First of Season Merlin – Odd Behavior and Possible Explanation
I spotted my first of the season Merlin yesterday morning out on the flats at Farmington Bay yesterday morning and it truly delighted me.
Blooming Gardner’s Yampah in Southwestern Montana
Earlier this year in July I spent some time in the Centennial Valley of southwestern Montana where I photographed this Gardner's Yampah near Elk Lake.
I Stop For Coots Any Time I See Them
I've written before that I love American Coots and I guess that will never change, I will stop for coots any time I see them, I will photograph them and enjoy their antics.
Juvenile Mourning Dove in Morning Light in Southwestern Montana
The juvenile and out of focus adult Mourning Doves were perched on a lichen encrusted, slightly frosted fence rail near the road in the southern part of the Centennial Valley.
Young Trumpeter Swan Glowing Brightly On Dark Waters In Montana
One of my fondest memories for photographing Trumpeter Swans happened on an evening of September of 2015 in southwestern Montana.
Time to be on the Lookout for Juvenile Swainson’s Hawks
I saw my first juvenile Swainson's Hawk of the year last week and although it didn't give me any opportunities to take better images of it I was happy to see it perched on a power pole.
Up close with a Tree Swallow at Red Rock Lakes NWR
While stopped at a gate at Red Rock lakes NWR a Tree Swallow flew in and landed on a fence post so close that I wasn't sure I was going to be able to focus on it but I had to try.
Centennial Valley Savannah Sparrow
Some of the birds I see often while at the Lower Lake of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Montana are Savannah Sparrows and I love to photograph them there.
Centennial Valley Bull Elk in Velvet
When I spotted two bull elk early in the morning in the sagebrush of the Centennial Valley on the 10th of July I was very excited and started taking photos as soon as I could.
Cassin’s Finch With His Head Tilted
I didn't have the good fortune to photograph another Cassin's Finch on my trip so I am glad I took the time to take photos of this one looking around his home in the Centennial Valley of Montana.
Bank Swallow Over the Red Rock River
While I looked around four days ago I saw this Bank Swallow resting on a fence that hangs over the Red Rock River and could not resist photographing it with the blue water below and behind it.
Swainson’s Hawk with Damage to the Feathers of the Underwing Coverts
I simply don't know what caused this kind of feather damage and I hope that someone can give me a better idea of what was going on with this Swainson's Hawk.
Mountain Bluebird On a Rustic Pine Fence – Life is Good
Today's post is just a simple bird. A sky blue Mountain Bluebird perched on a rustic pine fence railing taken on a bright beautiful morning in the Centennial Valley of Montana.
Five Different Centennial Valley Red-tailed Hawks
Red-tailed Hawks were my most photographed species yesterday morning in the Centennial Valley of southwestern Montana and I had fun with them.
Montana Skies – So Good To See Them Again
I'm camping in Idaho but visited part of Beaverhead County, Montana yesterday under stormy skies, with lightning flashing and spritzes of rain.
Short-eared Owl Surveying the Centennial Valley of Montana
The Short-eared Owl was perched on the post and slowly turned its head to look around as if it was surveying the beauty of the valley it had made its home in.
Our Public Lands – Our Legacy
The people who will lose are the people who love the lands, value it and know our public lands are a legacy for all.
Approaching Chicks Too Close – When Something Should be Said or Done
I know that what this person did was not right and the 8 moderators of that group should have said something but in 15 days they haven't said a word about them being too close to the owl chick.
Male Cassin’s Finches Foraging in Beaverhead County, Montana
Two years ago today I was in Beaverhead County, Montana photographing Cassin's Finches foraging on the seeds of dandelions on a morning that had sunshine and plenty of fog.
Male Short-eared Owls On the Prowl in Idaho, Montana and Utah
Short-eared Owls are nomadic so the places where I saw and photographed these male Short-eared Owls last year may or may not have owls this breeding season.
Spring Means Nesting Birds and Chicks – Please Give Them Space
Why? Because the image is never as important as the well being and safety of my subject, especially when it comes to nests and chicks.
Spring Songs – Savannah Sparrows
On my last two trips up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge I have heard Savannah Sparrows singing "sit sit sit sit suh-EEEEE say" from somewhere in the marshes.
I’m Itching To Hit The Road To Go Camping – Spring Wanderlust
As the weather warms up I admit that I'm itching to hit the road to go camping, to get away from the city, the news and to immerse myself in natural surroundings.
Progress versus Growth
There are some that say the state can better care for those lands. I'd call them fools but we humans are all distant cousins so I'll tame that down a bit and call them misled instead. Intentionally and deliberately misled.
Looking at 2016 in the Rear View Mirror or My Photographic Year in Review
Wow, today is the last day of the year 2016. This is my photographic year in review from Utah, Idaho and Montana!
Sunrise ~ Sunset
I feel worried for the future and I am filled with angst right now and I know I am not alone. However; I do know that even when times are difficult life is good. The sun rises after every sunset.
2000 Posts about Birds, Wildlife and Nature at On The Wing Photography
Today I am celebrating having published 2000 posts on birds, wildlife and nature at On The Wing Photography and sharing the stories behind the images along with the journeys I take to find my subjects.
Photographing Short-eared Owls – From Chicks to Adults
This year was exceptional for photographing Short-eared Owls in Utah, Idaho and Montana and being able to see them in all the stages of their growth.
Scenic Views of My Recent Trip to Montana and Idaho
When I go on trips to Montana and Idaho it is primarily about finding and photographing birds but the places I visit are so beautiful that I feel I have to photograph the scenic views too.
Centennial Valley Prairie Falcon and a Short-eared Owl Barbed Wire Casualty
I spent some time in the Centennial Valley of Montana yesterday and the best bird of the morning was this adult Prairie Falcon photographed on a cattle chute with a white cloud in the background.