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Month: January 2020

My Birding Day: Crown Memorial State Beach

My Birding Day: Crown Memorial State Beach

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Ring-Billed Gull

Begging Ring-Billed Gull, 2020

I opened my eyes to a familiar pounding in my head. Migraine. Damn, there goes my Sunday. I quickly popped various medications, drank some caffeine, and settled in for the unavoidable deep sleep. After a while, I groggily pulled myself together for a little outing for fresh air. Migraine or not, I needed my bird fix for the day.

I’ve been studying gull IDs, so we headed over to Alameda to watch the tame gulls at Crown Memorial State Beach. Right away we were greeted with a batch of gulls in the parking lot. Some were standing around waiting for park visitors to drop a tasty morsel. Others were sitting comfortably and seemed to be melting into the asphalt. I cheerily identified as adult California Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls. So far so good on the IDs!

Sanderlings and Western Sandpipers

Incoming Sanderlings and Western Sandpipers, 2020

I reluctantly strapped on my binoculars and heavy camera setup. I was still drowsy a bit wobbly from the meds. But within minutes of crawling onto the sand, I was mesmerized by the birds and forgot about my weariness. As long as I didn’t spin around too fast tracking bird action, I would be OK. I love how birds can lift your spirits even when you’re feeling cruddy.

The next two-and-a-half hours were spent studying tons of gulls and peeps, trying to discern the various waterfowl out in the bay partaking in a feeding frenzy, and patiently continuing my learning of camera settings. We only walked 0.8 miles away from the car, but it was a peaceful stroll along the beach and the birding was fantastic.

Double-Crested Cormorant

Double-Crested Cormorant Silhouette, 2020

Return of the Swallows

Return of the Swallows

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Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow Getting Ready for Nesting, 2016

I step out into the chilly air, reluctantly escaping the warmth of the car. The sky is blue, the hills are green, and the ponds are inviting me to explore the wintering waterfowl. I make my way towards the water when something catches my attention in the corner of my eye. Actually, make that several somethings. Dark shadows are playfully darting in no discernable pattern across the sky. The swallows are back!

Swallows are starting to become active as they arrive back to the Bay Area. Returning from a winter absence to their breeding grounds, they bring a splash of color and excitement to the skies.

We tend to get several types of swallows with some occasional visits by rarities. Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, and Violet-green Swallows will soon become a common sight. (Tree Swallows are here year-round although seemingly not as active.)

Take a moment to watch the swallows as they dart and dive in a mysterious pattern in the sky. They are a joy to witness.

Monthly Bird Photo Project 2020

Monthly Bird Photo Project 2020

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Steller's Jay

Steller’s Jay, 2016

About 10 years ago, I bought my first entry-level DLSR camera. I was interested in photography and focused on plants and objects with patterns or vibrant colors. Fast forward a few years, and I discovered my passion for birding. I blended the two interests and evolved into a very amateur “birder with a camera.” I mainly used my camera for ID shots to help me learn more about birds. Occasionally I would land an interesting shot that sparked an emotional response. I yearned to learn more about photography, and yet the technical challenges of the camera set me back. I tried reading photography books, but I found it hard to translate the concepts into the skills required to photograph quick-moving and distant birds. I was overwhelmed and simply stuck with ID shots.

2019 marked new beginnings with birding and photography. I upgraded my camera to a semi-professional model (Canon 7D mk II) and purchased a telephoto lens (100-400mm). I also read Mastering Bird Photography by Marie Read – finally a book written for my specific interests! She strikes a perfect balance of technical advice and guidance on composition that was inspiring and well-paced. It was a lot to absorb and I’ll certainly need to reread it multiple times to fully grasp the foundations, but it encouraged me to take that fear-inducing step of turning the dial to Manual Mode.

To encourage my development in bird photography, I’m going to do a bird photo New Year’s resolution. Each month, I’ll focus on a bird theme for practice. My goal isn’t to turn into a photographer per se, but rather to remain true to my birding roots while capturing images that bring emotion or awareness to birds. Let’s see if this goal helps with that. I’ll be sure to post the images each month.

Happy New Year!