Northern Shoveler

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/22/14

Like this pair of Northern Shovelers, many of the ducks migrating north in spring are doing so as mated pairs.

Western Kingbird

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

Pied-billed Grebe

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

This Pied-billed Grebe is in mating plumage, while the one in the opening of the web site is not. Notice the darker plumage and the truly pied (black and white) bill in this picture.

Barn Swallow

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

Swainson's Thrush

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

Swainson's Thrush

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

Yellow Warbler

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15

Often beautiful bird pictures look like the bird sat for its picture in a studio. An exception is the work of the Canadian painter Robert Bateman whose work I admire. For example, check out his paintings of the Northern Saw-whet Owl and of Wood Ducks. I do not mind showing birds in their natural habitat and living with the compositional consequences. The Yellow Warbler in the previous picture, this Yellow-rumped Warbler, and the following picture of a Harris's Sparrow illustrate my point.

Harris's Sparrow

Des Lacs NWR, ND
5/14/15