Birds and Blooms

A Celebration of Our Natural World through Stories and Photography by Jim Flowers

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“Wood Warblers” of the Mid-Atlantic States

Posted by Jim Flowers on November 1, 2021
Posted in: Audio Visual, Birding, Birds, Woodland Warblers. 2 Comments

“Wood Warblers” of the Mid-Atlantic States …

New Video/Slideshow presentation in Full HD, 1080P. Click the link/picture above to watch and enjoy…

Another avian adventure of “sight and sound” highlighting the past ten or more years of my warbler photography here in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It’s presented in full High Definition, (choose 1080P) with files of a much higher resolution downscaled to fit the popular format.

The majority of the images were captured very near my home in our Hanover Watershed WMA , Maryland/Pennsylvania, just five minutes away, or the Michaux State Forest, just west of Gettysburg Pennsylvania, around a 30-minute drive for me. Some of the images were captured along the Kowomu Trail, just across the Mason Dixon line in Carroll County MD, along with a few others along Maryland’s eastern shore and coastal Delaware.

I have included the Bird Songs of each species along with the images captured by various recordists, including some of my own to add a bit more “life” to this presentation, The next time you take a stroll in your favorite forest, this may help you identify the species of warbler you are hearing, sight unseen. I hope you enjoy my efforts here.

Butterflies and Blooms

Posted by Jim Flowers on November 1, 2021
Posted in: Audio Visual, Blooms, Travel. Tagged: butterflies, wildflowers. Leave a comment

“Butterflies and Blooms” …

New Video-Slideshow, Click the link/image above to watch…

This presentation is in 4K but displays fine in Full HD 1080P as well….

This was a “labor of love” and took me several weeks consisting of an hour here, or an hour there to put it all together along, with some “fun music”, and I finally finished it up last night. It was designed and built from scratch using Adobe Premiere Pro in 4K resolution and took over 5 hours to render overnight.

I have been wanting to put some of my favorite work in a “sight and sound” format for some time now and have finally begun to get around to it. All of the images were captured over the last 15 years using Canon and Leica cameras paired with Canon, Zeiss, Sigma, and Irix lenses. The majority of the wildflowers and butterfly images were captured here near my home in Pennsylvania, especially within the Michaux State Forest, with a few from Texas, Maryland, Delaware Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey. Not all of the plants are considered “Native,” but all were captured in the wild and within natural habitats. All of the butterflies were photographed in two major fields (private) of sewn and native wildflowers, in my local area. I hope you enjoy my efforts here.

“To Be An Owl”

Posted by Jim Flowers on August 29, 2021
Posted in: Audio Visual, Birding, Birds, North American Raptors, Raptors. Leave a comment

Video/Slideshow. CLICK THE IMAGE/LINK ABOVE… “watch in full HD (1080P) with sound” …

A video/slideshow of some of my favorite “owly” images from over the past ten years and an adventure of sight and sound. I’ve been wanting to do this for several years and finally decided to take the time and effort to put it together.  It’s only about 8 minutes long so I hope folks will watch.

I have highlighted four species here with one just being a short glimpse (the Eastern Screech Owl) which I captured quite by accident. I was down near my home in Texas along the Gulf Coast during the early spring hoping to photograph the warbler migration for which I use a screech owl trill to draw the curiosity the birds and see who may be present. It was a total surprise to have this little fellow make an appearance around the “noon hour”. Perhaps I drew his curiosity from his slumber…

Most of the Barred owls were photographed near my home here in Pennsylvania along with most of the Short-eared Owls. One of the Barred’s was photographed in a Louisiana Bald Cypress Swamp near the Lacassine Refuge. Bald Cypress Swamps are a favorite of the Barred Owl throughout the US. A few of the “Shorty” were captured on the eastern shore of Maryland while the entirety of the Great Horned images was photographed within the Loblolly Pine shelterbelts of that same area.

Putting this together was a lot of fun taking several weeks of working on it here and there. And Thanks to Epidemic Sound for their music library. I hope you all enjoy!

“Simply Solitary” and friends

Posted by Jim Flowers on August 20, 2021
Posted in: Audio Visual, Birding, Birds, Coastal Birds. Leave a comment

New Video, Click the Image Below:

“Click the link/image above” and view full screen in “full HD” (1080P) with sound of course. If you have a “big-screen” and the YouTube app, watch it there for sure.

A “just for fun” video from the Black Rock Flats and Codorus State Park, along Lake Marburg in York County Pennsylvania and captured last weekend while visiting with friends Saturday during the early morning hours.


Originally captured in 4K resolution with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Sigma 150-600 Sports lens paired with the Canon 1.4X teleconverter as well since the little guys were a bit out there in distance. However, I “down sampled” the 4K video to Full HD (1080P) resolution just to reduce the file size and make it easier for all to enjoy this short little 4-and-a-half-minute film.


Captured at 23.97 FPS in Canon Log (CLOG) with a 180-degree shutter angle (1/50sec), I also used a 3 Stop Formatt Hitech Neutral Density filter. I’m still trying to adjust to this Manfrotto Nitro-tech N8 fluid head, so I had to edit out a few jitters here and there, (and left a few) but it’s growing on me. Overall, it was lots of fun just to shoot from a lawn chair and enjoy some camaraderie with a couple of friends.

Black-throated Blues

Posted by Jim Flowers on April 14, 2020
Posted in: Birding, Birds, Woodland Warblers. 6 Comments


Kissed by natural sunlight,  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

waiting the Spring warbler migration brings excitement and anticipation of my favorite of the avian species to photograph and spending time in my nearby forest to revisit the birds I love.  Tiny and colorful targets of interest frolicking just above the forest floor,  and throughput the dense mid to upper canopy create challenges of patience and light to the average photographer,  but I have learned to adapt to these conditions well through the years and cherish the opportunities presented to me.

This is not a situation for the blue-sky and fair-day sun loving photographer.  In fact,  I much prefer an overcast day with even lower light conditions to avoid the “hot-spots” of a bright sun filtering though the foliage creating a “contrast” of havoc for capturing my subjects.  However, sometimes the natural light filtering through,  but muted somewhat,  can create a lovely scene as the with the warbler pictured above, “sun-kissed” to highlight the iridescence of his plumage.

Breeding plumage male Black-throated Blue Warbler
Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

he Black-throated Blue warbler is truly a favorite of the “New World” warblers and I never tire of photographing them as challenging as they can be just to locate and see,  more-less actually capture their portraits. My process is comprised of slowly traversing the forest roads and listening for their song,  and then just patiently sitting in my vehicle and waiting for an opportunity to have a visual encounter which more times than not can be futile.

Listen to the song of the breeding Male below:

https://birdsandblooms.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/black-throated-blue-warbler.mp3

“Lady with an Attitude”,   Black-throated Blue Female
Michaux State Forest,   Pennsylvania

he images of the Black-throated Blue warbler presented here were photographed entirely within the Michaux State Forest along my infamous “Warbler Road”,  shared by both Adams and Cumberland Counties.  I can remember when I first pursued this species,   I was told by several members of the birding community that I would have to travel farther north to find them and in their more desirable habitat.   Not one to argue,  I just quietly grinned knowing I had heard the song of this species on numerous occasions,  and right here within this forest.   I figured I would just make this “my little secret”.   After all,  “it was their loss and not mine”.

BTBW frolicking in a Rhododendron thicket along a stream…
Michaux State Forest,   Pennsylvania

ver the years of birding and avian photography within the Michaux State Forest,  I have noted locations favored by certain species and kept documentation of my sightings and photographic success.   Ironically, many of the species return to the same locations year after year,  although perhaps not exactly to the same spot,   but often within a circumference of 50 or so yards.   And of course,  this is based on ecosystems and habitats.

The majority of the Black-throated Blue warblers I have located in this forest prefer the Mountain Laurel thickets just above the bordering thickets of Rhododendron along the many steams.  This habitat is favored by other warbler species as well,  but the laurel seems to have to be present for this particular warbler species.   Because of the rise in elevation the song always appears distant and catching a glimpse of them is often difficult.   So,  the waiting game begins and eventually one will come down and within a close enough range for a photograph or two.

Quite the Camera Ham.,,, Female Black-throated Blue Warbler
Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

he Michaux State Forest is not the place for the “impatient” birder or photographer trying to pad a list with multiple species or looking for a quantity of captures.  I have shared mention of this forest with many and most become frustrated simply because of an “ants in their pants” attitude and they easily become bored.  And this is the case for many our forest with huge expanses of acreage that can intimidate one with more habitat to choose from by our feathered friends than their actual populations within the forest itself.  But for those genuinely interested in prolonged observations of behavior and excellent photographic opportunities,  folks who visit regularly and learn productive locations will reap rich rewards. This includes an in-depth dedicated study of the species they pursue as well.

