Big Blue Michigan Herons

The Great Blue Heron birds of Michigan that raise their young in a community of other Blue Herons and sometimes the colony is shared with White Egrets high in the tree tops. What a spectacular sight of nature to behold which will also provide many opportunities for nature photography of this awesome Bird of Michigan.

Michigan-Birds-Blue-Heron nest building

Blue Heron – Michigan Bird Winter and Summer

The Great Blue Heron will often make a grand entrance to the wetland by first circling high above then slowing descending with it’s wings extended outward and legs pointed downward.

Blue Heron on Run Way Prepare for Take Off

Blue Herons of Michigan are Great Fisherman

After landing, the heron will stand motionless assessing the area for possible danger. Then after the surveillance is complete, a quick wing fluff ritual is conducted to tiddy up the plumage. He then gaze down toward the water… let the hunt begin! Blue Heron ready to attack.

Blue Heron Michigan Bird Twins-Double-Hitter Catch of the day

Blue Heron Double-Hitter Catch of the Day

This giant Blue Heron leaped out of the water and then quickly enjoyed a two piece catfish meal!

Great Blue Heron Michigan Bird Low Glider

Blue Herons Michigan’s Bird of Flight

One early morning and quite unexpectedly, a large male heron had demonstrated one of the reasons he has earned the title of “Great” as a prefix to its name…. by catching a double hitter (two large catfish at once.)

Notice the beautiful shades of bluish gray plumage of the various second and first primary feathers from this top down view of the bird in flight.

Great Blue Heron Michigan Bird -Hang Glide

View a couple of more Great Blue Heron photos shown below, shots taken at Kensignton and Erie Metro Parks.

Great Blue Heron – Michigan’s Kensignton Metro Park Rookery

Kensington Park located in S.E. Michigan boasts one of the largest and oldest Heron Rookery in the State. It is comprised and populated with Great White Egrets and Great Blue Herons. Nest building is very active in the early months of April.

Great Blue Heron – The Family

About the Great Blue Heron

Nature Photography – Michigan Bird Identification
Photo Taken: Lake Eire MetroPark

Group: Herons and Egrets
Name: Blue Heron
Ardea Herodias

Appearance:
The Michigan Blue Heron is a long 4′-6′ wingspan, blueish and gray plumage, long skinny legs, and long neck.

Adult: Color is blue and gray

Juvenile: More grey-ish white in color with a speckled chest

Flight Characteristics:
Extended wings in flight and typically flap and glide. The Blue Heron will glide over the surface of water until it reach a hunting place.

Habitat: The Michigan Blue Heron prefers open grasslands, lakes and wetlands.

Nesting: Blue Herons will construct a rather large mounded nests made of branches and twigs of various sizes. They can be spotted high in the tops of trees, in parks in what can be best described as amazing tree top condominiums technically called a rookery. There might be 30 or more pairs and families of blue herons cackling and making all sorts of noises as each brings new branches to expand their own individual nests.

Incubates 4-7 pale blue eggs for appx 28 days. Younglings go in flight in about 60 days from day of birth.

Mating Habits: The Michigan Blue Herons mate for one year and find a new mate for next season.

Off Spring: (Juvenile) as with most larger birds.

Feeding: Fish, frogs(amphibians), small chipmunks etc.

Call: Series of low-deep croaking noises.

About the Photography

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Birds of Michigan Series
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul

Michigan Bird photo by Ike Austin

National Geographic
Editors’ favorite submissions to the 2011 photo contest

ThirdSon and the River’s Sky

As a kid, I spent an enormous amount of time down by the river. I was drawn like a magnet to the many sounds of nature that filled the air-the tides rumbling ashore, the faint call of seagulls echoing in the distant background. I would remain there all day under the pretense that I was fishing. I would walk the shores for miles, moving from one spot to the next. I later discovered that the sky above this river was alive.
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