Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Birds of Dana Point

While I am dying to post everything I photographed during our trip to the west coast, I decided to process and post by category instead of chronologically. As you all know (photographically speaking), birds are dearest to my heart, so I worked on those first. I could hardly wait! 

The hummers fascinated me most. Even though there was an abundance of flowers around the property, they would screech and chase each other away with dizzying speed. I kept thinking, "But there's plenty for all of you!" This made me wonder if some flowers were sweeter or better tasting than others, so the object was to keep those off-limits. Who knows? They're territorial little boogers for sure.

All of the birds have not been identified yet, so if you recognize any, or notice errors, please let me know! It boggles my mind how drastically different birds appear during seasons of the year and throughout their growth periods. And many times juveniles look very similar to females, so identifying birds can be a very tedious process. But fun! Autumn, that bird book you gave me for my birthday has gotten a work out! Thank you, darling. 

Click on each photo for a larger (better) view if you so desire.
This was photographed from our 4th floor hotel room balcony--right at tree-top level.
Guess: Ash-throated Flycatcher, adult
Same as above; profile view
Brown Pelicans
Guess: Black-chinned Hummingbird, female
Guess: Rufous or Allen's Hummingbird, male
Allen's Hummingbird (my best guess!)
Either a Ruby-throated, Anna's, or Black-chinned Hummingbird, female
Possibly a Ruby-throated hummer, female
Brown Pelican 
Crow or Raven
House Sparrow?, male



Black Phoebe
Black Phoebe
Possibly a Sage Thrasher, adult
California or Laughing Gull, juvenile
Heerman's Gull, adult
Notice the bead of sandy water coming off his beak
Heerman's Gull, adult
Brown Pelican
Bird of Paradise
Ha! Thought I'd throw you a curve ball. :)
Wondering what my next category should be...surfers or views or flowers or insects...hmmmm! Help!

22 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

those are all gorgeous. even the BOP at the end! great shots of those lovely hummers. and that's definitely a raven, based on the thick feather ruff around his neck.

Anonymous said...

They're all BEAUTIFUL, Gail, but I think my faves would have to be the Black Phoebe... they're just so darn cuuute! Of course, I love the hummingbirds, too... & WoW, what a beautiful Bird of Paradise... love that shot w/ all the blue in the background =)))

Evelyn S. said...

You are truly a bird photographer extraordinaire!! Amazing how you've captured the hummers, especially...but all the others are wonderful too. I don't recognize some of the birds, so they must not be on the east side of Oregon. English (house) sparrows.....yes! Crows (or ravens)....yes! These are fabulous bird photos, Gail.

Reena said...

Gail, these are just outstanding!! The hummers are great and so hard to catch. But my fave is that little phoebe ... incredible detail.

beth said...

these are amazing bird photos and if any are wrong, i'd never know.....

and the squirrels below just cracked me up.....xoxo

ps...were in the discussion about my soon to be new camera? i don't think you were....what do you shoot with ?

Anonymous said...

Wow.. what gorgeous shots... what lens do you use??

Unknown said...

These are amazing shots.. WOW! I really enjoyed them.. Thanks..

Nancy said...

Gorgeous birdie photos, Gail. Most of these birds are not known to me, so I'll depend on your other more knowledgeable followers!

I vote for flowers next! :)

Autumn said...

Wow, wow, wow! Great photos, especially of the hummingbirds! I'm jealous. I need a faster camera/lens!

I'm glad you're enjoying the book. :)

Charlotte Wilson said...

Gail,
these are magnificent! a real treat for the eyes. I am amazed at your bird knowledge.
Have you thought of blowing up some of your favorites and have them printed on canvas? White House Custom Color is very professional and I have always been pleased with my prints. Haven't done a canvas yet...they call it a "wrap".
I think that they are based in Texas.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

A wonderful collection of beautiful bird photos, all in their natural settings. I love the detail you capture, being able to see each feather. SO lovely Gail. The lighting in the photo of the last hummingbird in flight is gorgeous.

hootnonny said...

Ah Gail, you are a pro! All are excellent shots. Love how you got those wings working in one shot!

The last one reminds me of my two years living in San Diego (National City) in the late 50s, as we had a Bird of Paradise plant in our yard.

Shug said...

Oh My....Girl, you have out done yourself! these are marvelous shots. Looks like you kept yourself pretty busy...thanks for sharing all of these with us...
Enjoyed
Shug

Lisa Gordon said...

These are all such wonderful photographs Gail, but those hummingbirds are simply perfection!

Barbara said...

I can't decide which is my favorite! Love the hummingbirds, but that pelican with the bokeh background is wonderful, too!

Evelyn S. said...

I'm back...because I realize that I didn't pay attention to "Dana Point" in your post title....California, not Oregon. ;-)

LindyLouMac said...

Your skill and patience shows in these wonderful bird photographs.

Michelle said...

Goodness gracious...keep them coming!!! These are stunning...I especially liked seeing the different hummingbirds. You sure know how to rock your camera!

Rosemary Aubut said...

OMG, Gail what an absolutely beautiful series of photos!

Anonymous said...

My jaw is on the floor right now! I have no words to express the outstanding photos! That one bejeweled hummer is unbelievable!

Sara said...

I love these, just beautiful and amazing captures, you have been busy with the camera.

Rosie Grey said...

Another fantastic set of photos, Gail! I truly enjoyed the variety of Dana Point! Thanks for taking me around!