Black-throated Blue Warbler,  (Setophaga caerulescens)
Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

nce again, preferred habitat is the key.  The BTBW photographed above was foraging in a small tree high on a ridge-top above a laurel thicket leading down to a stream.  The image was captured along Wirt Road in Michaux.

The preferred breeding habitat of this warbler includes large tracts of mature deciduous and mixed evergreen-deciduous woodlands with a thick understory of shrubs to include rhododendron,  mountain laurel and hobblebush.   Farther west,  in the higher Appalachians,  they mostly occur at elevations of 2,600–5,250 feet,  however here in Michaux,  around 1000 feet and above,  I have yet to find them lower and in the valleys, except during the fall migration.

Breeding populations can be found as far south as the mountains of Georgia,  northward through the Appalachians into south eastern Canada,  Wintering takes place in the Caribbean, Cuba, and the Virgin Islands where they inhabit dense tropical forests,  woodlands,  shade-coffee plantations.   Food sources include spiders, flies, and caterpillars found in the shrub layers and lower forest canopies.

BTBW  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

s  I have mentioned before photographing woodland warblers is not something to be pursued by the “Sun Bunnies” of digital photography and I always laugh especially on social media where these people tend to hang out about the lack of light or “I didn’t go” because the “light sucked”.  And I kind of like that because it keeps the crowds down and the riffraff away.

Black-throated Blue Warbler male in song

he majority of woodland warbler photography takes place under an often-dense forest canopy and in the understory and many times the use of a low-powered flash of which most new photographer are not well versed in the operation of this tool, especially with the subjects consideration in mind and small songbirds should never see the use of flash extenders like the “Bitter-Beamer” and yes I mean “Bitter”.

And a special note to the birding community about the use of flash which many will condemn based on their lack of knowledge of operation,  and that is the flash is NEVER used as a “main light source”,  but only as a very low-powered gentle highlighter and for warming colors.  To this day and with my experience,

I have yet had a subject even realize it was going off as the gentle pulse of light is faster than the camera shutter itself which is often in tenths or hundredths of a second.   All of my flash work is accomplished through the ETTL method or Evaluative Through the Lens metering where ambient light takes precedence over the flash and is balanced to the proper exposure.

he majority of my warbler photography is accomplished my vehicle (presently an olive-drab green Jeep Wrangler) using it as a “hide” and shooting off a beanbag from the window as support.   Once in a while, especially if the birds are higher above me,   I will get out and use a tripod and gimbal normally keeping close to the vehicle to lessen any distraction.  However,  I prefer to keep my subjects at eye level for a more intimate capture.   The “zoom” lens is my tool of choice as and over the past years, the Sigma 150-600mm Sports as the much larger prime telephoto lenses can be heavy,  cumbersome in tight quarters, and the birds are often closer than their minimum focusing distance will allow,  and often missing many opportunities for shots.  I use a range of Canon bodies from the crop sensors to full frame of the EOS 7D Mark II to 5D Mark III and IV series.

A handsome male BTBW going “Vogue”
Michaux State Forest.  Pennsylvania

 

 

Happy Birding and Photography everyone!

 

Woodland Orchids … an “endeavor of passion”

Posted by Jim Flowers on April 3, 2020
Posted in: Blooms. 16 Comments

hen one thinks of Orchids,   it’s usually of the corsage purchased for the High School Senior Prom,  or some of the breathtaking exotic species found at botanical gardens throughout our country.   Most are cultivated, hybridized and quite “showy”.    Little is known by the average individual of the “treasure trove” of  wild and native orchid species that decorate our local woodlands and wetlands.   The majority are quite demure in appearance,  while many are minuscule in size.

Ten or so years back,   I developed an aspiring interest in botany driven by a close friend whose name I’ve mentioned on numerous entries through out this blog.   As a semi-retired professional commercial photographer who had decided to pick up the camera once again,   I wanted to explore the world of nature at my own pace,   hone my skills with unfamiliar subjects and techniques  and once again enjoy the craft I love,  away from the deadlines and pressures associated with photography as a business and income.   It was fun to begin a new journey as a somewhat rank amateur exploring the “natural” world often with more question than answers.

Exploring our woodlands and wetlands for mysterious wild and native orchid species has become a passion and somewhat an obsession.    Even during my avian photography expeditions,  I always have the gear needed for photographing our “small world” readily at hand.   In fact,  many of my discoveries have taken place during my small bird photography outings,  especially within our nearby Michaux State Forest  near my home here in south-central Pennsylvania.

This entry in my blog,  as with a few others,  have become a “Work in Progress” and updated as I add new species to my collection;  and there are so many more to discover,  see and photograph.

The orchids in this entry will relate to both upland and wetland species found within our woodlands,  unlike my previous entry  “Bog Life”  related primarily to bogs and fens which include other non-orchid species associated to those ecosystems.   A few will be the same species but photographed within a different environment.

I will present these in no particular order,  but add new species as I find and photograph them.  I’ll include the common names,  as well as the scientific Latin names associated with each species.  I believe that most folks will find the common names more appealing instead of the technical “mumbo jumbo” associated with the scientific community and botanists.

The orchid pictured to the right is the mid-summer blooming Downy Rattlesnake Plantain orchid captured within the Michaux State Forest here in Pennsylvania and whose namesake was noted French Botanist and explorer,  André Michaux who was noted for his study of North American flora.

Tipularia discolor,  or Cranefly Orchid is likely one of the most “Plain Jane” members of the Orchidaceae family you can find. It’s hardly noticeable unless you’re seriously looking for it to begin with;  and then it can be difficult to spot among leaves and other brown foliage on the ground,  especially with its inconspicuous blooms which can appear to be just a stick poking out of the forest floor.   I owe the discovery of this one to friend Merry Stinson who wandered upon a small patch a year or so back within our Michaux State Forest and graciously shared the location with me.

Cranefly Orchids,  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

The Cranefly Orchid is considered Facultative Upland  (usually occurs in non-wetlands but may occur near wetlands where soils are rarely saturated).   These were located close to a stream,  but in the dry soil well above it.

Flowers of the Cranefly Orchid,  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

The Cranefly Orchid is common throughout the eastern and central United States,  ranging from Florida,  north to Massachusetts,  and west to Texas.   The Cranefly is classified as “Threatened” in Florida and Michigan,  and “Endangered” in Massachusetts and New York,   Although these images were photographed here within Pennsylvania,  it maintains a “Rare” classification for our state.

Depending on Geographical location,  this orchid flowers between June and September with petals of green,  purple or yellow.   The main color of the lip or Labellum  (the modified petal of an orchid)  can be blue to purple, or sometimes green to brown or yellow.

The Cranefly Orchid produces a single leaf in the fall which stays green throughout the winter with purple pigmentation on the underside.   The leaf then withers in the spring and may disappear before the plant flowers in the summer.

The primary pollinators are moths,  to include the Common Looper Moth,  Sharp-stigma Looper Moth,  Porcelain Gray Moth,  True Armyworm Moth  and the Brown-hooded owlet Moth.

Cranefly Orchids,  A Pair Intertwined,  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

The Cranefly orchids pictured above were a result of my most recent orchid outing,  (August 2019)  and the initial use of a new lens, the IRIX 150mm F 2.8 Dragonfly MACRO prime lens,  of Swiss design and manufactured in South Korea.   It maintains the optical quality of the 150mm Zeiss at a fraction of the price.  I’m going to keep a vigilance for mores of these orchids in the future.

The images of the Tipularia discolor,  or Cranefly Orchid presented above were captured with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the lens mentioned above,  lighting with the Aputure Amaran F7 LED,  support included the Induro CT 214 8X carbon fiber tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH40 Ballhead.

 

Goodyera pubescens,  or the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain orchid,  is one of my favorites to “stumble” on to!  (literally and accidentally of course)   I won’t even admit looking for them anymore as many of the ones I had previously noted locations for have all but disappeared.   I’m not sure if deer are enjoying them as hors d’oeuvres or it’s just their life cycle.   Lately,  and while photographing another subject,  “poof” one or two magically appear to my left or right.   However,  this is a very common orchid of the Appalachian woodlands where I spend most of my time,  and its widespread across eastern and central Canada and the United States,  from Quebec south to Oklahoma.

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain orchid cluster,  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

The Downy Rattlesnake plantain is an orchid that flowers during late summer and depending on geographical location,  can be seen in full bloom starting in July,  August or September.    It’s a plant of mesic to dry forests and as is typical of orchids,  as the roots have a mycorrhizal  (a fungus which grows in association with the roots of a plant in a symbiotic or mildly pathogenic correlation)  relationship with fungi that supports the plant with the attainment of moisture and nutrients,  while the plant provides products of its photosynthesis to feed the fungus it relies on.

