You never know what’s going to come while waiting for something else. Waiting for Summer Tanagers, this little tyrant flycatcher came and posed for a minute.
Central, Arizona
Nikon D850 600mm f/4G 1.4x teleconverter
1/400 f/5.6 iso720
There were so many that I decided to just post them raw, unedited. The most photos I have ever taken in one morning(7k+), and these are just a few of my favorites of the keepers. A ground spring trickles down a hill and pools in little indentations in the ground. With water so scarce in Arizona, this is a perfect place to sit and wait to see what birds come by.
Central, Arizona
Black-headed Grosbeak
Western Tanager
Acorn Woodpecker
Red-faced Warbler
Lazuli Bunting
Nikon Z8 FTZ 500mm f/4G
Possibly it’s because of the time of year they come through my area, but I’ve found these birds to be extremely shy, and always solitary.
Central Highlands, Arizona
Nikon Z8 FTZ 600mm f/4G
1/1000 f4 iso800
With this species(the largest of the Phalaropes), the females are more colorful than the males, which is called “reversed sexual dimorphism.”
These photos were taken before and just after sunrise in Central highlands, Arizona
1&2) 1/800 f4 iso800
#3) 1/1250 f4 iso100
Having a drink from a freshwater spring. The spring seeps out of the ground at the top of a hill, and pools in low spots as it runs down. I use a large boulder at the top of the hill to hide behind, and to try and match the angle of the hill.
Central Highlands, Arizona
Nikon Z8 FTZ 500mm f/4G
1/400 f4 iso2200
Central Highlands, Arizona
Nikon Z8 600mm f/4G
1/1000 f4 iso1800
These birds are very laid back for a raptor. I’m always careful not to disturb any animal I’m photographing, but the Swainson’s will usually stay perched as I’m driving past. This one actually came and perched near me as I was waiting for a male Northern Harrier to fly by over a pond.
Central highlands, Arizona
So I stop by my mom’s house on my way home from work today. She tells me that her credit card company called her and told her that there was a new teller at her bank being investigated by the FBI for stealing information, and my mom needed to withdraw as much money as the bank would allow, and send it to Miami so they could keep it safe in an escrow account.
I honestly couldn’t believe she fell for it! She sent $10k dollars overnight through UPS, cost her $200 for shipping. Long story short, she called the number on her credit card(they didn’t call her about fraud), and was able to cancel the UPS delivery before it was loaded on the plane.
I didn’t think I needed to have the talk with her. Never, under any circumstances send money to a stranger on the phone or online. If you’re that concerned, call the number on your card and ask them, or go to your bank. Just wanted to pass it on. Our parents might need reminding every so often about these scams.