ExclusiveWood Duck Photography Bird Photography TrueToad - June 6, 2023 I was not all that lucky in previous years of getting any real useable photos of Wood Ducks in the location I lived, due to the scarcity and short time frame they seem to stay in this area during the late spring season. I find the Wood Duck a stunningly beautiful waterfowl. The males in particular with iridescent browns, blacks, white green, ornate patterns on nearly every feathe, this is one pretty bird. Females very attractive but have a less colorful pattern but the same distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye. I find Wood Ducks in the wooded marsh ares that have hardwood forest adjacent to the water. With some research I discovered they nest in holes in trees or use man made nest boxes. Little did I know they are one of the few duck species with claws that can grip bark and perch on branches- see my photos of a group perching.
ExclusiveCedar Waxwing Bird Photography TrueToad - May 29, 2017 Each year I am blessed by the migration of the Cedar Waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum through my area of the country. Their visits are timed almost perfectly with the arrival of the fruiting trees and bushes. These delightful birds will stay in the area for several months basically as long as the fruit holds out. See my gallery and read more on these birds.
ExclusiveCarolina Wren Bird Photography TrueToad - May 20, 2017 When you spot the Wren it looks to be rather plain but is a Whitney Houston of birds song wise; mostly brown with some lighter brown and speckles on the wings. The Wren is commonly found over nearly the entire Western Hemisphere. Listen for its rush-and-jumble song in summer and you’ll find this species zipping through shrubs and low tree branches, snatching at insects. Wrens will will accept and use man made nest boxes.
ExclusiveThe Cedar Waxwing Bird Photography TrueToad - May 25, 2016 I found a small flock of Cedar Waxwings going about their child-rearing chores. These birds are social and are likely to be seen in flocks year-round. This small flock was in a Mulberry tree, swallowing the berries whole and some plucking them in mid-air with a fluttering hover. The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized bird with a silky, shiny collection of brown, gray, and lemon-yellow feathers, accented with a subdued crest, rakish black mask, and brilliant-red wax droplets on the wing feathers.
ExclusiveEarly Arrival Grey Gnat Catcher Bird Photography TrueToad - April 22, 2016 This tiny bird smaller than a sparrow was very busy jumping from branch to branch in hunt of small insects to eat. He was so quick, I had a very difficult time capturing a usable sharp image not to mention the distance and size of the bird, with patience I was able to acquire a few images. Although this bird species looks similar to a pygmy nuthatch but is a Blue Gray Gnat Catcher. The Gnat Catcher has an expanded breeding range through the northeast and now is seen up the East Coast into lower New Hampshire, and expansion may be continuing. Enjoy this fine bird this spring & summer season.
ExclusiveBird and Wildlife Photography Bird Photography TrueToad - March 7, 2016 I enjoy outdoor wildlife and bird photography and is one aspect of photography that makes it all worthwhile - the enjoyment of going out in nature to enjoy. When I go out I sometimes set a goal to acquire a few "good" photos, be it for personal use or posting to your blog or simply bragging rights. As every photographer knows, you don't always come home with your objectives, but you will come home more knowledgeable than before.
ExclusiveBirding Bird Photography TrueToad - May 25, 2015 Over the last few years I have been more than once approached asking about the species of birds I am photographing.