Autumn Launch

Northeast Washington is ablaze with autumn color when the Tamarack needles turn golden in color. A large bald eagle takes flight from a Tamarack in full color.

LIttle Ducks All In a Row

I shot this image of 21 Common Merganser ducklings while kayaking at Lake Roosevelt. This group had one adult female accompanying them. The females usually lay 8-12 eggs, but can lay as many as 17 eggs, so may have been clutches from two different females.

An Ambitious Meal

This Red Neck Grebe had just caught its dinner at a lake in Northeast Washington. They often catch fish that are quite a large meal compared to the size of the Grebe. They spend a lot of time positioning the fish, and then swallow them whole in a few gulps.

Blue Heron Takeoff

Blue Herons are statuesque birds that can be found feeding in shallow areas. It takes a fair amount of effort for these large birds with long wingspans to take off from the water.

Loon and Chick

This loon had two hatchings, though just one is in this image. They are quite protective of their chicks, which are susceptible to predation by eagles, and otters.

The Secret Nest

Nesting Common Loon in Northeast Washington. Loons build nests in quiet, protected and hidden spots along the lakeshore. They lay 1-2 eggs, which usually hatch in late June or early July.

Loon at Attention

This loon image was shot at a lake in Northeastern Washington. This behavior of an upright posture and wing display can be seen when they are preening or displaying territoriality.

Social Butterfly

In some places where we go kayaking, the ducks are very acclimated to humans, and run excitedly to greet you, much like a dog that is happy to see you. This is probably because people feed them, but is an endearing thing to witness. This hen was a very happy go lucky and curious duck.

Lying in Wait

This image was shot in northeast Washington. The Blue Heron wades in the shallows, quietly and patiently waiting for its next meal to swim by.

Winters Feast

Each winter, many species of birds land in this tree laden with berries, picking it clean in a matter of days. On this day, the tree was full of cedar waxwings.

Merganser Army

I spotted this lone female Common Merganser with 21 ducklings while kayaking at Lake Roosevelt.

A Fresh Catch

The image of this Osprey was shot at Starvation Lake in northeast Washington. So fresh, you can see the blood on the fish. Shortly after this image was shot, a Bald Eagle was in pursuit trying to steal the fish from the Osprey.

Majestic Autumn Flight

In the autumn in northeast Washington, the needles on Tamarack trees turn golden yellow before dropping to the ground. This bald eagle has just taken off from its perch in the Tamarack tree. Their wing span is impressive.

Bohemian Feast

Each winter, different species of birds land in this large tree in northeast Washington laden with berries, picking it clean in a matter of days. These Bohemian Waxwings landed by the hundreds, and were incredibly beautiful.

Cormorant in the Mist

This image of a Cormorant was shot in northeast Washington at Horseshoe Lake. The wildfires created a smoky haze on the lake, resulting in this surreal scene.

Cormorant on wood 1

This image of a Cormorant on its perch was shot in northeast Washington at Horseshoe Lake. The wildfires created a smoky haze on the lake, resulting in this surreal scene.

Goldeneye brood

While kayaking, we spotted a female Goldeneye escorting her 7 chicks along the shoreline of Little Twin Lake.

Peekaboo

Every winter, birds flock to this berry laden tree in northeast Washington. Sometimes they land by the hundreds, picking the large tree clean in a matter of days. This Cedar Waxwing takes a moment from its meal to check me out.

Geese on a Mission

We spotted these geese along a roadside in northeast Washington one winter. They were clearly on their way to something important, intent as they were.