Juvenile Northern Harrier in flight over a marshJuvenile Northern Harrier in flight over a marsh – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

The light was beautiful yesterday morning at Farmington Bay WMA and I was able to photograph a few species if birds including this juvenile Northern Harrier flying over the marsh. It had been flying almost directly at me and when it banked and made a turn the light seemed to make it glow.

A Ring-billed Gull flying over Farmington BayA Ring-billed Gull flying over Farmington Bay – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

There were a few darker clouds to the north that made their way into a few on my images but I think they added interest to what otherwise would be just a plain blue background. This Ring-billed Gull flew past while I was watching grebes and I like the light on the bird and the darker background.

American Coot in flight with dark clouds in the backgroundAmerican Coot in flight with dark clouds in the background – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Then I saw an American Coot flying in the distance and had to get images of it. I don’t often see coots flying and this one made a big loop in front of me and even though the bird is small in the frame… I like it. A lot.

A Red-winged Blackbird calling from the top of a phragmitesA Red-winged Blackbird calling from the top of a phragmites – Nikon D810, f8, 1/800, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Some of the Red-wing Blackbirds were singing on top of cattails and phragmites and this one was bathed in nice light along side the road. I couldn’t resist aiming my lens at him!

Great Blue Heron fishing at Farmington BayGreat Blue Heron fishing at Farmington Bay – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The wind was calm so the water in one of the ponds where I photographed the Great Blue Heron was smooth as silk until it plunged its bill under the water for prey and caused some ripples on the surface of the water.

A White-faced Ibis and fall colorsA White-faced Ibis and fall colors – Nikon D810, f9, 1/800, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I was surprised to find three White-faced Ibis along the road because most of them have already migrated south and I was delighted that this ibis was perched in front of vegetation that shows the colors of autumn.

I enjoyed the morning at Farmington Bay.

Life is good.

Mia