2023 Expedition Recap

70 Photos

American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla — **American Redstart**
*(Setophaga ruticilla)*

**Description:**
Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The third was Switzer Lake, about twenty-one miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains, and less than 2 miles from the West Virginia border.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:19 11:57

**Location:**

Switzer Lake
Hinton, Virginia
United States
2316.39 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** AmericanRedstart_Z9X0146_SwitzerLake-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pin It — **American Redstart**
*(Setophaga ruticilla)*

**Description:**
Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The third was Switzer Lake, about twenty-one miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains, and less than 2 miles from the West Virginia border.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2023:06:19 11:57

**Location:**

Switzer Lake
Hinton, Virginia
United States
2316.39 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** AmericanRedstart_Z9X0146_SwitzerLake-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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American Robin - Turdus migratorius — **American Robin**
*(Turdus migratorius)*

**Description:**
For my stay at Point Pelee, I camped at Wheatley Provincial Park, where my nearest neighbors were a family of American Robins.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:08 15:08

**Location:**

Wheatley Provincial Park
Wheatley, Ontario
Canada
656.20 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6400

**File Name:** AmericanRobin_ZX92304_WheatleyProvPark-ON-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Anhinga - Anhinga anhinga — **Anhinga**
*(Anhinga anhinga)*

**Description:**
Anytime I visit High Island Texas, I can’t pass up an opportunity to stop by the Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary. I’ve never been disappointed with the times I’ve spent there. Wading birds and cormorants abound, and lots of nesting takes place. My favorite memory of my June 2023 visit was watching an Anhinga parent feeding its twin offspring.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:25 17:57

**Location:**

Smith Oaks Sanctuary
High Island, Texas
United States
36.09 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** Anhinga_Z9X3653_HighIsland-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus — **Bald Eagle**
*(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)*

**Description:**
My last stop in Ohio, before entering Canada in 2023 was at Magee Marsh, on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Spring migration was in full swing, and many birds staged there, fattening up before flying over the Great Lakes.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:07 13:42

**Location:**

Magee Marsh
Martin, Ohio
United States
561.05 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6400

**File Name:** BaldEagle_ZX91577_MageeMarsh-OH

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Baltimore Oriole - Icterus galbula — **Baltimore Oriole**
*(Icterus galbula)*

**Description:**
While driving to visit friends in Dayton Ohio, I stopped for the night at a rest area and enjoyed a few minutes with the local birds.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:04 6:03

**Location:**

Silver Lake
Highland, Illinois
United States
557.77 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/7.1, 1/800

**File Name:** BaltimoreOriole_ZX98112_SilverLake-IL

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica — **Barn Swallow**
*(Hirundo rustica)*

**Description:**
I spent much of my stay at Davis Mountains State Park working on images and stories from earlier episodes from my expedition. But on my third day in the park, I drove up-slope to Skyline Drive and looked for Montezuma Quail. They were ‘heard’ but not seen. Barn Swallows feeding babies were more accessible.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:06 12:05

**Location:**

Davis Mountains State Park
Fort Davis, Texas
United States
5144.61 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/800

**File Name:** BarnSwallow_Z9X9768_DavisMountains.SP-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Bell's Vireo - Vireo bellii — **Bell's Vireo**
*(Vireo bellii)*

**Description:**
On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:30 9:01

**Location:**

Kickapoo Caverns State Park
Brackettville, Texas
United States
1702.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BellsVireo_Z9X4525_KickapooCaverns-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Black-and-White Warbler - Mniotilta varia — **Black-and-White Warbler**
*(Mniotilta varia)*

**Description:**
Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The second was Riven Rock Park, twelve miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:19 10:44

**Location:**

Riven Rock Park
Hinton, Virginia
United States
1775.02 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/400

**File Name:** BlackWhiteWarbler_Z9X9845_RivenRockPark-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Blackburnian Warbler - Setophaga fusca — **Blackburnian Warbler**
*(Setophaga fusca)*

**Description:**
My Canadian friend Judy showed me one of her favorite birding locations called Long Point along the Ontario shores of Lake Erie. It is now one of MY favorite locations as well.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:13 8:15

**Location:**

Old Cut
Brant and Norfolk (Long Point), Ontario
Canada
603.70 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500

**File Name:** BlackburnianWarbler_ZX93640_LongPoint-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Black-Capped Vireo - Vireo atricapilla — **Black-Capped Vireo**
*(Vireo atricapilla)*

**Description:**
On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:30 9:21

**Location:**

Kickapoo Caverns State Park
Brackettville, Texas
United States
1725.81 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BlackCappedVireo_Z9X4700_KickapooCaverns-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Black-Throated Gray Warbler - Setophaga nigrescens — **Black-Throated Gray Warbler**
*(Setophaga nigrescens)*

