Bumble Bees on Sunflower

I was at Lake Arthur this past weekend two mornings in a row.  I'm still hoping to get a glimpse of any migrating woodland birds on a stopover for the abundance of food in the fields and woods right now.  While watching a Great Blue Heron fishing about 50 yards in front of me, I heard the slight "chip ... chip ... chip" of a Common Yellowthroat hunting for insects in the vegetation growing in the wetland.  You can see the slight mask that will be jet black next spring.

Common Yellowthroat (Canon EOS 7D, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 1.4X EF Extender III, f/4 @ 420mm, 1/160, ISO 200)

As a kayaker about 200 yards away dropped an oar creating a noise that disturbed everything in sight, the Great Blue Heron decided it had had enough.  Squawking loudly, it lifted off the water losing a feather in the process.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron (Canon EOS 7D, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 1.4X EF Extender III, f/4 @ 420mm, 1/800, ISO 320)

As I drove through Moraine State Park to a spot of berries and grape vines in hopes of catching a migrating bird, I realized how beautiful our landscape is right now.  Yes, our October fall colors are pretty awesome, but the wildflowers combined with the turning of some shrubs create some stunning, golden September scenery like this field next to the woods.

Goldenrod

With the lack of bird activity I decided to photograph some of the colorful September Pennsylvania flora.  Below are a few scenes but please check out the end of the Flora, Bees and Butterflies gallery for more new images.

White Snakeroot & Goldenrod

Wild Aster

The White Snakeroot you see in the forest below is a poisonous plant.  I read that Abraham Lincoln's mother's passing was caused by this plant.  Apparently, she drank the milk of cows that grazed on White Snakeroot, passing the toxin tremetol in their milk.  It was referred to as "milk sickness" and anyone who drank the milk would experience muscle pain, constipation, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, loss of appetite, and bad breath.  Finally, ending in a coma. 

White Snakeroot & Goldenrod

This Great Egret shows its elegance against the September landscape.

Great Egret

Great Egret (Canon EOS 7D, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 1.4X EF Extender III, f/4 @ 420mm, 1/2000, ISO 320, -1 EV)

In the beginning of this post is a thumbnail size image of a sunflower I planted in my yard.  I'm anticipating the bird photography opportunities I will have when the seeds ripen.  For now, bees are the frequent visitors.  Below is a close-up photo of a Bumblebee covering itself with pollen from a Sunflower. 

Bumble Bees on Sunflower

Bumblebee on Sunflower (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon 100mm 2.8L, f/2.8, 1/160, ISO 400)

All summer I've been watching a Northern Mockingbird in a shrubby field near my house.  I'd see the unmistakable large white spots under its wing as it flew by.  Sometimes, it would perch on the electric wires draping the road.  As I was on my way home, I saw it again so I parked on the side of the road and watched until it landed on a more natural perch.  I finally got some shots.  Below is a classic Mockingbird pose with the tail in the air.

Northern Mockingbird

Northern Mockingbird (Canon EOS 7D, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 1.4X EF Extender III, f/4 @ 420mm, 1/3200, ISO 320)

Until next time,

Dan