Sunset and Clouds as seen at the Swiss Air MemorialI went to the rock outcrops at the end of the path at the Swiss Air Memorial near Peggy's Cove to photograph the sunset and the clouds. It is the clouds that make a sunset or sunrise spectacular. I used a 24-70mm lens and a 100-400mm lens at various settings. I always trust my eye when making photographs especially scenery. Sunset and Clouds as seen at the Swiss Air Memorial
Shorebirds of Hurricane ErinDuring the surf of Hurricane Erin a flock of shorebirds foraged in a relatively protected beach. They were primarily Semipalmated Plovers and Semipalmated Sandpipers with one Black-bellied Plover. I didn't study the flock since surf was my mission but it is likely that White-rumped Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper were also present. I usually set up a beach chair close to the water and wait for the shorebirds to march by but this is not wise when rogue waves can be created by the energy of the distant but powerful storm. Shorebirds of Hurricane Erin
Surf of Hurricane ErinMy primary destination yesterday was Martinique beach, Nova Scotia's premier open ocean beach. It attracts thousands of shorebirds in August and September and in past years was a principle breeding site for the endangered Piping Plover. The dunes and grasses of the beach ridge provide a staging area for Ipswich Sparrow prior to its flight to Sable Island, its nesting territory. My visit yesterday was to photograph the surf of Hurricane Erin. The tide was not favourable for the larger and more spectacular waves. Mid or low tide is preferred. I did find a foraging flock of shorebirds, perhaps 200 strong, featured on my next post. Surf of Hurricane Erin
Baird's SandpiperThe Baird's Sandpiper is less common then most of the other shorebirds. It also lingers longer into the fall. I've photographed them in October on coastal rocks by the trail to Pennant Point in Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park. Baird's Sandpiper
Eastern Wood PeweeOne challenge of bird photography is that the subject is almost always high up so high angle shots is what one gets. The personality of the Eastern Wood Pewee is different from most other fly catchers in that is steady and waits for its prey to appear as opposed to other flycatchers that fly about like whirling dervishes. Eastern Wood Pewee
Blue-headed VireoThe Blue-headed Vireo is a close relative of the Northern and Loggerhead shrike. Note the hooked bill used for catching and storing prey. This Blue-headed Vireo insisted on lurking behind branches which compromises focusing but they do what they do. Their song is much like the Red-headed Vireo but less monotonous and more musical with a clearer tone. Blue-headed Vireo
Arrival of the Shorebirds at Evangeline BeachThe shorebirds have started arriving at Evangeline Beach to fuel up before they continue their southward journey. The Semipalmated Sandpipers are remarkable because they will continue their migration non stop from here to their wintering territory. These "peeps" are primarily Semipalmated Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers, with a few Least Sandpipers mixed in. White-rumped Sandpipers and Baird's Sandpipers are less common in this melee. I will be back in a week or so to shoot some video. Arrival of the Shorebirds at Evangeline Beach
Yellow WarblerThe Yellow Warbler is one that often lingers on its nesting territory well into the fall. This female politely posed for me. Yellow Warbler
Moon at 93% IlluminationThe moon was at 93% illumination when I photographed it after the smoky sunset. The smoke and haze was not evident in these photos. I will visit Herring Cove Park to photograph the full moon on Saturday, August 8, with a 99.9% illumination. Stay tuned. Moon at 93% Illumination
Another Smoky SunsetI visited the Swiss Air Memorial once again for a smoky sunset. The smoke was more like haze this evening but the lack of clouds on the horizon took away the interest for a glorious sunset. View of Peggy's Cove with the moon overhead
Not a Northern FlickerI photographed this bird while it was working the kelp and seaweed heaps looking for maggots and flies. At first blush I thought this was an immature Northern Flicker but the plumage is all wrong. Every once in a while it becomes near to impossible to definitively identify a bird species. It's just best to move on. Not a Northern Flicker
Sunset Through SmokeI went to photograph the sunset at the Swiss Air Memorial near Peggy's Cove but had to contend with the smoke from the wild fires burning west of us. The effect is eerie with just the sun's orb to see. Sunset Through Smoke
Peggy's Cove From Swiss Air MemorialWhile I was at the Swiss Air Memorial I photographed Peggy's Cove from this different perspective. I will return with a sweater as the wind chill was nasty, Peggy's Cove From Swiss Air Memorial
Moon at 71% IlluminationWhile I was at the Swiss Memorial near Peggy's Cove I photographed the moon at 71% illumination. There are three photos here with different edits although they are similar. Often one can get better detail in a moon photograph at reduced illumination usually below 50% illumination. Moon at 71% Illumination
Ruby-throated HummingbirdThis Ruby-throated Hummingbird posed for me. Most are tricky to photograph and they are lightning quick flyers. The shorter bill length suggests that this is a juvenile. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
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