I pondered a trip to Apple River, Nova Scotia, for days to see and photograph the Fieldfare but the weather has been dreadful this winter.  I opted to go when a break in the weather coincided with opportunity. Since the trip can be challenging this time of year I decided to overnight in Amherst, Nova Scotia and then get an early morning start for the balance of the journey hoping to arrive near sunrise. I left Amherst the morning of February 12, 2015, at 5:45AM and headed south. The drive was uneventful until I passed the Joggin's Fossil Cliffs. Although the road is paved and moderately snow covered slow going was still necessary because of black ice, nevertheless I was surprised by snow drifts across the road in places. I did not meet another vehicle from Joggins until I got to Apple River at 7:10AM, a period of one hour. I was driving in the dark most of the way so it was somewhat unnerving. I followed Highway 2, then country roads 242 and 209.

Apple River Map

I found the home of Kathleen Spicer almost immediately and was greated warmly as I entered their driveway. After a brief discussion with Kathleen I parked my car beside the driveway facing the apple tree the Fieldfare was visiting. It was about 7:20AM so I settled in for a wait but I didn't wait long since the Fieldfare arrived in the apple tree at 7:30AM. It was still quite dark so I start shooting at low shutter speeds and ISO 6400. The darkness of this early morning visit made for some interesting photos.

Fieldfare at Early Morning Light Fieldfare Fieldfare Fieldfare Fieldfare Fieldfare

The low light photographs above despite the challenges they invited are probably my most compelling. I added a lens extender and lowered my speed to ISO 1600 by 8AM but although the images got larger the quality did not. There was no direct light on the Fieldfare so the eye was always dark.

I took a break when the Fieldfare departed and visited the Spicers to sign their guest book and thank them for their gracious hospitality.

Fieldfare

Fieldfare Fieldfare

Fieldfare

Fieldfare Fieldfare

Fieldfare

Fieldfare

Fieldfare

Fieldfare

The Spicers have about twenty species frequenting their place including, Common Redpolls(about 100+), Pine Siskins, Horned Larks, Purple Finches and Hairy and Downy Woodpecker.

I resumed my stakeout about 8:15AM but at 8:30AM all the birds scattered probably due to a Sharp-shinned Hawk or Northern Shrike. I left for home having accomplished my mission and was home before noon after taking the shoreline route through Advocate Harbour and Parrsborro.

It is best both for the observer and the bird if you remain in your car. The Fieldfare is not bothered by the rumble of the car's engine and photographing with a bean bag on your door will produce good results(turn your engine off to photograph). If you get out of your car and walk about the birds will scatter and you will get cold.

More photographs of the Fieldfare can be found in my Rare Birds gallery: http://www.hanstoom.com/rarities