Red Tail

Red Tail, a photo by UpstateNYPhototaker on Flickr.

If you have even a remote interest in birding and you live anywhere near the Washington County Grasslands, I would strongly urge you to take a ride. The grasslands are a series of mostly private parcels in rural Washington County (I think of Washington County as being mostly rural) that together make up a large open area of extreme importance to birds. Mostly known for its raptor population, it is a go to spot for birds such as the short eared owl.

It was a clear and sunny day today albeit a bit cold. I saw too many red tailed hawks to count, several coopers hawks, an American Kestrel and a few unidentified raptors off in the distance.

This image was taken with the D7000 and 80-400VR (the old one not the new one that has just come out). Once again this lens left me a bit short as far as how much lens I'd ideally like to have. This is a heavy crop of the original image.

Barred Owl at Night

Barred Owl at Night, a photo by UpstateNYPhototaker on Flickr.

I was at my parent's letting the dog out when I spotted this owl in a maple tree that was partially illuminated by a spotlight on my parent's deck. He/She was sitting very stoic in the tree and was not bothered by my presence. After a few moments the owl came down from the tree and sat in the best light that was available (the spotlight). The owl was very aware of my presence but did not seem to mind at all. He/She would turn their head away from me and I would make a clicking noise and they would turn back around and stare at me. I was shooting on a tripod with the D7000 and 80-400VR. Unfortunately it was dark and I didn't have the time I would have liked to set up my gear. I shot this in jpeg, which I rarely do and would have preferred the flexibility of RAW. Oh well, next time!