My Bird Photography, and Massachusetts "Big Year"

[bumpylemon]

This year I embarked on getting 300 birds for the USA (really easy if you travel). I then tweaked it to 300 in Mass (respectful) and 200 in Worcester County(Very Good). Currently I am at 307 for the USA, 283 for Mass, and 221 for my county. 2 of 3 goals accomplished. I will share some of the birds I have encountered.


Killdeer by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Yellowlegs by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Pectoral Sandpiper by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Glossy Ibis by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Glossy Ibis by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Eastern Phoebe by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Black Vulture by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Turkey Vulture by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Common Redpoll by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Gray Jay by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Common Loon by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Yellow-crowned Night Heron by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Tufted Duck by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Purple Sandpiper by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[D-B-J]

Some beautiful birds there!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bumpylemon]

Red-necked Grebe by bumpylemon, on Flickr



Sharp-shinned Hawk by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Black-headed Gull by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Iceland Gull by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Mew Gull by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Black-headed Gull by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Red-headed Woodpecker* by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Sandhill Crane by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[sm4him]

Wow, that's terrific. You've gotten some very nice shots of many of them, it looks like. When you say "getting 300 birds"--have you photographed identifiable photos of all 300+? I ask because many birders say they "have" x number of birds for the year, but all they gotta do is SEE 'em, not get good pictures!
Your 300+ makes my goal of 100 Bird Photos in a Year look kinda pitiful. I've only traveled outside my state once, but still...guess next year, I'll have to up my game!

By the way: I don't think that's a red-headed woodpecker--it could be a red-bellied woodpecker, not sure because I can't see enough of the back of its head. Red-headed woodpeckers have entirely red heads.

 

[bumpylemon]

just seeing them is what birding is about...or hearing them. although I have photographed close to all. just not good shots. Ive gotten record shots of some birds that have only been in the US a handful of times. cant ask for up close shots on lots of birds lol.

 

[bumpylemon]

yes that is a red-headed woodpecker. its a juvenile. trust me. one thing i dont get wrong is Identification lol. Currently i am #8 in the state at species seen and #1 in my county. here is an adult I shot. in Ma they are rare. this is a video of a red-belliled http://www.flickr.com/photos/justinlawson/10078562014/

this is an adult

Red-headed Woodpecker by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Red-headed Woodpecker by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Pileated Woodpecker by bumpylemon, on Flickr

 

[bumpylemon]

Nashville Warbler by bumpylemon, on Flickr


Le Conte's Sparrow by bumpylemon, on Flickr