**Description:**
Black-Throated Gray Warblers may not breed here in the Anza-Borrego desert, but pass through as they head further north to spawn their next generation.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:14 11:13

**Location:**

Tamarisk Grove
Borrego Springs, California
United States
1423.95 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BlackThroatedGrayWarbler_Z9X0952_Anza-Borrego_TamariskGrove

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Black-Throated Green Warbler - Setophaga virens — **Black-Throated Green Warbler**
*(Setophaga virens)*

**Description:**
I jumped at the opportunity when I was invited to visit my friend Judy’s cabin near the shore of Georgian Bay at Lake Huron. I filled the bird feeders when I arrived, and two days later, the local birds discovered the seeds and suit, and I captured all the images I could.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:21 14:19

**Location:**

Wahnekewaning Beach
Township Of Tiny, Ontario
Canada
639.80 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BlackThroatedGreenWarbler_Z9X8304_TinyBeachesCottage-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem - Lampornis clemenciae — **Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem**
*(Lampornis clemenciae)*

**Description:**
Arizona has several streams called “Cave Creek”. But for my money, the one in the Chiricahuas near Portal is the only one that has captured my attention.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:10 10:00

**Location:**

Cave Creek
Portal, Arizona
United States
4987.12 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/800

**File Name:** BlueThroatedMountainGem_Z9X0015_Portal-CaveCreek-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata — **Blue Jay**
*(Cyanocitta cristata)*

**Description:**
I said goodbye to my friends in Wernersville Pennsylvania, and began my trip south to explore the Appalachians. Only a half hour away, I stopped at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and toured their 6000 acre reserve.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:11 11:32

**Location:**

Middle Creek Wildlife Management
Kleinfeltersville, Pennsylvania
United States
580.03 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BlueJay_Z9X5806_MiddleCreek-WMA_PA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Bonaparte's Gull - Chroicocephalus philadelphia — **Bonaparte's Gull**
*(Chroicocephalus philadelphia)*

**Description:**
Southwest of Lawrence Kansas is a large reservoir called Clinton Lake. Here, a 1.6 mile long earthen dam holds back the Wakarusa River, forming a fifty foot deep, 11 square mile lake. I hiked to the shore at the dam’s base and spent time with the gulls, swallows, and grebes, who were kind enough to approach my perch.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:04:22 8:25

**Location:**

Clinton Lake
Lawrence, Kansas
United States
879.31 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BonapartesGull_ZX95081_ClintonLake-KS

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Broad-Billed Hummingbird - Cynanthus latirostris — **Broad-Billed Hummingbird**
*(Cynanthus latirostris)*

**Description:**
Having enjoyed past visits to Agua Caliente Park, in northeast Tucson, I was eager to return during my 2023 Expedition. It did not disappoint!
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:27 16:19

**Location:**

Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, Arizona
United States
2759.32 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BroadBilledHummingbird_ZX95259_AguaCaliente-Tucson-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Broad-Tailed Hummingbird - Selasphorus platycercus — **Broad-Tailed Hummingbird**
*(Selasphorus platycercus)*

**Description:**
I was invited to visit friends in Apache Creek New Mexico and enjoy the birds visiting their yard, so I did! It was loads of fun.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:04:13 16:25

**Location:**

Apache Creek
Reserve, New Mexico
United States
6637.46 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250

**File Name:** BroadTailedHummingbird_ZX93888_ApacheCreek_NM

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Bronzed Cowbird - Molothrus aeneus — **Bronzed Cowbird**
*(Molothrus aeneus)*

**Description:**
Before I settled in at my campsite at Davis Mountains State Park, I stopped at their “Wildlife Viewing Area”. The light wasn’t great, but the birds were pretty nice.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:04 15:28

**Location:**

Davis Mountains State Park
Fort Davis, Texas
United States
5052.74 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BronzedCowbird_Z9X9890_DavisMountains.SP-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Brown Creeper - Certhia americana — **Brown Creeper**
*(Certhia americana)*

**Description:**
During my stay near Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, most locals I met spoke fondly of a location called Tiny Marsh. On March 24th, I spent most of the day there and learned for myself why it is loved by so many folks.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:24 10:59

**Location:**

Tiny Marsh
Township of Tiny, Ontario
Canada
698.85 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BrownCreeper_Z9X0767_TinyMarsh-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Brown Thrasher - Toxostoma rufum — **Brown Thrasher**
*(Toxostoma rufum)*

