Happy Holidays

 Like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year..
unfortunately I been away working so haven't been out photographing this summer,with the winter time upon us I hope to get out to the woods in the new year.
 My waterfowl calenders have been given out and the wildlife one should be in this week.

Common Eiders spring fling

 After a beautiful night, I decided I'd go down to the beach in the morning to watch the Eiders pairing up before they head to the islands to nest.As the sun rose there were a few flocks flying by looking for the good feeding spots with the tide falling,I manage to snap a few shots as they flew by in the morning light with the iso raised to 800.
 As sunrise came to be I creeped up by the mossy shore waiting for the birds to come in and feed and sun themselves.While watching the group for awhile I noticed that the females seemed to be doing most of the courting,cleaning and pushing the others off the rocks to get all the attention.
 While shooting the birds climbing on the rocks I noticed a male with a leg band,as he climb back on the rock after feeding for awhile,the female would groom him.After two hours I sadly had to retreat home for another day wishing i had more time with the group to get some feeding shots.

Male Common Eider

Female Common Eider

Grooming himself after breakfast 

Female grooming the Male in the morning sun

 Well be checking back in about a week or so as they make their nest to see if they're still together.

Eastern Woodpeckers

 Well back in action again after getting my sensors cleaned in the Nikon d90.Finally had some time to get in the backwoods again with the camera.After hiking for a while I heard the familiar sound of the woodpeckers taping away in the foggy hardwood stand.As I approached the sound I was surprised to hear quite a few birds in the area.
 While I watch for movement in the tree tops I was surprised to see a Red Naped Sapsucker fly by,then as I moved in closer I seen a Yellow Belly Sapsucker land about 20 feet away from me.After getting only a few photos off I returned to the trail to review my luck,as I finished my hike I returned to the woodlot to my surprise I spotted a little Downy woodpecker digging in to a tree and chatting up a storm.Once I returned home I stopped to shoot a Northern Flicker in the tree by the feeders which usually holds a few Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.
  I've gathered a few photos of the different woodpeckers I seen the past week.

Red Naped Sapsucker

Yellow Belly Sapsucker

Northern Flicker

  

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

 Still missing a couple of woodpeckers hoping the weather can clear up to get in the woods again soon.

Winter Eagles feeding

  After 2 months in Sydney,Nova Scotia had the pleasure of spending time feeding the Eagles on the weekends.Now that all the ice has melted,3 weeks earlier than last year, had time to check over some of the many shots I've taken.
   I noticed that last year had about 15-20 mature and only 2 or 3 young eagles,this season I noticed far more immature eagles which is a good sign for their population.Also seen more interest from other photographers shooting the eagles.
  I've gather a few shoots from on the ice to ice melting to no more ice feeding shoots with the Nikon d90 and Sigma 150-500 most shots are in "A" F9 and 200 iso handheld.

mature digging in

almost mature snatching a meal

immature fishing on thin ice

mature grabbing redfish

 

mature eagles splashing down

immature skimming for fish

  After another feeding season behind me,already dreaming of what next year will bring with all the immature eagles paired up and nesting around.till then bring on the spring birds and babies.

Pintail visitor

 After the 3rd weekend storm this month, decided to go down the shore to watch the goldeneyes and mallards as a light snow fell.I was very surprised to see a pair of pintails fly by and pitch in with the mallards.
 As I sat behind the ice clumps the pair swam by a few time unaware of my presents.I was fortune to listen to them whistle at each other as they followed the mallards.Pintails are rare around these waters so I assume the storm brought them in,hopefully they'll return this spring again.

male pintail in flight

Pair of Pintails

Male Pintail floating in the ice

Pintail playing with Mallards

Barred Owl

  After the last visit to the old apple orchards and coming across a great horned owl.I decided to head back in search of him again.When I approached the orchards I spotted an silhouette in the branches,as I edged my way towards her I realize it was a barred owl.
  While I watched her rest I wondered if I would ever get this close again,so I sat and enjoyed our time together as we made eye contact she did not seem threatened by my presents.
  As I hiked back to the trails I ponder what could await me the next time I enter the woods.Guess that why I love hiking in with the camera and spending time in nature.

Barred Owl checking on me

Barred Owl enjoying nice day

Great Horned Owl

 While out hiking came upon a great horned owl sitting in some old spruce trees.After the surprise of shooting him,as he left I finished my hike checking on an old apple orchard and reliving what just happened and how  I should of done things differently.To my surprise when I returned back the owl had returned to the same area resting further up in the branches I watched him for about 1/2 hour as he watched over the the ravine before darkness chased me out of the wood.Here are few shoots of him,hopefully will have better luck this evening.

Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl stare down