Posted by Bill Maile on September 30, 2010 at 9:29 AM
OK, so I'm really new to watching and shooting birds over the past year or so, but in 2010 I've now seen three egrets in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The first was in May, and is thought to be the first confirmed Snowy on record ever in Susquehanna County, PA. The second was a Great Egret just a short distance from the Snowy sighting. And then two days ago I spotted this GE in a pond just above a stream I was shooting in Wayne County. And at least two friends have also seen Greats in the area.
Anyway, didn't think any of these shots were good enough for the gallery, but thought it worth noting. Thanks!
I've been trying forever to get shots of the egrets in the Conodoquinet Creek in Cumberland county. Nice capture.
Posted by Bill Maile on September 30, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Thanks Elizabeth. I'm just very surprised when I see them around here. Unforunately this pond was on private property--but I got as close as I could. ;)
I'll be posting a wide view of the pond, trees, foliage and bird in ES&S shortly. I was thinking about putting it in Avian, but the bird is a very small part of the scene--even for me!
Posted by Jeff Loomis on September 30, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Hi Bill,
Nice shot and glad to hear your enthusiasm in birding. It is a great hobby and goes hand in hand with photography. It's amazing what you can see just by being out there.
I live in southeast PA and we get Great Egrets and Snowies a little more frequently than you, but they are always a treat. Their appearance seems to fluctual with the water levels. Since this has been a dry year, they have been more abundant wherever shallow water is available for them to hunt in.
Enjoy and keep shooting and sharing
- Jeff
PS: If you're interested in Eagles, there is a viewing area not far from you in Lackawaxen. Look up Eagle Institute for details.
Posted by Bill Maile on September 30, 2010 at 1:19 PM
Hi Jeff, it's addicting!! So true, like if you don't play the lottery you can't win. ;)
Yes, I have a shooting buddy who traveled somewhere down more south in the state and came back with photos. Have to ask him where again. Myself, I've been to Forsythe Refuge down in NJ, pretty cool. But they are VERY rare up here, especially a Snowy. Precips are down like 5"-7" on the year, something like that.
About the PS--yes, I visited an eagle's nest early in the year in the Honesdale area, good shots, not that far up or from where you can shoot. And they are also now on Lake Wallenpaupack, they even closed one of the little islands on the lake. I am familiar with the Lackawaxen site as it is nearby as well, but didn't get to visit it yet.
But best of all about my eagle encounters so far, is that I have shot a late juvie eagle solo dozens of times at Stillwater Lake in Susquehanna County only five miles from my hometown. And I've seen and photographed a pair of them there probably about five or six times this year. Along with many other birds I don't think you wouldn't have seen five or 10 years ago up here. Thanks for the comment and the info Jeff!~!
Posted by Jim DeWitt on September 30, 2010 at 1:38 PM
I think if I am ever in your part of PA, I'll want to go birding with you.
Posted by Bill Maile on September 30, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Likewise if I make it to Alaska.
Actually, it would be quite a pleasure to see someone with the talent and equipment to shoot all the birds that I have seen, properly!! I've been lucky my first season out, unforunately I just don't have the skill set yet for avian shooting or the equipment to get me close in a lot of cases. My one friend has started calling me St. Francis of Assisi though. Oh, here is the "environmental" shot I posted in ESS.
Posted by John Wheatley on October 2, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Bill, thanks for the note on these Egrets. They're really great birds. If you or Elizabeth ever want to spend some time with egrets, I recommend the lower Juniata, between Millersville and Duncannon.
Elizabeth, seeing as you're close, if you contact me, I can keep you up-to-date on what's happening out-o-doors in Perry County. Obviously the raptors are moving through right now, as are the "confusing fall warblers."
Posted by Bill Maile on October 3, 2010 at 8:42 AM
Hi John, thanks for your info. I found out a friend of mine took a trip to the York, PA area where he said they are commonly found.
Discussion
9 repliesAnyway, didn't think any of these shots were good enough for the gallery, but thought it worth noting. Thanks!
I'll be posting a wide view of the pond, trees, foliage and bird in ES&S shortly. I was thinking about putting it in Avian, but the bird is a very small part of the scene--even for me!
Nice shot and glad to hear your enthusiasm in birding. It is a great hobby and goes hand in hand with photography. It's amazing what you can see just by being out there.
I live in southeast PA and we get Great Egrets and Snowies a little more frequently than you, but they are always a treat. Their appearance seems to fluctual with the water levels. Since this has been a dry year, they have been more abundant wherever shallow water is available for them to hunt in.
Enjoy and keep shooting and sharing
- Jeff
PS: If you're interested in Eagles, there is a viewing area not far from you in Lackawaxen. Look up Eagle Institute for details.
Yes, I have a shooting buddy who traveled somewhere down more south in the state and came back with photos. Have to ask him where again. Myself, I've been to Forsythe Refuge down in NJ, pretty cool. But they are VERY rare up here, especially a Snowy. Precips are down like 5"-7" on the year, something like that.
About the PS--yes, I visited an eagle's nest early in the year in the Honesdale area, good shots, not that far up or from where you can shoot. And they are also now on Lake Wallenpaupack, they even closed one of the little islands on the lake. I am familiar with the Lackawaxen site as it is nearby as well, but didn't get to visit it yet.
But best of all about my eagle encounters so far, is that I have shot a late juvie eagle solo dozens of times at Stillwater Lake in Susquehanna County only five miles from my hometown. And I've seen and photographed a pair of them there probably about five or six times this year. Along with many other birds I don't think you wouldn't have seen five or 10 years ago up here. Thanks for the comment and the info Jeff!~!
Actually, it would be quite a pleasure to see someone with the talent and equipment to shoot all the birds that I have seen, properly!! I've been lucky my first season out, unforunately I just don't have the skill set yet for avian shooting or the equipment to get me close in a lot of cases. My one friend has started calling me St. Francis of Assisi though.
Elizabeth, seeing as you're close, if you contact me, I can keep you up-to-date on what's happening out-o-doors in Perry County. Obviously the raptors are moving through right now, as are the "confusing fall warblers."