During 2003, we were fortunate to be able to shoot at a variety of locations: Lake Mattamuskeet, on the coast of North Carolina, the Audobon Swamp Gardens at Magnolia Plantation outside of Charleston, SC, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and other nearby locations in Virginia, Grand Cayman Island, Crandon Park, Wakodahatchee and the Anhinga Trail in southern Florida, as well as places closer to home. Birds continue to be my favorite subjects, and I was able to add a number of new species to my collection.

These images are among my favorites for this particular year's shooting, and I hope you enjoy them. You can view the rest of the photos on my site from this year by clicking here, and scrolling down through the links to the various Galleries. They are arranged chronologically, with the most recent at the top and the older ones toward the bottom.

All Content © Donald L. Cohen, MD
All Rights Reserved

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    images, along with all the others present in the various galleries,
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White Ibis
    in Tree

    
Image # 01296

    
Audubon Swamp Garden

    
Charleston, SC
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS and 1.4x
    II Teleconverter

    
ISO 200, f/8, 1/2000 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    -2/3

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

This is definitely one of my favorite shots from this trip. We found this bird somewhat high up in a tree, and he stayed there while I maneuvered around to get the sun behind me. I took a number of shots in both horizontal and vertical format, with a variety of poses, and it was hard to choose which one to include here.

     
 

    
Blue-winged
    Teal in 'Duckweed' Pond

    
Image # 01308

    
Audubon Swamp Garden

    
Charleston, SC
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS with 2x
    II Teleconverter

    
ISO 200, f/8, 1/1250 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    -1/3

    
Gitzo 1329/Arca Swiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

This was the first time I had an opportunity to see and photograph these beautiful ducks. I just loved the 'soupy' growth of duckweed through which they were swimming.

Black Crowned Night Heron Image # 01317 Audubon Swamp Garden Charleston, SC

Canon 600L/f4 IS and 2x II Teleconverter ISO 200, f/11, 1/640 second Evaluative Metering at -1/3 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

Definitely another of my favorites, this bird cooperated as I got into a better shooting position. We first spotted him from the far side of the pond where he was sitting, with the sun behind him. We gradually worked our way around to get better light, and I was able to get several shots (again both horizontal and vertical) before he finally got spooked and took off.

     
 

    
Rose-breasted
    Grosbeak

    
Image # 01361

    
My backyard

    
Mooresville, NC
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS and 1.4x
    II Teleconverter

    
ISO 400, f/8, 1/250 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    -2/3, 550EX/BB at -2

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

This was a surprise visitor to our backyard. I spotted a pair visiting our feeder in early May, and had time one Sunday afternoon to set up my gear and try and capture them. They disappeared within a week, so I was glad I got at least a few shots.

Oyster Catcher Image # 01414 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS and 2x II Teleconverter ISO 400, f/11, 1/500 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

I've seen some wonderful images of this species, but until this trip had never come across one, so I was quite excited to spot a few. I spent some time shooting him as he did his thing, and was able to get a number of shots while he was feeding - on oysters, naturally!

     
 

    
Forster's
    Tern Calling

    
Image # 01422

    
Chincoteague NWR

    
Chincoteague Island, VA
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS and 2x
    II Teleconverter

    
ISO 400, f/11, 1/640 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    0

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

This was taken when we stopped along one of the roads in Chincoteague. This tern was calling for a good 10 minutes, giving me ample opportunity to get some shots showing him in action. As the shooting data indicates, I had to use the 600L with the 2x converter for this, and many other shots. We seemed to be considerably further from the birds here during this visit, relative to some of our trips to Florida.

     
 

    
Canada
    Goose Portrait

    
Image # 01428

    
Chincoteague NWR

    
Chincoteague Island, VA
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS and 2x
    II teleconverter

    
ISO 400, f/11, 1/500 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    0

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

I had spotted an Eastern Kingbird as we were driving down one of the roads at Chincogeague, so we pulled off, set-up, and hoped he would come back. He didn't, but while I was waiting, there was a family of Canada Geese not too far away, so I took some shots. This was also one of the few times the sun actually came out. The Canada Goose is not the most 'exotic' species, but it is still quite beautiful.

