Marvin DeJong Photography: Aldrich Shorebirds

Western Sandpipers

Western Sandpipers

Least Sandpiper

Thanks to Marvin DeJong for all photos. Taken on Monday, August 25, 2008

Marvin's Photos: Shorebirds of Alaska

It's a flood day in the Ozarks, and my mind has turned to shorebirds. The rain swollen fields of Palmetto would be crawling with plovers, peeps, and plenty more if this much rain would fall in a few short weeks. We await the American Golden Plovers that arrive at the end of March, and the many other shorebirds that follow throughout April and May.

So, if it rains, and only if it rains, they will come! So far, the precipitation is above normal. If this trend continues, it should be a great spring for shorebirds in our neck of the wo...... uh, fields.

So, to get you and me in the mood, here are a few photographs that Marvin DeJong took last spring in Alaska. All photos are used with his permission.

Marvin DeJong Photos: Waterfowl in Alaska

After receiving so much positive response for Marvin's eagle photographs, I decided that I couldn't wait to showcase a few more of his wonderful images. There are many species in his waterfowl collection that I so far only dream of seeing. I know many of you will have no problem identifying them, but it was been a great exercise in bird identification for me. Marvin periodically sent me his "mystery bird" photos via e-mail during his time in Alaska last winter and spring.
So, enjoy. I won't spoil your fun in identifying the birds. Of course, I know that most are way too easy, but I'm still curious about the corms and gull in #7. I'll number them if you'd like to comment:

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7. How many species? ID the gull......
8. Again, what are the gulls?
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12.

Come back soon for Marvin's shorebirds........ in breeding plumage.

All photos copyright by Marvin DeJong.

Marvin DeJong Photos: Eagles in Alaska

Upon my return from Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, I began to think about the recovery of the Bald Eagle in America. The count of Bald Eagles in the Alton area is currently in the several hundreds and corresponding eagle watchers are flocking in to see our national symbol reinhabiting the nation's heartland.

As this point, I remembered the photography of my friend Marvin DeJong, my main birding buddy and GOAS member. I have been thinking about doing a series to showcase his work, and so I begin that series today with his photos of the Bald Eagle.

One year ago Marvin and his wife Claudia set off for a six month adventure in Alaska. They volunteered at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka. Across the sound was Mount Edgecomb, an extinct volcano. On the landward side stood the Tongass National Forest and mountainous terrain. One of Marvin's first purchases while there was a digital camera and zoom lens. One of the highlights of last winter was receiving his beautiful photos of the avian life of this rich bioregion.

And so, in the first of a series of photographs, here are a few of Marvin's Bald Eagle photos:

Be sure to visit again as I continue this series with Marv's waterfowl photos, featuring Barrow's Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, and Common Merganser young.

All photos copyright by Marvin DeJong.