Each year, during both spring and fall, the great spectacle of migration returns, oftentimes giving birders brief glimpses of birds rarely seen otherwise. One of those seldom-seen but highly anticipated migratory birds that peak the interest of bird watchers everywhere is, without a doubt, the sandhill crane. Although Utah is not widely regarded as a […]
Recently, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge visitors center has once again opened its doors to the general public, but on a very limited basis due to the ongoing coronavirus epidemic. Closed since March of 2020, the Bear River Bird Refuge visitors center hours are currently limited to Tuesday through Friday 8:00 am to 12:30
Bear River Bird Refuge Visitors Center Now Open To The Public But On A Limited Basis Read More »
As I drive around the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour route, I find areas once suffering from lack of water all summer long are no longer dry and sun-scorched. Unit 2, commonly known as the auto tour loop, is currently filling up with water but, unfortunately, the birds are slow to return. Recent
Water Has Returned To The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, But Have The Birds? Read More »
Antelope Island State Park is home to hundreds of species of migratory and resident birds. In fact, as of this writing, ebird lists 261 different species of birds being recorded on the island, making it the third-highest “hotspot” for birding in Utah, at least according to what ebirders have been seeing, that is. And of
Owls On Antelope Island Read More »
Without question, Utah is facing the worst drought I have ever seen in my lifetime. In fact, much of the western United States is dealing with severe drought conditions as well. One of the many problems Utah is experiencing with regards to the drought is the receding waters of the Great Salt Lake. Water is
Another Consequence Of Utah’s Drought Regarding The Great Salt Lake Read More »
Nature can be a crafty magician at times, one quite capable of hiding itself in plain sight from the casual observer. I am fascinated by nature if truth be told, and this fascination is compounded ten-fold by how much of nature is actually around us and we oftentimes don’t even see it. Last week, I
Watch For Wildlife In The Smallest Of Places Read More »
Each fall, usually starting in late July or early August, the Great Salt Lake silently transforms into one of the greatest bird watching spectacles in North America. Millions of water birds, including a wide variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, stopover on the Great Salt Lake to rest and feed for a few weeks before heading
Bird Watching On The Great Salt Lake Causeway During Fall Migration Read More »
I took a drive down to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour route today with the hopes of finding and photographing the American white pelican since I had an incredible experience with one as of late (more about that in an upcoming blog post by the way). But to my dismay, that wasn’t
The Bear River Bird Refuge Auto Tour Route Is Temporarily Closed Read More »
As summer marches on, officially giving way to the onset of autumn in a couple weeks, the yearly spectacle of fall migration starts to creep into my mind. Yes, somehow Utah has made it through yet another record-setting, hot and dry summer, and birds are starting to group up and head south for the winter.
Summer Bird Watching For The American White Pelican Read More »
If you read my recent post about finding hummingbirds on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, it should be pretty clear I love to photograph hummingbirds against wildflowers. But photographing hummingbirds can be a tricky situation, especially when you are trying to freeze the wing motion. It all comes down to 2 things, available light
What Shutter Speed Do You Need For Photographing Hummingbirds? Read More »
let’s not beat around the bush here, life can be a bit hard at times. Whether someone is struggling financially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, or, heaven forbid, some or all of them at once, it’s a tough but real part of life nobody can avoid. Both you and I will face at least 1 of these
Why Bird Watching Is Good For Us Read More »
As I headed out the door this morning, my eyes glanced at the calendar on the wall. It was quite a surprise to see August was almost in the books, as they say, and the start of fall was just a few short weeks away, less than a month if my math is somewhat correct.
The White-faced Ibis Migration Is On…And Then Some. Read More »
As I sit here at the computer and reflect upon years and years of nature photography, two things come to mind. First, I sure do love photographing hummingbirds against wildflowers. But honestly, what nature photographer doesn’t cherish the opportunity to photo and watch hummingbirds feasting on nature’s bounty? And second, I love to photograph birds
Are There Hummingbirds On The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge? Read More »
One of the most fascinating birds to watch in nature is, without any question, the great blue heron. Over the years, I have spent hundreds of hours or more on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour route solely watching and photographing this unique bird in every season possible, from the scorching dog days
Can Great Blue Herons Swim? Read More »
In the birding world, there is a strange but interesting relationship in nature between bird and beast when it comes to cattle egrets and cows. It’s not a mutual relationship either, by the way. The egret is definitely the sole beneficiary in this odd but unique gathering. Novice birdwatchers might find it a bit strange
Why Do Cattle Egrets Follow Cows? Read More »
