For me, deciding on an inventory, even a brief one, of favourite birds as a birdwatcher, hen photographer, is an endeavor each enchanting and daunting. The avian world affords an astonishing number of species, every with distinctive magnificence, behaviors and songs, each hen sighting brings a brand new thrill and discovery, favourites change nearly each day.
Listed below are 7 birds which have captivated me with their magnificence, habits, and the enjoyment they create after I spot and {photograph} them within the wild. I hope you the reader would even be impressed and admire these fantastic creatures as a lot as I do.
Scarlet Ibis.
The Scarlet Ibis is one in every of two nationwide birds of Trinidad and Tobago and because of this it’s not troublesome to see why it made my checklist.
The adults sport a vibrant pink color with black wing ideas, whereas the juveniles show a pink, black and white colouration which occurs to be the colors of the Trinidad and Tobago Nationwide Flag. The Scarlet Ibis will be seen feeding or roosting within the many mangroves and wetlands on the islands and are a vacationer attraction.
Osprey
The migratory Osprey, additionally known as the Fish Hawk, is an incredible hunter, I first noticed this hen hovering above the waters of the Gulf of Paria in South Trinidad, little doubt with its sharp eyes scanning for fish.
This explicit {photograph} was taken one wet morning whereas on a tour of the Godinho Swamp which is separated from the Gulf of Paria by the coastal freeway. Generally whereas driving alongside this freeway, one would possibly observe the Osprey in flight with its catch or devouring it excessive up within the tall Mangrove bushes.
Resplendent Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal, with its iridescent inexperienced and pink feathers and the male’s lengthy tail throughout mating season, is a panoramic marvel. Ever since I began photographing birds, I wished to seize the Quetzal on digicam, and though they are often seen in Panama, Costa Rica is taken into account among the finest locations on the planet to see these birds.
With this in thoughts, I traveled to the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota in Costa Rica in search of the Quetzal and was properly rewarded as I used to be in a position to see and {photograph} a number of of those birds, generally proper throughout the lodges’ compound. The sightings made them an on the spot favorite. Additionally, the Quetzal’s affiliation with historic civilizations just like the Mayans and Aztecs provides to its attract, making it not solely a hen, however a logo of historical past and tradition.
Olive Inexperienced Toucanet
The primary time I noticed the Olive Inexperienced Toucanet, I used to be birding the Valle de Antón, Panama, its refined but hanging coloration—particularly the mixture of olive inexperienced and blue—makes it a visible deal with for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
I get pleasure from this Toucanet’s playful habits, hopping from department to department looking for fruit. It’s curious nature and vibrant colours make it a pleasure to {photograph} and observe.
Purple-legged Honeycreeper
The Purple-legged Honeycreeper is a small, vibrant hen, its electrical blue feathers and vibrant pink legs towards the inexperienced foliage makes it an incredible image.
I’m captivated by its power and the way in which it appears to mild up the bushes and shrubs with its presence. This hen’s hanging look and vigorous habits makes it a pleasure to {photograph} and a favourite of mine.
Tanagers
Tanagers are an enormous favorite of mine. They arrive in so many various colors and mixture of colors and will be discovered all through the Americas and Caribbean Area.
The Tanagers are on my checklist of favourites not solely due to the big variety and their colors, however just because they by no means let me down.
I can all the time depend on seeing a Tanager each time I’m out birding, guaranteeing my time within the discipline is all the time productive.
Northern Cardinal
This male Northern Cardinal was photographed in Central Park, New York. It boasts hanging crimson feathers that stand out towards the leafless branches, particularly throughout early spring.
Its distinctive crest provides to its regal look and for anybody with a digicam, capturing the cardinal’s vibrant pink towards the backdrop of Central Park is a rewarding expertise. Their high-pitched metallic chips and sequence of loud, candy whistles are a pleasant sound that echoes by means of the park. The feminine, although much less vibrant, nonetheless reveals refined magnificence.
My checklist of “present favorite” birds will, I’m certain, change as time goes by, some will stay favourites whereas others will fall of the checklist and make manner for brand spanking new ones, the checklist will develop. One factor shall be sure although, every hen that I’ve the great fortune to see, and {photograph} will all the time have a particular place in my reminiscence and my assortment of images.