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Rain-forest, Chugach National Forest, Alaska.

There is more to the Copper River Delta area then just birds – actually, a lot more!  This was from my recent trip.

A flock of shorebirds, Copper River Delta, Alaska.

It is fun to return to an area like I did Cordova recently to see what kind of new images I can come up with – I like the challenge.  It seems I’m more likely to experiment and try different compositions, techniques etc. on subsequent visits to a location in an attempt to top what I did before.  Admittedly, different isn’t better, but the same is never better – let me elaborate.   Read More

Semipalmated Plover, Seward, Alaska.

Since I’m in the bird frame of mind sorta speak, I decided to check out some of our local shorebirds.  Compared to the Copper River Delta, Seward gets a tiny migration – but hey, its close!

The favorable tides and wind corresponded with the middle of a bright sunny day which equals harsh ugly light, so I leaned heavy on flash to help tame and overcome the bad light.

I ended up getting pretty wet laying in the mud and water for two hours – but I think it was worth it!

Western Sandpiper, Copper River Delta, Alaska.

We are back from a great trip to Cordova.  I’ll probably be drying and cleaning silt out of my camera gear for a week!

Shorebirds resting on the Copper River Delta, Alaska.

Well, as I was mesmerized by the shorebird migration, I was told a wolverine walked down the beach about a hundred yards behind me!  I was right there with my camera mounted on my telephoto, all on a tripod – it couldn’t have been better timing, well, except for the part where I was looking the other way!  It was spotted by Hugh Rose, who is an excellent photographer and naturalist – so it was a very reliable source.  Guess where I’m going to be hanging out!

My pain was greatly eased by the shorebird migration – this was the most I have ever seen.  Wow is the word I kept repeating to myself.  Unfortunately photographs just can’t do this migration justice.  Video would help, but would still fall short. 

I used f/22 for this image to maximize the depth of field.

Shorebirds on the Copper River Delta, Alaska

It is a bit early, but the birds are beginning to arrive – this was from this morning.  I forgot what an amazing experience it is to see these huge flocks of birds!