16 Oct2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Birds, Blog
I spent several days guiding photographers this week, two days on the Jones Alta Vista Ranch and two at the Laguna Seca Ranch. I’ll be sharing what I think are unusual photos from both places, but today I’m starting with two photos I took of a Green Jay at the Laguna Seca.
I clipped and set up a native vegetation perch I thought would attract Green Jays and other local birds. As the sun sank lower into the sky, the grassy field in the far background behind the perch glowed shades of light gold and green.
The bird appeared out of the brush and jumped down onto the perch, facing away from us. Excited about the photo opportunity but not thrilled with the bird facing away, I made a few images. Suddenly, the jay seemed to notice the sound of the shutters and it cast a glance our way. The magic happened and the composition came to life.
My only real challenge is deciding which photos I liked best. Here are my two favorites; let me know which you like best and why. Remember to click on the images to see the full version of the photos!
A Green Jay looks back over its shoulder toward the photographers.
A Green Jay faces away from the photographers, showing the color of its head.
17 May2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Birds, Blog
A friend and neighbor of mine allows me access for photography. A few years ago I heard the tooting of a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl there but didn’t find it. I knew then that the bird was on the Endangered Species List and that I would return and find them there eventually, but it took me time to study their habits and learn more about them.
Last night I brought Tracie Martin, a non-photographer friend, to visit the property. Within a couple of minutes after our arrival, we heard the little guy tooting away and eagle-eyed Tracie spotted him. I was able to get some nice photographs, including one on a dead-snag perch with a blue-sky background.
This morning I returned with my long-time friend and photo buddy, Debbie Thomas, and we both photographed the bird successfully. At one point the little bird flew to a tree just a few feet in front of us, but neither of us moved. It was more enjoyable to observe him without having to look through binoculars or a camera lens.
There are at least two birds on the property and I’ll be returning often to see, study and photograph them in close proximity. Let me know if you’d like to join me.
I’ve posted my favorite photo from this morning below. Be sure to click on the image to reveal the entire photo.
Male Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Calling
17 May2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Birds, Blog
Last week I shared flowers on Mother’s Day, taken on homestead property owned by friends in Hill Country, Texas. They also took me to another tract of property they own outside Harper, Texas, about a 30-minute drive from their homestead.
The 120-acre property has been lovingly maintained with conservation in mind. We hiked around the property in various parts, looking for a very special bird, the Black-capped Vireo. This rare bird is on the Endangered Species List, but uses habitat like what is on the property as its breeding grounds every spring.
We were very fortunate to get glimpses of several of the birds, but they mostly stayed in the densest brush onsite. Toward the end of our visit were rewarded with a photo opportunity for me and the first photos that document the Black-capped Vireo on their property. We were thrilled, to say the least!
Please remember to click on the photo to reveal the entire image.
Black-capped Vireo in Song
28 Apr2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Birds, Blog
I’ve been out of touch for a few days, mostly due to lack of connection to cell towers and the internet. I led a half-day workshop for the Wings Over the Hills nature festival based in Fredericksburg, Texas, and had a wonderful time. I stayed with wonderful hosts, Susan & Errol Candy, and thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with them. I’ll write more about my Hill Country experiences from where I am in Houston the next few days.
For now, I’d like to “virtually” return to the Jones Alta Vista Ranch in Jim Hogg County of south Texas and flaunt some of what’s there on the ranch. Over the past few weeks I’ve guided some photographers there, introducing them to the ranch and introducing the ranch to the photography world. Each photographer who has visited has said they want to return, and we already have reservations booked as far out as 2017! Contact me to schedule a visit there.
Here are two photos of male Northern Bobwhites, taken from a sequence of photos of a squabble over a hen (nearby, out of sight). I think you can really see the expressions of their faces reflecting the intensity of the feud.
Be sure to click on the photos to see the full images and let me know what you think!
Squabble Over a Hen
Winner Chases the Loser Away
23 Apr2015
Written by Ruth Hoyt. Posted in Birds, Blog
Green Jays are no different than any other species, in the way that they have a “longing for belonging.” I enjoy observing them as they entertain me with their antics, and this pair on the Laguna Seca Ranch proved to be very entertaining. The one on the left seemed to be trying to convince the one on the right to accept him as a friend or mate. However, the intended friend (or mate) played the part of a coy character and would only let him get so close before hopping away or flying elsewhere. Be sure to click on the photo to see the complete image.
Green Jay Invitation