Canada Goose Juvenile Image # 01429 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS and 2x II Teleconverter ISO 400, f/11, 1/500 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

Taken right after the picture above, I couldn't resist the 'cuteness' factor here.

Cattle Egret Eating a Frog Image # 01440 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS and 2x II Teleconverter ISO 400, f/11, 1/500 second Evaluative Metering at 0, 550EX/BB at -2 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

We took the 'Marsh Walk' from the main parking lot at Chincoteague, and as I rounded a bend, spotted this Cattle Egret off in the distance. I set up my camera, and was lucky to then see him snatch a frog out of the grass. He flew off, but fortunately only a short distance, and I was able to reposition myself, and continue to shoot as he worked for a while getting the frog in a position to be swalloed. The frog lost....

Eastern Kingbird 2 Image # 01460 Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve near Kilmarnock, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS and 2x II Teleconverter ISO 200, f/11, 1/400 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

This image is perhaps my favorite from this whole trip, and possibly the entire year. This area was one of the more beautiful side locations we found, and the weather cleared for a few hours of beautiful sunshine. I carried my gear down a path leading to an overlook to the Bay, and set up there. It was so beautiful I almost didn't care if any birds came along. But I was excited to see an Eastern Kingbird come out of nowhere and perched on some bushes a little ways off from the overlook. The sun was behind me, the blue of the ocean and green of the coastal foliage created a gorgeous background, and I busily shot for 5 or 10 minutes as the bird came and went, flying from one one perch to another.

Lacewing Image # 01499 The Butterfly Farm Grand Cayman Island

Canon 100-400L at 400 mm with 20 mm extension ISO 400, f/16, 1/200 second Manual Metering, 550EX with Stofen Omnibounce Bogen Monopod/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

The Butterfly Farm on Cayman had a fairly diverse collection of species, and this Lacewing was just incredibly beautiful. I used my 'usual' butterfly setup, which allows me to get sufficient magnification, but maintain reasonable working distances.

West Indian Whistling Duck Portrait Image # 01535 Northside Area Grand Cayman Island

Canon 100-400L at 300 mm ISO 200, f/8, 1/640 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Handheld

This species is scattered through the Caribbean, and its presence on Grand Cayman was once in jeopardy. Thanks to the efforts of several residents (Willie Ebanks and others), they were sustained and protected, and are present in good numbers today.

     
 

    
Blue Morpho
    (Open)

    
Image # 01545

    
The Butterfly Farm

    
Grand Cayman Island
 

    
Canon 100-400L at 400 mm
    with 20 mm extension

    
ISO 400, f/16, 1/250 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    0, 550EX with Stofen Omnibounce

    
Bogen Monopod/ArcaSwiss
    B1/Wimberley Sidekick
 

What is special to me about this image, is that it is rare to see this particular species on the ground with its wings open. Typically, you see the incredible blue iridescence of their wings as they fly by, but once they land, they close up. I was fortunate to have him land, and briefly open his wings a time or two, allowing me an opportunity to get this shot.

     
 

    
Snowy Egret
    at Cayman Shoreline

    
Image # 01571

    
Seven Mile Beach

    
Grand Cayman Island
 

    
Canon 100-400L IS and 1.4x
    II Teleconverter at 460 mm

    
ISO 200, f/11, 1/1000 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    -1/3

    
Handheld
 

Several afternoons in a row, this Snowy Egret came to an area of the beach near our condo, and spent an hour or two fishing at the shoreline. He'd fly away as various people walked by, but kept returning after they were gone. This particular afternoon, I went back inside to grab my camera, and sweating in the heat and intense sun (which my wife tolerates far more than I), spent some time shooting. Since I don't normally see or shoot Snowy's in this type of environment, I wanted to try and juxtapose him against the incredible blue Caribbean waters.

