Friday, May 10, 2013

Allegheny State Park Warblers and more!

 I joined Matthew Studebaker for a Solo day of shooting, This time in New York's Allegheny State Park and Forest, Thanks again Matt for the Invite.

The weather and timing could not have been better with the trees just starting to emerge in there lush spring green plumes. The rolling countryside, many rock laden creeks with mixed conifer and deciduous forests make for a dramatic landscape which offers up a pleasure filled shooting experience.

Within the first half hour we were on a cooperative Pine warbler, Both Male and Female, The female gave us some really great looks. Typically the males are what were after as Photographers, but It ws great to see the female and have an opportunity to photograph her in some terrific early morning light.

Female Pine Warbler

Male Pine Warbler


 After a fun filled time photographing the pine warblers we were off looking for others, Next was a Cooperative Blackburnian Warbler, likely the most abundant Warbler in the park, pretty much every stand of Conifers has a breeding Blackburnian in its midst.

Blackburnian Warbler



We shot around at a few other areas which Ill get edited and add later, but as light got harsh we broke for Lunch, after I drove around the park with Matt as he showed me around, Osprey have taken up residence at many different areas and are utilizing man made nesting structures.
We tried to locate some Common Mergansers but did not have much luck.  Later we met back up with the group and shot till last light. we were able to photograph Ovenbird and Magnolia Warbler, Magnolia Warbler are extremely difficult so I am especially proud to have captured that species.

Ovenbird


Magnolia Warbler


After shooting we had a Great Dinner at a Local Steakhouse before making the 2 1/2 hour drive back home. All in all a terrific trip, I was able to add 2 new species Blackburnian and Magnolia Warbler bringing me to 250 Species Photographed.  meet some new friends and shoot with one of the Best Avian Photographer's around and good Friend Matthew Studebaker.

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