Leaves of the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain Orchid,  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

The foliage of the Downy Rattlesnake plantain is “evergreen”  as pictured above,  is pretty much visible year-round, and present during the flowering of the orchid.   Like some other orchids,  the leaves may be present less a stem and flower until the orchid reaches’ maturity.

The flowers of the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain orchid “up close and personal”…

If you look closely at the “macro” image above,   you’ll notice that the flower is zygomorphic.  (bilaterally symmetrical; or a shape that can be divided into two equal halves by only one plane like a human face)   The flowers are resupinate,  (a common condition found in orchids that describe the flowers appearing as upside down because of the twisting of the pedicle,  along with the pouch like lip on the bottom.)   As with many orchids,  the flower design can be fascinating.

Known pollinators of this orchid are limited,  and differ from the other species of Goodyera,  but include the Golden Green and Blue green Sweat Bees.

The legal status based from USDA data show the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain orchid as “secure” throughout most of its range except for two states;  and listed as“Endangered” in Florida while “Exploitably Vulnerable” within New York.   Again, one of my favorites to pursue in our Appalachian woodlands.

The images of the Goodyera pubescens,  or the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain orchid presented above were captured with the Canon EOS 5D (original) and Canon EOS 5D Mark III along with the Sigma 180mm f2.8 MACRO prime lens and the Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro prime lens,  lighting with the Canon 580Ex Speedlight,  support included the Induro CT 214 8X carbon fiber tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH40 Ballhead.

 

 

Platanthera orbiculata,  or Round Leaved Orchid is another favorite and my original encounter with this species was through a very close friend,  Elmer Schweitzer,  and at a slightly different location within the same area.  However,  a road crew had used a grader to push back soil and debris to create a parking spot for the nearby Appalachian Trail  covering up and decimating the plant.   A year later I decided to explore the area a bit more and found several more plants scattered about.   The one pictured here is a solitary orchid I have been following over the past 6 years,  and another treasure of our Michaux State Forest.

Because of stray sunlight coming through the trees creating harsh highlights and shadows around the orchid,   I chose an overcast and rainy afternoon for photography and used a flash for highlighting the plant and its surroundings.  This is one of my favorite conditions for wildflower photography in general, less any heavy rain of course.

There are two varieties of Platanthera orbiculata,  the most common and typical,  var. orbiculata,  is widely distributed across northern Canada and the U.S., from Alaska to South Carolina.  The other, var. macrophylla is isolated to the northeast.   This variety is more robust with larger flowers and leaves, and nectar spurs twice the length of var. orbiculata pictured here and one I obsessively continue to pursue.

A view from above

The Round Leaved orchid flowers from June through September based on geographical location.   This orchid produces two dark green and often glossy leaves at its base which lie flat on the ground.   Common pollinators include noctuid moths like the Large Looper Moth and Green-patched Looper Moth and perhaps a few others.

The single leave of a new discovery nearby

Platanthera orbiculata can be found in mesic to moist forests and woodlands,  rather coniferous or deciduous,  and occasionally in shaded bogs.   It is considered globally secure,  however vulnerable throughout most of its North American range and is rare, threatened or endangered within New Jersey,  Connecticut,  New York,  Rhode Island and Tennessee.  It has been declared extirpated or extinct within the state of Indiana.

The flowers (tiny ghosties) of var. orbiculata

The images of the Platanthera orbiculata,  or Round Leaved Orchid presented above were captured with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Sigma 180mm f2.8 MACRO prime lens and the Canon EF 100mm f2.8L MACRO prime lens,  lighting with the Canon 580Ex Speedlight,  support included the Induro CT 214 8X carbon fiber tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH40 Ballhead.

 


Isotria verticillate,  or Large Whorled Pogonia Orchid was another terrific find by my friend Merry Stinson along one of the many gravel forest roads in the Michaux State Forest.   How she spotted this gem is beyond my comprehension as it and the others blended in well with the surrounding foliage of other species of plants.   She marked a couple of the plants with sticks leaving me at my wit’s end until I finally found them.

They are easily confused with Medeola virginiana or Indian Cucumber,  and others with the same type of leave pattern.   Luckily these were in bloom and easier to distinguish apart from the others,  although I had only seen a few pictures,   I was a bit forgetful and wasn’t totally sure what I was looking for at first.  I found the sticks and then noticed the orchids jogging my memory of a few images I had seen online.

A kind of a fun story goes with my photographic session of these tiny plants ,  which required me to lie prone,  waist and legs extended into the roadway,  using my Jeep as a safety barrier from being hit by any  motorists sharing the road.   A passing Forest Ranger approached from behind the Jeep and must had thought I was injured until he walked up and saw the camera and tripod.  But,  still I believe he thought I was nuts until I pointed out the orchid and his interest and curiosity took over.   We had quite a discussion lasting a half hour or so until he was on his way.

It’s always fun to run into these dedicated stewards of the land,   although I always get warnings about rattlesnakes and the “creepy crawlies” that inhabit the grasses and woodlands and I have had more than my share of encounters with not so friendly critters,  to include a 4 foot timber rattler that confused me for a log,  or perhaps not,  and crawled across my back, then turning and glaring at me for a sec and seemingly giving me a smile and reminder of how lucky I was.

The Large Whorled Pogonia orchid can be found throughout the central and eastern United States with populations extending into the Province of Ontario Canada.  Its preferred habitat includes mesic to dry forests and woodlands and occasionally near bogs.   The orchid can form extensive clonal groups.

It’s joined by the somewhat rare and endangered species of Isotria medeoloides, or Small Whorled Pogonia Orchid which can be distinguished by its smaller size,  and green instead of purple sepals.   Isotria medeoloides is listed as “endangered” throughout most of its range and is considered extirpated (extinct) within the state of Maryland.   The Large Whorled Pogonia is listed as threatened or endangered within Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and possibly extirpated within the state of Maine,  but it’s also considered “rare or vulnerable” around the southern, western, and northern edges of its range.

Depending on geographic location the Large Whorled Pogonia orchid flowers between April and June.   Pollination is primarily performed by bees,  including but not limited to the Mining Bee,  Nason’s Mining Bee,   Sweat Bee,  Golden-green Sweat Bee and the Nomad Bee and a few others.

The images of the Isotria verticillate,  or Large Whorled Pogonia Orchid presented above were captured with the Canon EOS 5D (original) and the Sigma 180mm f2.8 MACRO prime lens,  lighting by the Canon 580Ex Speedlight,  support included the Induro CT 214 8X carbon fiber tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH40 Ballhead.

 


Platanthera clavellata,  or Small Green Wood Orchid,  (also known as the Little Club Spur Bog Orchid when associated with bogs)  is one of the most widely distributed species of its genus,  from central and eastern Canada and the United States,  from Texas to Newfoundland.  The images above and below were also captured within the Michaux State Forest.   André Michaux,  discovered and named this orchid species.  So,  what location could be more appropriate to photograph and celebrate this tiny orchid during its bloom..

I can remember about 4 to 5 years back almost stepping on this little plant while photographing warblers along a small spring seep under a dark and heavy canopy of trees.   Luckily,  I was looking down as I walked and noticed this little gem before we had a collision.   I had no idea it was an orchid,  but I was curious and zoomed in with my bird lens and took a shot with the flash.

I then continued my “avian mode” the rest of the day.   Later that evening I processed the image file and did a little research to discover its ID and became excited as to what I had found.   This discovery had a major influence on my desire to have the appropriate gear for both Avian and MACRO close at hand during my forest outings from that day on.

The Small Green Wood Orchid is capable of “self-pollination”,  although various insects can be seen visiting this plant any time.   The flowers are zygomorphic,  and the labellum is lobed and has a spur. Depending on geographical location,  Platanthera clavellata can flower between June and August in most regions.   I must say the buds last much longer than the flowers themselves.

 

Canon EOS 5D Mark III body,  Canon EF 100mm f2.8L MACRO lens,  Aputure Amaran F7 LED light,
Kirk Focusing Rail,  Induro CT 214 tripod  and the Really Right Stuff BH 40 Ballhead

ildflower photography,  and especially capturing wild orchids,  can be fun,  but sometimes a tedious process, however the end results make the effort worthwhile.   Working in MACRO (extreme close-up work and often in a 1.1 ratio) adds a definite challenge to the process.  I also use the “focus stacking” process for the majority of my work using a very shallow “depth of field” (what’s in focus and what is not)  trying to omit unsightly backgrounds,  or just for that lovely “Bokeh” (blur) putting more emphasis on my subject for less distractions to the viewers eye.

However, with the use of the shallow depth of field,  and especially at such a close approach,  it’s almost impossible to get the entire flower in focus thus requiring the technique of focus stacking which consists of capturing multiple images, masking only the sharp areas and combining them in a stack to create a final image.   Luckily today the process is fairly automated with modern software like Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom.   I won’t go into with the details as there are plenty of tutorials on the web.

