Wildlife in Photography

Over the past few days several large snowstorms have swept through the area. Although traveling over much distance was difficult, I was able to make some successful birding runs on Holmes Run Park.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in Holmes Run Park

Most of what I observed I’ve seen plenty of times before, but I was able to get some different perspectives.

I spent some time trailing the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and attempting to get it in flight. Despite a twig obstruction, I was able to grab this one frame below.

In terms of common animals in the region, Holmes Run Park is a good place to see Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). On nearly every outing I’ve seen the species.

On one outing toward the beginning of the week, I heard a bizarre call and followed it to the source – a Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata).

I’ve seen a kingfisher only once before in Rockingham County, but that was a Belted Kingfisher. Kingfishers are panicky little fish eaters that are difficult to approach. A longer lens and a good stakeout position would really help with this type of bird.

And finally, although they’re very common, I spent time this afternoon near a swarm of gulls flying over Holmes Run.

This bird is a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis). Of all birds, differentiating the different species of seagulls could be the most difficult for me. That’s one of many things I’ll hopefully get better at with practice.