Shorebird Blur

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Chugach, Photos, Travel 20 Comments

A flock of shorebirds, Copper River Delta, Alaska.

A flock of shorebirds, Copper River Delta, Alaska.

It is fun to return to an area like I did Cordova recently to see what kind of new images I can come up with – I like the challenge.  It seems I’m more likely to experiment and try different compositions, techniques etc. on subsequent visits to a location in an attempt to top what I did before.  Admittedly, different isn’t better, but the same is never better – let me elaborate.   Read More

Semipalmated Plover Photo

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Chugach, Photos, Travel 9 Comments

Semiplamated Plover, Seward, Alaska.

Semipalmated Plover, Seward, Alaska.

Since I’m in the bird frame of mind sorta speak, I decided to check out some of our local shorebirds.  Compared to the Copper River Delta, Seward gets a tiny migration – but hey, its close!

The favorable tides and wind corresponded with the middle of a bright sunny day which equals harsh ugly light, so I leaned heavy on flash to help tame and overcome the bad light.

I ended up getting pretty wet laying in the mud and water for two hours – but I think it was worth it!

O So Close!!!

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Chugach, Photos, Travel 10 Comments

Shorebirds resting on the Copper River Delta, Alaska.

Shorebirds resting on the Copper River Delta, Alaska.

Well, as I was mesmerized by the shorebird migration, I was told a wolverine walked down the beach about a hundred yards behind me!  I was right there with my camera mounted on my telephoto, all on a tripod – it couldn’t have been better timing, well, except for the part where I was looking the other way!  It was spotted by Hugh Rose, who is an excellent photographer and naturalist – so it was a very reliable source.  Guess where I’m going to be hanging out!

My pain was greatly eased by the shorebird migration – this was the most I have ever seen.  Wow is the word I kept repeating to myself.  Unfortunately photographs just can’t do this migration justice.  Video would help, but would still fall short. 

I used f/22 for this image to maximize the depth of field.

Shorebird Migration

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Chugach, Photos, Travel 8 Comments

Shorebirds on the Copper River Delta, Alaska

Shorebirds on the Copper River Delta, Alaska

It is a bit early, but the birds are beginning to arrive – this was from this morning.  I forgot what an amazing experience it is to see these huge flocks of birds!

Mt Drum

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Photos, Travel, Wrangell-St. Elias 13 Comments

Mt Drum, Wrangel-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Mt Drum, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

 I picked up a magazine assignment to photograph a fisherman in Cordova.  I’m thrilled, because the timing perfectly correspondes with the amazing shorebird migration.  We had a wonderful time here last year, but weren’t sure if we were going to return this year – this made that decision easy!

We normally travel to Cordova via the Alaska State Ferry from Whittier, but  the road to Whittier was closed thanks to a landslide.  This forced us to make the long drive around to Valdez just to catch the ferry.  That’s ok, it is a beautiful drive!  We timed it so that we would pass through Glennallen right at sunset Sunday night so the we could photograph the Wrangell Mountains.  Sunset wasn’t anything special, but the mountains sure are!

Cow Moose

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Chugach, Photos, Travel 9 Comments

A moose cow outside of Seward, Alaska earlier this week.

A moose cow outside of Seward, Alaska earlier this week.

Just out of sight was a year old calf who will likely be abandoned soon.  Mortality rates for moose during their first year of life is very high.  Once they hit the age of one, the rate drops substantially, and the mom’s job is done.