The LED readout of color temperature and percentage in power of the Aputure Amaran F7 LED
and using the Kirk Rail to make tiny adjustments in focus for the stack of captures…

I use the technique pictured above and many others for my wildflower photography with a wide selection of camera bodies,  lenses,  lighting and support.   I use only the “full frame” sensor bodies including the Canon EOS 5D,  5D Mark III  and 5D Mark IV.

Lenses include the Canon “L” series,  Sigma Art series,  Zeiss Milvus (Distagon) series  and the “new guy on the block”,   IRIX whose 150 mm MACRO has become a “Go-to” for more occasions than not.

Lighting includes both flash and LED and sometimes multiple sources “off camera” of one or the other.  Focus is “always” manual and never “auto”.  The same goes for white balance, ISO and exposure.  You do not want any thing to change during the capture of a “focus stack”.   If your shooting using natural light and it changes even slightly,  you start the stack over from square one.

 

Liparis loeselii,  or the Loesel’s Wide Lipped Orchid,  was yet another amazing find by my friend Merry Stinson and within the Michaux State Forest.   She discovered this specimen,  and a small group of others in a small isolated wet area located next to a stand of pines nearby one of the forest reservoirs that simulated a small bog,  but lacked any other bog type plant species,  so I decided to include this orchid species with my woodland orchid collection.   The orchid’s normal habitat includes moist meadows, fens, and bogs, as well as shorelines and moist disturbed areas.  This orchid is considered “Globally secure” but is rare throughout most of its range.

The fruit/seed pods of the Loesel’s Wide Lipped Orchid

Liparis loeselii,  is another one of the orchid species that is extremely inconspicuous and due to its small size is easy to wander by on your botanical outings.   For the same reason,  its actual populations are truly unknown.   As far as pollination, t he orchid is autogamous (self-fertilization} and this is accomplished as the flower ages.  Again, depending on geographical location the zygomorphic flowers appear between June and July.

The flowers of Liparis loeselii close up..

Photographing the Loesel’s Wide Lipped Orchid became an “Adventure” on my second outing in the Michaux State Forest.   Due to it’s small size,  and my desire not to just “shoot down” at my subject,   I had to lie prone on the wet ground subjecting myself to what ever “creepy crawlers” inhabited the area and unfortunately,  this is how most of my small plant photography takes place.   I normally keep myself well saturated with tick repellent both on my clothes and exposed skin and “knock on wood”,  so far,  these tiny insects have yet to be an issue.

While photographing the orchid,  I felt a little bit of weight moving across my back and was alarmed to see a 4 foot Timber Rattlesnake crossing over my prone body and then pause for a second or two, give me a look and then continue on his way,  most likely thinking how lucky I was .  I’ve had numerous encounters with this species and others,  but never so “up close and personal”.

The images of the Liparis loeselii,  or the Loesel’s Wide Lipped Orchid presented above were captured with the Canon EOS 5D (original),   the Sigma 180mm f2.8 MACRO, and Canon EF 100mm f2.8L MACRO lens,  lighting with the Canon 580Ex Speedlight,  support included the Induro CT 214 8X carbon fiber tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH40 Ballhead.

Spiranthes cernua,  or the Nodding Ladies’ Tresses orchid is just one of the Spiranthes genus found in our state and is widely distributed across the coastal plain and southern Appalachian chain.   The ones presented here were very close to the Loesel’s Wide Lipped Orchids pictured above, and along the shoreline of the same Michaux State Forest reservoir in a moist meadow habitat.   In fact,  they’re sometimes hard to reach without a good pair of muck boots.   During a few recent years the reservoir water levels literally cover the majority of the location at times.   The grasses can be saturated with ticks so repellent is a must and a “self-check” is the order of the day after any outing.

The “tightly twisted” spirals of the blooms of the Nodding Ladies’ Tresses orchid before full bloom

I’d love to spend more time in pursuit for other members of the Spiranthes genus and plan to as I find the opportunities.   I’ve been photographing the ones here at this location over the past six years and enjoy them immensely.   The image above,  “tightly twisted” was captured several years before the more recent pictured here.

A solitary blooming Spiranthes cernua isolated form the rest..

Normal habitats for this orchid include Bogs,  disturbed habitats,   fens,  marshes,  meadows and woodlands.   Pollination can take place through autogamy and agamospermy;  however,  the Yellow Bumble Bee,   Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Yellow-banded Bumble Bee are known insect pollinators,    along with a few unidentified bees.   This orchid is a favorite of some crab spiders as pictured below hiding behind a bloom at the top of the plant.

Nodding Ladies’ Tresses orchid with a Crab Spider friend hiding at the top

This is an orchid of the late summer and early fall and depending on geographical location,  reaches full bloom between August and October,  extending my wild orchid photography opportunities along with many other “late season” wildflowers I like to pursue,  especially the Gentians.   Below is a closer view of the lovely blooms of Spiranthes cernua…

All of the images above were captured with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the new IRIX 150mm f 2.8 MACRO lens,  with the exception of the second image “tightly twisted”,  which was photographed with the original Canon EOS 5D and the Canon EF 100mm MACRO; and it was also the older and original version of that lens,  and was captured with flash.    Lighting for the newer images was using the Aputure Amaran F7 LED light source( single).   Support was the Induro CT 214 Tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH 40 Ballhead.

ow is the time to add a bit of colorful drama to the remaining wild Woodland Orchid species and those that really “stand out”,   and draw attention from the average passerby.   Unlike the demurer ones above that blend well into their surroundings well,  the following are far more popular,  and sometimes a little too much so to inspire picking and poaching of the plants for personal gardening and commercial sales.   Like the ones above,  there are still many species I pursue to capture photographically.


Galearis spectabilis, or commonly known as the Showy Orchid,  can be found across central and eastern Canada,   then south from Quebec to Oklahoma.   The ones pictured here were photographed in the southernmost portion of the Michaux State Forest in Franklin County Pennsylvania,   and just above the Maryland state line,   just a few yards off  the famous and well traveled Appalachian Trail.   My fore-mentioned friend, Merry Stinson recently introduced me to another location,  not too far above this one,  that I hope to visit more often  this spring.  I also have several locations in Dauphin and Lancaster County Pennsylvania that host this lovely plant.

The buds of the Showy Orchid faintly presenting the pink/purple sepals and inner petals

Galearis spectabilis prefers dry to moist forest and woodland ecosystems,  and the ones I discover most often,  seem to prefer rocky trail edges and sometimes near the bases of large and older hardwoods.   I’ve also found them thriving along roadsides,  especially gravel.   They’re easily distinguished from other orchid species by their 2 basal leaves and distinctive multiple flowers.  Like many species of wildflowers,  the best photography occurs freshly after the bloom and before rains tatter and discolor their petals.

A Showy Orchid near the base of a hardwood among the scatter of leaves…

This orchid is pollinated by a variety of Bumble Bee Queens,  to include the Yellow Bumble Bee,  Brown-belted Bumble Bee,  Common Eastern Bumble Bee,  Nevada Bumble Bee,  American Bumble Bee and Half-Back Bumble Bee.   In Canada, a smaller orchard typed bee, the Mason Bee is an important pollinator.

A Showy Orchid of the Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania

The zygomorphic flowers bloom from May to June depending on Geographical location and elevation,  Above is a closer view of the lovely blooms.   The base petals are white with others of pink to a deep purple. Plant height ranges from 5 to 35 centimeters and can be easy to overlook,   even with the colorful appearance.   The Showy Orchid is purely a favorite of mine.

A closeup of the Showy Orchid Bloom

The above images of the Showy Orchid were photographed with the original Canon EOS 5D and the Sigma 180mm f 2.8 MACRO prime,  which replaced my Canon EF 180mm f3.5L MACRO due to its superior color rendition, sharpness and lovey BOKEH from its 8 bladed diaphragm.   Lighting was by the Canon 580EX Speedlight using a Sto-fen diffuser.   Support was the Induro CT 214 carbon-fiber tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH 40 Ballhead.


Cypripedium acaule,  commonly known as the Pink Lady’s Slipper Orchid or Moccasin Flower,  is likely the most cherished and photographed of our wild orchid species,  and is widely distributed across the eastern United States,  eastern to central Canada,  from Alabama to the Northwest Territories.

There is no shortage of this colorful orchid in our nearby Michaux State Forest although they can be somewhat hard to find at times,  and most of us who know their locations keep a “hushed” attitude and hardly ever share the spots with the general public due to the tendency of folks wanting to pick them,  dig them up for the home garden  or outright poaching,    Cultivating these orchids from the wild plant is hardly ever successful and most all of these plants take a number of years till their first flowering.

Early stage of the Moccasin Flower before maturity and full bloom …

Unlike most wild orchids generally pursued with the knowledge of isolated habitats and ecosystems,  the Pink Lady’s Slipper can appear seemingly anywhere,  and within a various habitat reference including Bogs, forests, barrens, swamps and woodlands,  as long as a much needed fungi is available for their existence.