Atlas Moth Image # 01575 The Butterfly Farm Grand Cayman Island

Canon 100/f2.8 USM Macro ISO 200, f/16, 1/25 second, 2-second timer Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329 Tripod

Now this was an impressive moth! It apparently is the largest moth species in the world. They seemed to always cling to the enclosure screens, making good photos impossible. Tony Cox, manager of the Cayman Butterfly Farm, was kind enough to gently place one on a bush so I could take some decent images. The diamond shaped spots on the inner-wing area are translucent, helping them to blend in with their surroundings.

Red-crested Pochard at rest Image # 01947 Crandon Park Key Biscayne, FL

Canon 100-400L at 400 mm ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/320 second Evaluative Metering at -1/3, 550EX/BB at -1 2/3 Monopod/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

I just loved the combination of the brown head, with the red bill and red eye, on this duck, and I took quite a few shots of various individuals. I love the serene feeling this image gives me.

     
 

    
Plumed
    Whistling Duck

    
Image # 01948

    
Crandon Park

    
Key Biscayne, FL
 

    
Canon 100-400L IS 400 mm

    
ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/640 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    -2/3, 500EX/BB at -1 2/3

    
Monopod/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

I have a number of shots of this species, and this is one of my favorites. It's actually a different image from the one I originally included in the Gallery posted at that time. The eye markings, and those on the beak, were simply stunning!

Red-crested Pochard flapping Image # 01956 Crandon Park Key Biscayne, FL

Canon 100-400L at 400 mm ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/800 second Evaluative Metering at -1/3, 550EX/BB at -1 1/3 Monopod/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

I was fortunate to have this particular duck rise up and start flapping his wings while the sunlight lit up its face.

Wood Duck Image # 01959 Crandon Park Key Biscayne, FL

Canon 100-400L at 400 mm ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/320 second Evaluative Metering at 0, 550EX/BB at -1 1/3 Monopod/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

The colors and beauty of this species impresses me each time I see them, and I was glad to find one of them at Crandon Park.

     
 

    
Egyptian
    Goose

    
Image # 01970

    
Crandon Park

    
Key Biscayne, FL
 

    
Canon 100-400L IS at 400
    mm

    
ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/3200
    second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    -1/3, 550EX/BB at -1 2/3

    
Monopod/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

We were actually on our way out of Crandon Park when I kneeled down to get a close-up of this wonderfully colored goose. Not surprisingly, I was very drawn to the eye markings on this species.

Spot-breasted Oriole Image # 02000 Wakodahatchee Wetlands Delray Beach, FL

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 2x II Teleconverter ISO 200, f/11, 1/320 second Evaluative Metering at -1/3 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

This was probably the highlight of this trip for me. I was near the end of my time at Wakodahatchee, and was focused on a Lesser Yellowlegs, waiting for him to stand up and show the feature it is named for. Out of nowhere, I saw a flash of yellow/orange go by, and land in a bush not too far from me. I quickly set up in the opposite direction, straining to see where it was. It started out deep in the bush, in an unshootable position, but gradually worked its way up and out, giving me only a few brief unobstructed views. I shot when I could, and was happy to come away with a few decent images. A more experienced birder shooting near me helped me with the identification, as I wasn't at all certain what it was. Quite exciting, for sure!

     
 

    
Deer Pair
    Jumping at Sunrise

    
Image # 02075

    
Chincoteague NWR

    
Chincoteague Island, VA
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS

    
ISO 800, f/4, 1/100 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    0

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

We had several opportunities to watch, experience and photograph deer crossing the water during this trip. This was taken at very early sunrise, as evidenced by the shooting parameters above. I was fortunate to catch this pair virtually synchronized in their jump.

Juvenile BCNH in Flight Image # 02134 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 2x II Teleconverter ISO 200, f/8, 1/1250 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

A couple of us were watching and shooting this juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron, posing nicely in a tree, when it took off. It circled a time or two, and eventually landed. This repeated a couple of times, giving me a few chances at some flight shots. In the original Gallery for this trip, I used a Photoshop-created sequence using 4 images from this series, but decided to use one of the individual frames by itself for this presentation.