Ring-billed Gull in a winter whiteout – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 640, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Even though it was snowing yesterday morning I went down to the local pond to see if I could find some birds to photograph and I did. I saw geese, ducks, grebes, coots and gulls.
Most of the pond is frozen now and the only open water is on the far side but some of the birds still came in close enough to photograph.
The light was low, big flakes of snow were falling and the ice was covered in fluffy snow so that allowed me to take photos of a few birds that looked like they were posed on a blank, white canvas. I enjoy viewing this Ring-billed Gull in a winter whiteout photo because of the simplicity of the entire frame and of the images that I took yesterday morning this gull photo was my favorite.
In the first week of 2020 I should have ample opportunities to take photos of birds in snow or with falling snow in the frame if the weather forecasts are accurate.
I went back and counted the number of days that I was out in the field photographing birds in 2019 and the total was 167. I’m not sure if the weather is going to cooperate today so I can make that 168 but I know I’ll try.
Happy New Year’s Eve to everyone! I hope that you will be able to welcome 2020 in the company of family and friends and that it will be a great year.
Life is good.
Mia
Wow Mia! What a beautiful, yet poignant, portrait. You know, whenever you post pics of solitary birds in the snow, I am reminded of Robert Frost’s wistful poem, “Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening.” Your images often capture so much more than the subject itself. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Such a cold looking bird. The water in the pond must be quite frigid. Happy New Year
Oooh, he looks coooooold! Beautiful shot of that lovely ringed bill!
Happy end of 2019/beginning of 2020 to all!
A very, very Happy and bird filled year to you.
And many thanks for the pleasure you give me daily.
Mia, thank you for “taking us” on your outdoor adventures!
Your photos start my day with a sense of wonder and beauty, and I’m really grateful for that.
You bring great joy to my life.
Thank you!
Sue
A delicate looking bird sitting in harsh conditions.
Great photo, though he doesn’t look too thrilled.
Thank you for all the pleasure you have given to me during 2019 with your photos.
I love this photo. Happy New Year to you and wonderful birding in 2020.