I’ve found this orchid in a mixture of woodlands consisting of Pines,  confers and hardwoods.   During their bloom spotting them is fairly simple if not hidden by grasses or shrubs as their magenta/red flower sticks out like a sore thumb in the more open spaces.   It’s always exciting to find them.   At times you can find solitary plants and other times in colonies.

Pollination of this orchid is by the same Bumble Bees listed above with the addition of the Ashton Cuckoo Bumble Bee,  Northern Amber Bumble Bee and Fernald Cuckoo Bumble Bee.   However,  the process takes place through deception as the bees are lured to the flower by their bright color and sweet scent and  find little reward for the bee itself.   After it enters the flower the bee becomes trapped with only a single exit and during the bee’s frantic escape releases the pollen.   Bees learn to avoid this flower resulting in low pollination rates for many of them.

Dueling Ladies along the Michaux State Forest floor…

The zygomorphic flowering of the Cypripedium acaule occurs between May and July based on geographical location as a single bloom sits above two basal leaves close to the ground. The height of the plant ranges from 10 to 61 centimeters.  I find the best photography opportunities occur on bright overcast days to keep the rich colors from over-saturating, however in the shade I will often use artificial light.

There are other members of the Cypripedium genus of orchids native to the United states including Cypripedium kentuckiense (Kentucky Lady Slipper Orchid), Cypripedium montanum (Northwest Mountain Lady Slipper Orchid), Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum (Small Yellow Lady Slipper Orchid), Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens (Large Yellow Lady Slipper Orchid), Cypripedium reginae (Showy Lady Slipper Orchid) and the Cypripedium reginae ‘Alba’ (White Showy Lady Slipper Orchid), all of which I hope to pursue.

Photography of the above Pink Lady’s Slipper Orchids,  including the “title image” at the beginning of this article took place over a number of years and captured with both the original Canon EOS 5D and EOS 5D III using a variety of lenses and techniques.  Most were captured using “natural” light.


Platanthera ciliaris,  or the Orange Fringed Bog Orchid,  and sometimes noted simply as the Yellow or Orange-fringed Orchid,  is widely distributed throughout central to eastern Canada and the United States,  from Florida to Ontario,  and then along the Gulf Coast to Texas.   Colors can vary from a pale yellow to a dense orange based on soil nutrients and habitat.

This is the first large and showy fringed orchid I was introduced to by a close friend pictured by the “title” image above captured along a roadside and popular fly-fishing stream in Dauphin County Pennsylvania some years back. (2012)

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation almost destroyed the location by filling the ditch with heavy rocks to curtail erosion and protect the roadway.  Luckily and amazingly new plants emerged a little farther up the embankment in areas that remained moist.   I still visit this location on a yearly basis.

The image below is a budding plant from the same location photographed last summer. (2019)

A budding Platanthera ciliaris, Dauphin County Pennsylvania

Also last summer,  I was slowly exploring a gravel forest road that I had yet to travel over my years visiting the Michaux State Forest when I caught a glimpse of yellow down an embankment while looking and listening for warblers and was excited and amazed to find two blooming plants of the Orange Fringed Bog Orchid,  and the first I have ever seen in this forest so close to home.   As I mentioned before,  I always take a camera and MACRO lenses along during my avian photography outings,  so I packed up some gear and carefully descended down the steep bank.   These orchids were growing in a small wet boggy spot near a fallen tree of which I had to carefully move aside some of the rotting limbs to photograph the orchids.   I am excited about this coming summer and hopefully finding them again,  especially since I noted a few other interesting plants around too.

Orange Fringed Bog Orchid,  Michaux State Forest,  Pennsylvania

This orchid is pollinated by butterfly’s including the Monarch Butterfly,  Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly,  Black Swallowtail Butterfly,  Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly, Striped Hairstreak Butterfly and the Whitelined Sphinx Moth as they carry pollen from flower to flower while they search for nectar.

The Orange Fringed Bog Orchid van be found in a variety of ecosystems including the moist areas of Bogs, disturbed habitats, marshes, meadows, prairie and savanna.

Michaux State Forest, Pennsylvania

Platanthera ciliaris flowers between July and September based on Geographical location and elevation.  For a better idea,  the ones photographed in the Michaux State Forest were captured on July 26th, 2019  and the one from Dauphin County on July 16th 2019,  ten days apart and was not quite in full bloom.   I usually start looking for these during the first week in July and throughout the month and beyond.   The plants are normally between 30 and 100 centimeters in height.

Platanthera ciliaris, Michaux State Forest, Franklin County, Pennsylvania

 

The images of the Orange Fringed Orchids above (with the exception of the “title image” were captured with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon EF 100mm f2.8L MACRO prime lens using flash from the Canon 430EX Speedlight with diffusion, The title image was captured with the original Canon EOS 5D and the Sigma 180mm f2.8 MACRO prime lens and the Canon 580EX Speedlight .Support was the Induro CT 214 carbon fiber tripod and the Really Right Stuff BH 40 Ballhead…

 

s mentioned in my introduction above, My “endeavor of passion” and exploration for wild woodland orchids will continue and this post will be constantly added to and updated as I continue “this work in progress” over the upcoming years with new species and I will note ant events of such…. Just remember to “keep a tight lip” on orchid locations by generalizing and never “exact” to protect these lovely species for all to enjoy and discover on their own.

 

This article and post is dedicated to,  and with My Loving Memory of,  best friend and mentor,  “in more ways than one”,
Elmer H. Schweitzer
1923 – 2017

 

 

 

 

Woodland Orchids
March 2020

 

A Celebration of Our American Bald Eagle

Posted by Jim Flowers on March 28, 2020
Posted in: Birding, Birds, North American Raptors. Tagged: Bald Eagle, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Codorus State Park, Conowingo Dam, Dorchester County, Maryland. 3 Comments

Once threatened to the brink of extinction throughout most of its range,  the American Bald Eagle has made an amazing recovery considering 40 or so years back their numbers were dwindling.   The threat consisted of habitat destruction and degradation,  illegal shooting,  and the contamination of their food sources,  due to use of the pesticide DDT.   Based on the US Fish and Wildlife data sources,  the year 1940 saw the first regulatory commitments for the protection of our majestic National Bird when Congress passed the “Bald Eagle Protection Act”,  and was later amended to include golden eagles and renamed the “Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act”.

More regulations were to follow with the timeline consisting of the following additions by year:  1966 Endangered Species Preservation Act authorizes land acquisition to conserve “selected species of native fish and wildlife”,   1972 – Eagles gain protection under Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the use of DDT was banned in United States by the Environmental Protection Agency,

Image to the right:  Captured in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge “Back-country”, Maryland …

1973 –  Endangered Species Act signed into law which included the Bald Eagle on the list as Endangered,  1982 – Southwestern Bald Eagle Recovery Plan was established,   1983 – Northern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan was imposed,   1986 – Recovery Plan for the Pacific Bald Eagle  was established,    1989 – Southeastern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan took effect,   1990 – Chesapeake Bay Bald Eagle Recovery Plan was established,   1995 – Final Rule to Change Status of Bald Eagle from Endangered to Threatened was imposed.

Then due to a “noticeable” recovery in 1999,  the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published, in the Federal Register, a Proposed Rule to remove the Bald Eagle from Endangered Species Act protection.   Then in 2006 re-opened a comment period on proposal to delist.  The Bald Eagle was removed from the list of Threatened and Endangered Species on August 9, 2007.

“Mom and Pop”,  Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area,  Maryland

The recovery of the Bald Eagle is truly an “American Success Story” in total and today we are blessed with numerous opportunities to observe,  photograph and enjoy their presence.  In fact,  I have 4 to 5, if not more nesting pairs within a close proximity to my residence here in south-central Pennsylvania with many more within an easy drive.  They’ve become a common sight perched or flying above throughout the year.

Although, I’m not much of an eagle photographer,  I do enjoy the opportunities that occur, especially around my two nearby lakes in the area,  and recently I’ve tried to concentrate more on “flight” than anything else.  I do have close friends, one of which I will mention later that share total dedication, if not an obsession for these magnificent raptors.

“Sunrise on the Maple Dam Marsh” of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

One of my favorite “haunts” over the years has been exploring the “back-country” of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Dorchester County.  A close friend,  Larry Hitchens of Easton jokingly describes the area as “Lower Slower Dorchester” and his jest lives up to its name in more ways than one,  but primarily for lots of off the beaten path roads and trails to explore.  However, some are suited for four-wheel drive vehicles only, not so much the road surfaces themselves,  but many flood with tidal brackish water or from heavy rains,  and you sure don’t want to get all of your wheels off on the deceptive grassy shoulders alone or a tow truck may be necessary, “if your lucky and can reach one by phone”.

