It's been a while, but I didn't go far, just over to the gear threads, though popping back in here for a quick jealous look now and again ! I've also been busy with planning and making bird-watching trips, caring for my wife (who slipped 3 discs - she's good now !) and work, together with trying to get used to a new camera and lenses (Sony A7) though not for my birding of course
Anyway thought I'd post some shots from my recent trip to Inner Mongolia where the daily temperatures varied from -30C down to -50C one late afternoon when we were caught out on the Steppes in a rising blizzard - I really enjoyed the thrill of it all and am no longer a warm weather junkie !
This might be a photo heavy thread so please give me time to post them all (I guess about 20-25) !
The first 10 or so (sorry, I haven't it seems always uploaded the hi-res versions to Smugmug !) :
To set the scene, we shot in two locations, one taiga (right on the Russian border), one tundra (right on the Mongolian border):
We saw 6 species of owl (Snowy, Eagle, Ural, Northern Hawk, GGO - though out of season - and Little), 4 species of Woodpeckers and a clutch of Siberian & Mongolian speciality birds too. Wonderful location and a fantastic trip !
These are wonderful, Kevin, and I will save the trip report for later when I have more time and a beverage.
Great to see you here (my presence is intermittent as well), all the more so with this terrific set from the hinterlands. I'm struck by three things in addition to the images themselves...
1) Similarity to familiar North American species is striking, e.g. Little <-> Burrowing, Marsh Tit <-> chickadee), a reminder of the intricate family tree and time.
2) When I see Frogfish, I think beaches and humidity. What a contrast.
3) As Roger might say, it looks coooooooold in Mongolia.
Oh yeah...the images. They're all wonderful but my favorites are the horses and the Eagle Owl, a species that I never knew existed until a couple of minutes ago. Terrific opportunity; beautifully presented.
Kevin, , what a magnificent set from the glorious landscapes to the owls and birds. No favorites as I truly enjoyed each and every one of them. Look forward to more
Interesting post full of quality images. Love those snowy pics, especially those with all the sparkly snow. The second landscape has a lot of appeal too. Well done!
A great set Kevin. The first two are very well done, but look extremely cold. Even with lots of great shots the first horse shot is extra special ~ Ron
I don't know where to begin. The whole set is impressive but I'm really drawn to the thundering hooves of the horses and the backlit Snowy in #7. Beautiful!
Plinian wrote:
These are wonderful, Kevin, and I will save the trip report for later when I have more time and a beverage.
Great to see you here (my presence is intermittent as well), all the more so with this terrific set from the hinterlands. I'm struck by three things in addition to the images themselves...
1) Similarity to familiar North American species is striking, e.g. Little <-> Burrowing, Marsh Tit <-> chickadee), a reminder of the intricate family tree and time.
2) When I see Frogfish, I think beaches and humidity. What a contrast.
3) As Roger might say, it looks coooooooold in Mongolia.
Oh yeah...the images. They're all wonderful but my favorites are the horses and the Eagle Owl, a species that I never knew existed until a couple of minutes ago. Terrific opportunity; beautifully presented.
Thank you very much for the kind words Greg. One day I must make my way over to North America - so many great species and lots of togs (there are very few in comparison here). The warblers are what I'd really like to shoot
Yes it was cold but the Arctic clothing I bought - with the superb help and advice of FM members - worked wonderfully and it was only my fingers, when outside the mittens for long periods of time (I mean 10-15 mins !) that felt the cold .. oh and my nose when my protection slipped down
, what a magnificent set from the glorious landscapes to the owls and birds. No favorites as I truly enjoyed each and every one of them. Look forward to more 
Even with lots of great shots the first horse shot is extra special ~ Ron
