While it may not have the birding reputation of Florida (Fort De Soto), Texas (High Island) or Ohio (Magee Marsh), Lower Alabama (L.A.) certainly gets its share. I've attached a few shots of the many birds that passed through over the last two months. These were shot on Dauphin Island or in my yard in Mobile. Hope you enjoy them!
A terrific set, Jeff! DI seems like it can be tremendous if the weather and wind are cooperative (as interpreted by the
Duncans of course); I totally missed it this year, and this series makes me sorry I did!
My favorites here are the bunting and the grosbeak; fantastic backgrounds and it looks like the light was just indirect enough to yield some delicacy to the colors.
Thanks to everyone for their kind words. Its always nice to know people enjoy your work.
Judging by my conversations with long-time birders on Dauphin Island, this was a very good year. Similar to the way it "used to be". I was there a few times during "fall outs", but missed the biggest one. Its exciting to experience one, and I hope all of you get the chance.
You got quite a variety in this collection, Jeff. All are excellent. Lovely backgrounds, and perches as well. Top pick for me is the blue grosbeak. Terrific setting.
“Oh my, what a fantastic set Jeff !!! I love them all .
Birdie”
Thanks Birdie – I may stop by the Spillway sometime looking for bugs. Hopefully we’ll cross paths.
“I say three S's - s w e e t stunning s u p e r
BeeBalm”
Thanks – I enjoy your garden photos.
“A terrific set, Jeff! DI seems like it can be tremendous if the weather and wind are cooperative (as interpreted by the Duncans of course); I totally missed it this year, and this series makes me sorry I did!”
I do refer to the Duncan posts. He was pretty accurate this year. Send me a PM if you head down next year. Looks like you’ve been to Costa Rica. Can I ask you about it?
“My favorites here are the bunting and the grosbeak; fantastic backgrounds and it looks like the light was just indirect enough to yield some delicacy to the colors.
Greg”
I'm becoming more and more aware of the quality of light and how it affects the details in birds. I’ve got an ongoing debate with a local guy who prefers to shoot in full sun. Given the loss of detail in feathers and hard shadows, I much prefer high overcast.
“Quite an enjoyable collection so smaller birds. Each is a quality capture of the bird your lens is aimed at. Excellent work. - KCollett”
The smaller birds seem to get smaller and quicker every year. ☺ Thanks for the feedback.
“The Tanager and Rose Breasted are magnificent Jeff, great set and congratulations
Tom”
Tom, I really did enjoy the image of the Tanager when I saw it. I tell people I’d rather be lucky than good. I was lucky there. Thanks.
“Those are all amazing photos.
You have quite the migration route and skills to match.
Congrats. – jhayesvw”
We are fortunate to have the numbers and diversity of birds that come through. It’s interesting to note the variation of birds that come through just to the east and west of us. I’ve been to east Texas and Florida and while many birds are the same, they do have significant differences in species and numbers. It also seems to change from year to year. I’m guessing wind and weather have something to due with the yearly differences.
“Fabulous set, Jeff. Love them all and #1 and #3 are so beautiful
- Tam”
Thanks Tam. I liked your male Spotted Towhee shot. Good stuff!
“very nice set indeed Jeff -kmunroe”
Thanks. Liked your shots of the heron and the cormorants. I’ve always been taken with the cormorants beautiful eyes.
“Great set, Jeff. As a Fort Morgan birder, Dauphin Is. sure gets it's share of birds. Nice work! - psharvic”
Thanks. I have a photographer friend who lives near Fort Morgan. She had a great year in terms of numbers and variety. Funny though, she never invited me over. ☺
“Beautiful shots and processing.
Allan”
Thanks Allan.
“Great set, Jeff.
You captured some beautiful birds with very pleasing BG's.
Chris”
Thanks Chris. While it’s not always possible, I find myself working the edges and openings of the habitat specifically to give me a chance of getting a “clean look”.
“You got quite a variety in this collection, Jeff. All are excellent. Lovely backgrounds, and perches as well. Top pick for me is the blue grosbeak. Terrific setting.
Ed”
Thanks Ed for the kind words. I liked that image as well. Even though the bird was in the center of the plant, it was fairly exposed (no pun intended) and the background was clean. I prefer to have the bird in habitat, particularly foliage, unless the image becomes too cluttered. Most of the time, I don’t have a great deal of control over the situation.
“Marvelous set Jeff and really nice work Be glad your area isn't a big draw, it's a lot nicer to be out alone that to be in a crowd
Tim”
Good point Tim. I do prefer solitude. You have some very nice work as well.
“Great vibrant set. I'm jealous of all these colourful birds that seem to prefer the south vs our drab birds up north.
TFS
Geoff”
True, but we don’t have the cool wildlife you’ve got up north. I started doing the bird thing in 2008 when I moved to the Southeast. Before that, I preferred to shoot wildlife and scenic in the US and Canadian Rockies. Hope to get back while I’m still able. Thanks.
“Super work Jeff
Morris”
Thanks Morris. Much appreciated.
“Wonderful shots Jeff. Beautiful colours and details
David”
Thanks David. They’re wonderful subjects. Enjoyed seeing your sets from the other side of the planet
certainly gets its share. I've attached a few shots of the many birds that passed through over the last two months. These were shot on Dauphin Island or in my yard in Mobile. Hope you enjoy them!
Be glad your area isn't a big draw, it's a lot nicer to be out alone that to be in a crowd 