The refuge itself is expansive covering more than 28,894.35 acres,  then adjoining the Fishing Bay Wildlife Management area virtually adding another 29,000 acres.  The refuge has a Wildlife Drive which I humorously call the “Human Life” drive because in this day a time its more mimicking of a State Park.   If you’re into watching people and socializing,  it’s pretty much the place to be with joggers, walkers and bicyclist, not to mention sometimes heavy vehicle traffic enjoying the loop around the marsh and freshwater impoundments.

However, during the colder winter months, especially with waterfowl present,  the drive can be fine for observation and photography when the birds are close in and the people visiting are far less.  But the drive is not a favorite of mine and I can count the fingers on one hand as to the times I have driven it over the past 10 years.

“Eagle Rise”,  the image to the left,  was captured just a  hundred yards down Maple Dam Road from where the sunrise image above was captured, I spotted the pair as I was packing up and quickly and quietly traveled down the road and took the image from a bean bag support sitting on my vehicle’s door window and was able to capture the same mood.  It was a cold and frosty February morning and the beginning of a wonderful day exploring some of  the back-roads and then spending the afternoon at the infamous duck photographers wall on the Choptank River.

“Twilight Three Year Old”  Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland

The image above was captured just recently,  2020 on another chilly February morning and again along Maple Dam Road,  but this time during the cusp of Nautical to Civil Twilight,  about 35 minutes before sunrise.    I had just finished walking the dog at the Shorter’s Warf boat launch and was slowly making my way back to the north when I noticed a faint strange object atop an old stump in the marsh close to the road.

I turned off my headlights and slowly crept forward until I was even with the mysterious object,  turned off the ignition and tried to make out what it was.   It was still quite dark with just a hint of a glow to the east reflecting across the marsh.   I finally realized it was an eagle and foolishly tried to take a few shots.

It was a great test for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the new Sigma 70-200 Sports lens along with an ISO of 12800 at f4.   I really didn’t bother to check the exposures on the LCD figuring the images would end up in the “recycle bin” anyway and I had wasted my time.  Well,  I was surprised to say the least…

“Who Dat?”,  Juvenile Bald Eagle along Maple Dam Road giving me a curious look…

The refuge and the surrounding area are definitely the place to find eagles if your interested. The scattered Loblolly Pine shelter-belts throughout the area provide dispersed, but close together nesting locations and the accompanying waters, plenty of food. For the wildlife watcher the area offers an abundance of visual opportunities of numerous species of birds and mammals…

“The Chase is On”,  Conowingo Dam, Harford County, Maryland

Located just below the Pennsylvania State Line on the Susquehanna River in Harford County Maryland lies one of the most popular Bald Eagle watcher/photographer locations in the United States,  and is visited by these dedicated folks from all over our country.   The hydro-electric turbine outflow and spillway from this old structure dating back to 1928,  create a torrent of oxygen rich water favorable to fish and of course their predators which here creates a “Gathering of Eagles” sometimes in triple digit numbers,  especially during the Fall months with their peak occurring in November.  The Dam is presently owned by the Exelon Power Corporation.

“Overhead Youngster”, juvenile Bald Eagle at Conowingo

Not too many years back,  the Exelon company built a “fisherman’s deck” closer to the rivers surface at the base of the dam which is very popular with the photographers allowing them a stable platform to set up their cameras and tripods for a much lower angle to capture the fishing eagles.  During the busy season photographers can be shoulder to shoulder creating an almost “circus” like presence which is not for this old photographic hermit who strives for solitude.   Today and at the peak of activity,  parking can be scarce requiring long hikes,  or the use of shuttle buses provided from satellite lots.

“Snack Time” with the catch above the Conowingo Dam parking lot..

For the past few years there has been much debate over the viability of the damn with some environmental groups wanting to see it removed and the dam’s existence is certainly in question as are other structures further upstream.  Exelon,  as well as previous owners have tried to cater to the concerns by environmental organizations and activists in the past with “lifts” for migrating fish and trying to keep the river free of floating debris,  so only time will tell.

The dam is a visit any eagle lover should try to experience,  even with the crowds and mobility headaches the active season creates. It is truly something to behold!

Living just above the Mason-Dixon Line in rural Adams County Pennsylvania,  I am blessed to have several small reservoirs,  a beautiful State Park and lake,  along with a forested watershed and back-roads,  all within a few minutes from my home.   As an “aspiring naturalist” and photographer of nature,  one couldn’t ask for a better location.

The lake and one of its coves have become lovingly so as my own “Private Conowingo” with much better scenery and colors than the Dam as well as very few if any people.

Over the past few years,  a small group of us with similar interest in photography and nature have formed a Facebook gathering known as “The Tribe” where we can share our photo’s and get together on occasion. Lately that “cove” has become out meeting place, and quite often as of late.

This cove is also a favored feeding location of our resident Bald Eagles and Osprey families along with other raptors and a host of waterfowl and shorebirds during migration. I can set up right next to my Jeep and photograph from a lawn chair at water level.

Its by far not the constant eagle show as at the Conowingo Dam,  but taking it easy,  perhaps enjoying a conversation with friends and a little patience always pays off in dividends.   Our subjects literally come to us and entertain. I  hardly publicize the location because the last thing we want is another circus as the Dam has become over the past few years.

The images above and below are a fishing sequence I captured a few weeks back from our cove and some of the better “flight” captures I have of fishing eagles.

As I’ve mentioned before, “I’m not much of an eagle photographer, at least not in the past, but my interest has been quickly growing and I especially enjoy the camaraderie of our little group…

I would like to mention one very “special person” by name,  Karen Lippy,  and she has sort of adopted the role of “Eagle Momma” as far as I am concerned. Her dedication to our local eagles is unmatched by any means by her consistent vigilance and concerns.   She spends many of her days driving around and keeping a watchful eye on their welfare,  especially their nesting progress and she posts almost daily reports to our local group on Facebook.  I,  like others look forward to seeing her out and about and meeting up for a conversation or two.  Karen has also published children’s books on our local eagles as well and they’re quite interesting and most of all fun.  Here is a “highlighted”  LINK  to her website.

Finally, I hope everyone enjoyed a small presentation of my Bald Eagle photography and have the opportunity to get out and enjoy them on your own. I hope to spend more time in the future capturing their presence as well as my other interests.  The “Stay at Home” directives during this Corona Virus mess have presented me with opportunities to accomplish a bit of work I have been wanting to finish.  So, I wish everyone well and “Be Careful” if you’re out and about ….   Happy Birding and Photography!

“Water Walkers” A Collection of Favorites from our Coastal Plains

Posted by Jim Flowers on October 22, 2019
Posted in: Birding, Birds, Coastal Birds, Travel. 2 Comments

Tri-colored Heron,  San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge,
Brazoria County,  Matagorda County,  Texas

midst a mixture of old and new,  I decided to put together a collection of some of my favorite “Wading” birds from my archives over the years and present them here in my Blog.    These were captured from various locations,   from the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana,   northward to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern coastal plains and marshes of the United States.  Much of my time has been devoted to small songbirds and wildflowers most recently,   so I thought it might be fun “look back” and reminisce a bit.   These are not presented in any particular order, alphabetically nor chronologically…. Although not a Egret or Heron,  but a member of the family Threskiornithidae,   I included the Roseate Spoonbill simply due to its size and communal habits of roosting and socializing with species included herein.

Snowy Egret,  Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge,
Chambers County,  Texas

 

Snowy Egret,  Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge,
Atlantic County, Ocean County,  New Jersey

f the Egrets, the Snowy is quite the “showoff”,   especially while herding his prey or staking out territory.   Rapidly prancing through the shallow tidal flats, wings spread is a common and comical sight.   It’s “snow white” feathers,  black legs and yellow feet create quite the visual spectacle adding to his clownish behavior.

Snowy Egret,
Brazoria County,  Texas

 

Snowy Egrets sparring,  West Galveston Island,
Galveston County  Texas

 

Great Egret,  Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge,
Kent County,  Delaware

 

Great Egrets “sparring”,  West Galveston Island,
Galveston County,  Texas

raceful Elegance fully describes this largest member of the Egret family in all of its snow-white splendor.   Not as comical and aggressive as the Snowy Egret,  but deliberate yet cautious while feeding and considerably slower and precise in movements.   It hosts a lovely breeding plumage with the glowing green lore before the eye.   A photographic challenge for exposure, but worth the extra effort.

