Night time in the park
Roberto and friend
(Photo credit - Rob J)
On Saturday I was cycling passed Nelly's Lawn when I spotted a pair of Common Nighthawks swooping above the field. I stopped to watch them and noticed Roberto on the north side of the field, also enjoying the sky show. I met him halfway across the field and we talked for a few minutes. He asked me about the location of the "Sparrow Bowl" as I reported some interesting birds in that area. It was along my way so I walked with him south along the Long Meadow to the bowl-like depression between the Picnic and Tennis Houses. It isn't the "official" name and I don't think it has one. Local birders discovered years ago that its natural windbreak and variety of grasses and low, dense vegetation attracted a nice variety of migrating sparrows.
By the time Roberto and I arrived at the Sparrow Bowl it was already pretty late in the day and there wasn't any bird activity. We were standing around chatting when Roberto noticed a couple of bats flying low over the area. As the sun began setting more bats began to feed close to the edges of the bowl. I had my camera with me and started to experiment with taking photos of the bats. It wasn't easy photographing them as they changed speed and direction like a drunken New York City taxi driver. I went back again on Sunday night to try out some new ideas. Six to eight bats were still in the area and I was able to capture a few decent images. With a little practice I should be able to get some nice flight shots.
Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus ) in the Sparrow Bowl
(Photo credit - Rob J)
-Click here for more info on Little Brown Bats-
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5 comments:
cool post...any luck getting nighthawk shots?
those are awsome shots. I used to do a lot of bike racing in the park and think that I remember the general area. My favorite pics yet.
RV
Thanks, the mosquito bites not withstanding, it was a lot of fun. I went back last night and the bats were gone so I guess it was a migrating flock.
The Common Nighthawks weren't as cooperative. They were a little too high for my lens to capture anything decent. I they're still around on the weekend I'll try digiscoping some photos.
hey Rob, that is awesomely cool. I couldn't even imagine getting bats-in-flight shots with my slr. But it would be fun to try!
Thanks Janet. I think the key was that there were just so many of them. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who is afraid of bats because they come really close. I'll send you a funny example.
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