H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

While I was in Florida I had the opportunity to photograph 24 different species from which 7 of them were “lifers”. I was very happy to have gone to the places I went.

Do you know what helps a lot? When you see somebody watching you shoot, go ask them if they like birds and then ask them where have they seen the most birds locally. They immediately will give you directions and you can be surprised with what you find. Contrary to when I followed some tips from other photographers and got bubkes!

At the shore I was more savvy because I found out that part of the beach was being dredged and there I went. I bet you that you haven’t see so many birds together in your life! Why there were so many? When they dredge sand they also pick up millions of small organisims such us mollusks,plankton, worms, ova etc. which is food for many fish and birds. The fish come to feed as well as the birds.

In conclusion, my trip was in many way perfect. Starting by seeing my cousin feeling well after surgery, being at the beach with Lucy and Tyler. By the way Tyler was elated with the beach, chasing the ripples on the water and digging holes in the wet sand and splashing water all over. Later I had to drag him out from the beach. He was happy! 🙂 Us too!

I could have days like these all the time and live happy!

Boat-tailed Grackles

Sandhill Crane

Flock of Black Skimmers

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Black Skimmers on sand bank

Green Heron

Snowy Egret fishing

 All photographs are © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101