Great Egret,  San Luis Pass,
Galveston County,  Texas

 

Great Egret “in flight”,  Trinity River Island Recreation Area,
Wallisville, Chambers County,  Texas

 

Reddish Egret,  Houston Audubon Shorebird Sanctuary,
Port Bolivar,  Galveston County,  Texas   (and 2 images below)

 

 

he Reddish Egret is truly the “showman” of the Egret family with its running, spinning with wings spread herding it’s meals. I’ve also found although cautious, this bird is one of the most “approachable” of the Egret’s in the wild.  It displays two color morph’s maintaining them from juvenile to adult age. I have been lucky to observe and photograph both.  Both morph’s presented here were photographed along the upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Reddish Egret,  White Morph,  San Luis Pass,
Galveston County,  Texas   (and 2 images below)

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron “portrait”,  Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge,
Chambers County,  Texas

 

Great Blue Heron,  Pinks Pond
Cambridge,  Dorchester County,  Maryland

imply the most widely photographed and common of our large wading birds is the Great Blue Heron with its vast distribution throughout the United States from sea to shining sea,   and just about every wildlife/nature photographer,  from hobbyist to professional will have at least one image or two within their portfolios.    Amusingly,  even with my large inventory of avian subjects,  I have only a few,  and not because I don’t see them,  but finding an “attractive” specimen in pleasing surroundings can be difficult at times;  and then,  I’m usually “side-lined” by other subjects.

Great Blue Heron “on Ice”,  Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge,
Atlantic County, Ocean County,  New Jersey

 

Great Blue Heron “takeoff”,  Yellow Breeches Creek,
Cumberland County,  Pennsylvania

 

Tricolored Heron “at sunrise”,  Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge,
Chambers County,  Texas   (and image below)

 

ith the “comical” characteristic behavior of the Snowy and Reddish Egret’s,  the Tricolored Heron is by far the most colorful,  especially at sunrise as pictured above.   These are so much fun to observe around other like species with their “cocky” attitudes,  strutting and displaying,  making holding the camera still by chuckling a chore.   Thank-goodness for tripods!    Truly a popular wading bird with photographers.

Tricolored Heron “on the prowl”,   Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge,
Brazoria County,  Texas

 

Tri-colored Heron,  San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge,
Brazoria County,  Matagorda County,  Texas

 

Little Blue Heron foraging,  Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge,
Cameron Parish,  Louisiana  (and two images below)

 

f all the herons I have photographed,  the Little Blue has been somewhat my nemesis with capturing close and quality images of them.   Not because I haven’t seen my share of them,  but only at great distances and seemingly appear quite shy within our refuge system and I try to keep my image cropping to a bare minimum.   Luckily though,  I have had several in the recent past allow a fairly close approach and some decent photography.   I continue to keep an eye out for this species.

 

Little Blue Heron,  Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge,
Chambers County,  Texas

 

Black-crowned Night-Heron,  Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge,
Kent County,  Delaware  (and the four images below)

 

he Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge within the state of Delaware has presented me with the finest opportunities to photograph this Night-Heron species and on numerous occasions,  especially while foraging in the Shearness Pool and roosting in the surrounding trees of the Finis Pool.  However,   I’ve observed and photographed them in various locations.   All of the above images were captured over 13 years back at this wonderful Delaware Refuge and long before it became so popular with the crowds.

 

Black-crowned Nigh-Heron, “Juvenile”,

 

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron,  Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge,
Cameron Parish,  Louisiana  (and two images below)

 

f the two Night-Herons, the Yellow-crowned is the least attractive to me and has been more difficult to find here in the Mid-Atlantic region, however breeding maps and surveys show them as very prevalent in this area.  I’ve seen plenty along the Gulf Coasts of Texas and Louisiana in the marshes and brackish ditches. They were numerous at the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge along the Pintail Drive. This refuge is a “must visit” and has a wonderful visitor’s center and is just south of the city of Lake Charles.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron,  “Juvenile”

 

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron,  “Juvenile” Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge,
Brazoria County, Texas

 

Green Heron,  Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge,
Kent County,  Delaware

 

Green Heron,  Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge,
Cameron Parish,  Evangeline Parish,  Louisiana

lthough small in size,  the Green Heron is no less a prize for the photographer and birding enthusiast,  but like the Bitterns,  blend in well with their surroundings and can be difficult to see.   And unlike most of the other Egrets and Herons,  can be extremely secretive.   I can remember devoting entire afternoons seeking this species alone at the Finis Pool of the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in the state of Delaware.   This Heron is not entirely dedicated to coastal areas and can be found far inland in many wetlands and freshwater marshes.   We have several “resident” Greenie’s at a couple of the lakes here close to home,   such as the one pictured above at the nearby Codorus State Park and Lake Marburg.

Green Heron “on the prowl”,  Black Rock Flats,
Codorus State Park,   York County,  Pennsylvania

 

Green Heron, “with a snack”  Trinity River Island Recreation Area
Chambers County,   Texas

As noted above in the description,  this has been a journey of many past years from my initial interest in Nature and Avian photography to the present day,  and my photographic gear has changed dramatically over that period,  as well as my experience level within this phase of the photographic craft.   I have found it very rewarding and soothing compared to, and unlike my days as a professional commercial photographer,  and then imaging professional with National Geographic Magazine under the pressure of clients and magazine deadlines.   Back in those days,  the last thing I wanted to do was to pick up a camera on a weekend;  today it’s second nature to do so.   All of the images above were captured with Canon cameras to include the EOS 1D,  ID Mark IIN,  5D,  5D III and the EOS 7D II.   As far as the 35mm format, I have been with Canon from “Day One” and continue to be…   Lenses include the old Canon EF 100-400L, appropriately nicknamed the “Dust Pumper,  EF 70-200 f2.8L and the big brawny EF 400 f2.8L while more recently the Sigma 150-600mm Sports and the new Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 Sports,  both of which are outstanding in build and image quality as well as versatile.

I hope everyone enjoyed this post and presentation,  and as always comments and questions are welcome!

 

 

Just Passing Through,….. the Palm Warbler

Posted by Jim Flowers on October 15, 2019
Posted in: Birding, Birds, Woodland Warblers. Leave a comment

Palm Warbler, Yellow (Spring)  Setophaga palmarum. hypochrysea
Kowomu Trail,  Carroll County,  Maryland

Like the Magnolia Warbler,  the Palm Warbler’s name has very little to do with its preferred habitat.   The Palm Warbler was named by Johann Friedrich Gmelin,  a German naturalist, botanist, entomologist, herpetologist,  and malacologist based on a specimen collected on Hispaniola,  a Caribbean island with a lot of palm trees.  (I added the Palm tree by the title for humor and a splash of color)   Despite its name, the Palm Warbler is among the northernmost breeding of any Setophaga species.   Only the Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) has a more northerly breeding distribution.

Palm Warbler, Yellow (Fall)  Setophaga palmarum. hypochrysea
Willoughby Run,  Adams County,  Pennsylvania

Setophaga palmarum,  or Palm Warbler include two subspecies,  Setophaga palmarum. Hypochrysea  Yellow)  and eastern pictured here,  and Setophaga palmarum. Palmarum,  or western,  which is much duller in color and are easily identified in the field.   They comprise two separate breeding grounds,  but may overlap on their wintering grounds.

Spring,  Kowomu Trail,  Carroll County,  Maryland

Breeding grounds of the Eastern (Yellow) and the Western Palm warblers can be separated by the city of Ottawa Ontario with Hypochrysea to the east of and Palmarum to the west of.   Favored habitat includes the bogs and fens of Boreal forests within the northernmost United States extending into the northernmost reaches of Canada.    Audubon’s scientist through studies,  project that the Palm Warbler could loose 83% of it’s breeding range due to Climate Change in the future.

Fall,  Willoughby Run,  Adams County,  Pennsylvania

As far as breeding vegetation,  the Palm prefers sphagnum bogs and fens with scattered cedar, tamarack, and spruce trees.   The western Palm will also breed within the dry pine barrens of boreal forests which include ground covers of blueberry, bear-berry,  and sweet fern.

During migration preferred habitats include old hedgerows,  edges of streams and ponds,  overgrown fields, and open pastures.

The Palm Warbler,  including both eastern and western,  winter primarily along the Gulf Coast and southeastern states and Caribbean islands.   See the map to the right denoting it’s ranges from breeding north to wintering south.

Spring,  Kowomu Trail,  Carroll County,  Maryland

As I noted above with the title “Just Passing Through”,  seeing,  more less photographing the Palm Warbler here in the Mid-Atlantic states is a matter of luck,  and only during the short duration of spring and fall migration while the birds are passing through.   I have caught a few glimpses of this species during winter visits home to Texas and Louisiana and along the Gulf coastal plains and their wintering grounds.

A year back, Spring of 2018, and  while searching for Yellow and Blue-winged Warblers along the Kowomu Trail,  a narrow gravel back-road,  just south of the Mason Dixon Line in Carroll County Maryland,  I was amazed to find a solitary Palm in full breeding plumage perched in a small tree along the roadside.   He gave me ample opportunities for some quality photography.   This was the first I’d ever seen in breeding plumage and during the spring.   “It was a marvelous occasion”.

