African Gray Flycatcher
When I get back from every big trip, the first thing I do with my photos is to identify every animal and put them into folders. I always end up with a bird folder labeled “Unidentifieds” — those that Google doesn’t have any obvious answers for. Usually that folder remains forgotten as most of those birds are rather drab looking and as such, not given much attention. Tonight I decided to delve into my Unidentifieds folder from my Kenya trip back in 2011. Among the mystery birds, I came across this pleasant looking little guy. I was determined to identify him and to the best of my ability, I think he’s an African gray flycatcher. Not the most colorful bird I saw at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, but given a second look, I found him quite agreeable. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 340mm) ISO 400, f/6.3 at 1/160th of a second.
Bear Cub in Tree
I took this shot the old fashioned way earlier in October. This is one of two cubs that were regulars in our yard (with their mother) for most of the summer and up until a few weeks ago. The cubs would quite often climb up and down trees as they passed through while Mom patiently waited for them to have their fun. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/200th of a second.
Portrait of a Silverback
Hard to believe that I actually travelled to Africa this calendar year. I was fortunate to get the trip in back in January. In addition to Kenya, we visited Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and got to know a small group of mountain gorillas that live there. This was one of three silverbacks in the nine-member troop. He was rather accommodating and posed for several close-up portraits. Nikon D850 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 102mm) ISO 800, f/2.8 at 1/800th of a second.
Khlong Saeng Landscape
With all this cold and snow we’re getting on the east coast, I thought I’d post this image I took of Khlong Saeng in Thailand, one of the more tropically beautiful spots on this earth. Those floating cabins in the lower left are where I stayed. That said, I do enjoy a good snow storm now and again. Enjoy everyone. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 70mm) ISO 400, f/4 at 1/800th of a second.
Deer — Ground View
White-tailed deer have taken over the back woods now that the bears have (for the most part) cleared out for the season. This young female has become a regular. I wanted to create a different perspective so I put my camera on the ground in one of her favorite spots. She walked past in the perfect position with her eye visible and in focus. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 17mm) ISO 500, f/14 at 1/160th of a second, Cognisys camera box, remote trigger and flashes.
Penguin in a Sandstorm
It can get awfully windy on the beaches of the Falkland Islands. The repair bill on my cameras and lenses to remove all the sandy grit can attest to that. But babying my equipment is usually the last thing on my mind when out in the field. For this shot I was face down in all that prickly blowing sand to capture gentoo penguins as they fought their way back to the relative calm of their colony. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/7.1 at 1/2000th of a second.
Southern Flying Squirrel
Always nice to capture images of a new species. I’ve seen flying squirrels on a few occasions but never photographed one. Although common, they are rarely seen as they are strictly nocturnal and shy. Last night I was walking around the woods behind my house with a headlamp when I saw this little guy running up and down a tree trunk, and then gliding from one tree to another. Quite a sight to see at close range. They are so silent as they move through the forest. Now I just need to figure out how to capture a shot of one gliding through the air. There are two types of flying squirrel in Connecticut, the southern and the northern. The southern are much more widespread in the state. I’m pretty sure that’s what this guy is, although it’s tough to distinguish one from the other. They’re about the size of a chipmunk but appear larger when their loose skin is expanded for flight. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 800, f/8 at 1/60th of a second, Nikon SB-900 flash.