Listen to the song of the breeding Palm Warbler below.  It’s a weak and dry trill,  like that of Chipping Sparrow,  but slower.
https://birdsandblooms.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/palm-warbler.mp3

Fall,  Willoughby Run,  Adams County,  Pennsylvania

The Fall of 2013 allowed me the first opportunity for good images of the Palm during the Fall migration with the images pictured here.   Warblers were not my targeted species,  but migrating raptors instead along one of my favorite haunts,  just west of the borough of historic Gettysburg and its Civil War battlefield,   through the Freedom Township Grasslands.   I was following Red Rock Road along Willoughby Run,  a small meadow stream and noticed a flock of small birds isolated to several small trees along the brushy creek-side and stopped to take a gander.  I observed a bird constantly flicking and cocking its tail and strutting on the small branches with a backdrop of orange and gold colors.   I wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass and quickly started taking photographs.   I had no idea what the species was as this was my first introduction to the Palm and waited to get home and post-process the images and do a little research.   What a “fun” discovery this turn out to be.  Yet another warbler to add to my growing list!

Fall,  Willoughby Run,  Adams County,  Pennsylvania

Photographically speaking …

Of all my small bird photography,  Warblers are my favorite and a glowing passion!   For this series,  and during both the Fall and Spring sessions with this species,   I was awarded with lovely “natural light” with a muted sun due to a thin overcast,  which I prefer and I couldn’t have asked for better conditions.   Most of my warbler photography takes place under dense forest canopies which requires the use of flash at a minimum.

The Spring images were captured with the Canon EOS 7D II and the Sigma 150-600 Sports telephoto lens.

The Fall images were captured with the Canon EOS 1D Mark IIN and the big Canon EF 400mm f2.8L

All images were captured from a beanbag from my vehicle window,  and one of my favorite methods for a minimal disturbance to my subjects and to their well-being.

Spring,  Kowomu Trail,  Carroll County,  Maryland

Happy Birding and Photography Everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Pine Barren Blues”, Gentiana autumnalis, The Pine Barren Gentian

Posted by Jim Flowers on September 24, 2019
Posted in: Blooms, Travel. Tagged: Gentiana autumnalis, New Jersey.Pinelands, Pine Barren Gentian, Pinelands Alliance. 2 Comments

Our North Atlantic Coastal Plain Pitch Pine Barrens are a fascinating and magical ecosystem with specific plants and animals found only within these environments.  This blog entry is dedicated to just one of many,   the “Pine Barren Gentian”;  and from one geographical location,  the Pinelands Preserve (Pine Barrens) of the state of New Jersey.
see map to the right

A good description of this ecosystem would include a dry or damp and fire-adapted forest  with a variable canopy of pitch pine and cedar,  a tall-shrub layer dominated by scrub oak,   and a low shrub layer characterized by blueberry and various other heaths.

The North Atlantic Coastal Plain Pitch Pine Barrens include distribution within four states,  New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island  with the largest percentage (66%) located in New Jersey at 326,469 acres  and the smallest within the state of Rhode Island (1%) at 3,782 acres.  There are similar habitats farther south including the states Delaware, Virginia, the Carolina’s and Georgia.  However, the state of Maryland is excluded from such habitats.

I began my exploration of the Pine Barrens about 10 years back with an aspiring interest in the photography of mysterious bog plants,  especially the orchids and carnivorous species introduced to me by a close friend.  Prior to that,  I had visited New Jersey on many occasions for coastal avian photography and saltwater fishing.  I was mystified and enchanted by the forests and lore of the area,  although I have yet to meet the Jersey Devil,  but I’m still hopeful of an encounter.

My interest in the various species of the gentian began with the Closed Bottle Gentians,  especially those that I found in abundance along the higher elevations of the West Virginia Appalachians.  These appear as just a “closed” bud,  even at full bloom.   Later,  I had been advised of a gentian that actually opens fully exposing petals and all of its bluish splendor and could be found within the pitch-pine barren habitats of the Atlantic coastal plains.  After a little research,  I set my sights on the New Jersey Pinelands to look for this colorful species.

“Pictured to the left”   is the “bud” of the Pine Barren Gentian with an appearance somewhat like the Closed Bottle gentians I have found and photographed in West Virginia (Dolly Sods) and Pennsylvania. (Michaux State Forest),  but you will notice through the following images this gentian gives birth to a dramatic colorful and fully open display.

I tried hard for several years to find these on my own as actual locations were hardly publicized and like with orchids were kept somewhat a secret simply to protect the plants from poaching and excessive or careless visitations which I thoroughly understand and respect.   Later I acquired some friends local to the barrens and established trust with them and was finally acquainted to several locations these plants could be found.

Like so many wildflowers,  actual bloom times can vary from year to year based on weather and seasonal influences, but normally September to October based on geographical locations,  so visits can be simply “hit or miss” with the emphasis on miss as the rule for this photographer and aspiring naturalist,  “more often than not”..   However,  this fall and with a bit of luck, I hit “pay dirt” on the peak bloom,  except for puffy winds making serious photography extremely difficult.  I literally spent 4 or more hours trying to photograph these plants between puffs of wind and the sun going in and out of the clouds wreaking havoc on the lighting and exposures.  Some of these images are not as sharp and crisp as I would like due to the breeze,  but I did accomplish a bit of success and of course,  “there’s always next year”…….”famous last words”…

The Pine Barren Gentian was originally discovered by American naturalist William Bartram,  who sent a drawing of it to George Edwards,  a British naturalist and ornithologist,  also known as the “father of British ornithology”.   Edwards would publish it in his Gleanings of Natural History as the “Autumnal Perennial Gentian of the Desert”.  However, it was not properly named until 1971, and then from specimens found within the Pine Barrens of South Carolina.  I always find it fascinating to research discoveries and origins of the names of the plant species I photograph, as well as medicinal, cultural and historical data.

This gentian is a perennial herb which thrives in consistently moist,  nutriment poor acidic soils  and sometimes near bogs farther isolating locations for easier searches.  However,   it has been declining over the years like so many species of our “native plants”.   I mentioned “fire adaptive” forests above and these fires help prevent the overtaking of hardwoods and invasive plant species.   Many of the fires are natural in origin from lighting etc.,  but some are prescribed burns to maintain a proper balance of the ecosystem and habitat.

Above and below are a series of photo’s captured during this outing and for those interested I will list the gear used for their capture and a final note.  Please also note that I do not give the “actual” locations of any sensitive plant,  bird or animal species simply for their preservation and safety.   Native plant poaching has been,  and continues to be at an all time high.  Besides, it’s much more gratifying to do the research and travel to discover these treasures on their own.  Then hopefully you will apply the simple rules I follow to yourselves and friends.

I can honestly mention that a majority of my wildflower photography is done under my much preferred “muted” lighting conditions and sometimes even under a dark forest canopy  (especially some of the wild orchids)  and I often use “artificial” methods of lighting such as flash and more recently the newer LED sources where both intensity and light temperature can be controlled to produce “natural” colors lacking any harsh highlights and shadows.   However,  some species like the Pine Barren Gentian,  require full sunlight to open their petals for a full presentation and any lack of it will cause this flower to close its petals and hide their beauty.  I’ve never been successful at “inducing” those conditions with any type of artificial light.

A pollinator and a friend…

I  photographed this series with the full frame Canon EOS 5D Mark III along with the new and recently released IRIX 150mm f 2.8 MACRO Dragonfly lens.   IRIX is Swiss designed and manufactured in South Korea with the optical quality of much more expensive and comparable lenses,  and I can hardly wait to see what’s next in their product line.   I have both of their super-wide angles and have been totally impressed with the quality and build of all three of my investments.   For support I used the Induro CT214 8X Carbon fiber tripod  and of course my “go-to” Really Right Stuff BH 40 Ball Head, both of which are over 12 years old and still look and perform like new.    The camera is attached to the ball head via an RRS Arca Swiss lever clamp to the RRS “L” bracket mounted on the camera.

I normally use a cable release and the “mirror-lockup” function enabled in the camera to further avoid any other unwanted vibrations,  but due to the breeze and quick capture requirements,  both were omitted.   I tried it at first,  but I simply wasn’t fast enough to capture an image without the flower moving out of focus,  so as I mentioned, the image quality suffered a bit.   I still used manual focus which is pretty much the rule for MACRO and closeup techniques as well as serious landscape work to have a positive grasp on “depth of field”. (what is in focus and what is not).    I also had to use a much higher ISO and shutter-speed to help curtail movement of the blooms.    Conditions like this require a lot of patience and some “cursing” under breath.

As a “final note”,   I want to repeat my plea for the protection of any sensitive species, like the Pine Barren Gentian,   whether plant,  bird or animal by not disclosing actual locations of your finds,   especially on the internet where poachers and predators lurk in the shadows on a regular basis.   And I hope all of you enjoyed this presentation.

 

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