**Description:**
Traveling south from my 2023 stay in Canada, I enjoyed a visit with old and dear friends in Pennsylvania. Theirs was a bird-friendly yard, and I took advantage of the opportunity to meet the local avifauna.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:04 9:44

**Location:**

Residential Neighborhood
Wernersville, Pennsylvania
United States
511.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** BrownThrasher_Z9X3079_Wernersville-PA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Canada Goose - Branta canadensis — **Canada Goose**
*(Branta canadensis)*

**Description:**
During my stay near Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, most locals I met spoke fondly of a location called Tiny Marsh. On March 24th, I spent most of the day there and learned for myself why it is loved by so many folks.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2023:05:24 10:08

**Location:**

Tiny Marsh
Township of Tiny, Ontario
Canada
708.70 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CanadaGoose_Z9X0260_TinyMarsh-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus — **Carolina Wren**
*(Thryothorus ludovicianus)*

**Description:**
I began my drive in Dandridge Tennessee. After crossing the northwest corner of Georgia, I stopped at a rest area called the Alabama Welcome Center. I needed to stretch my legs, and when I saw some of its bird-life, I knew just how to spend my next hour.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:23 11:19

**Location:**

Alabama Welcome Center
Valley Head, Alabama
United States
944.93 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CarolinaWren_Z9X0965_AlabamaWelcomeCenter

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Cassin's Sparrow - Peucaea cassinii — **Cassin's Sparrow**
*(Peucaea cassinii)*

**Description:**
Texas Roadside Rests, sometimes called ‘Picnic Areas’ can be worthwhile places to meet rural birds. I stayed at the Picnic Area 20 miles east of Marathon while traveling to the Davis Mountains. Skylarking Cassin’s Sparrows put on a show for me.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:03 18:17

**Location:**

26260 US-90 Rest Area
Marathon, Texas
United States
4337.48 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CassinsSparrow_Z9X8364_MarathonRestArea-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Cave Swallow - Petrochelidon fulva — **Cave Swallow**
*(Petrochelidon fulva)*

**Description:**
On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:02 9:57

**Location:**

Kickapoo Caverns State Park
Brackettville, Texas
United States
1797.99 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CaveSwallow_Z9X5813_KickapooCaverns-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Cedar Waxwing - Bombycilla cedrorum — **Cedar Waxwing**
*(Bombycilla cedrorum)*

**Description:**
Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The third was Switzer Lake, about twenty-one miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains, and less than 2 miles from the West Virginia border.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2023:06:19 11:44

**Location:**

Switzer Lake
Hinton, Virginia
United States
2437.78 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CedarWaxwing_Z9X9935_SwitzerLake-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Chestnut-Sided Warbler - Setophaga pensylvanica — **Chestnut-Sided Warbler**
*(Setophaga pensylvanica)*

**Description:**
My Canadian friend Judy showed me one of her favorite birding locations called Long Point along the Ontario shores of Lake Erie. It is now one of MY favorite locations as well.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:13 8:21

**Location:**

Old Cut
Brant and Norfolk (Long Point), Ontario
Canada
600.42 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500

**File Name:** ChestnutSidedWarbler_ZX93770_LongPoint-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Chipping Sparrow - Spizella passerina — **Chipping Sparrow**
*(Spizella passerina)*

**Description:**
I ended my drive through Alabama with a stop at the Mississippi Welcome Rest Area to spend the night. Before retiring, I could not resist spending time with the local birds.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:23 19:40

**Location:**

Mississippi Welcome Center
Toomsuba, Mississippi
United States
357.63 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** ChippingSparrow_Z9X2049_MississippiWelcomeCenter

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Cinnamon Teal - Spatula cyanoptera — **Cinnamon Teal**
*(Spatula cyanoptera)*

**Description:**
While driving to visit friends near Apache Creek New Mexico, I stopped in Glenwood to visit the local fishery and look for birds.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:04:12 9:09

**Location:**

Glenwood Fishery
Glenwood, New Mexico
United States
4754.17 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CinnamonTeal_ZX91024_GlenwoodFishery_NM

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Common Ground-Dove - Columbina passerina — **Common Ground-Dove**
*(Columbina passerina)*

**Description:**
On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:30 15:20

**Location:**

Kickapoo Caverns State Park
Brackettville, Texas
United States
1732.37 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CommonGroundDove_Z9X5549_KickapooCaverns-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Common Raven - Corvus corax — **Common Raven**
*(Corvus corax)*

**Description:**
Leaving San Diego for my 2023 cross-continental expedition, I stopped near Warner Springs hoping to photograph Tri-Colored Blackbirds, but they proved shy. This very wet Common Raven was not.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:13 17:30

**Location:**

San Felipe Road
Warner Springs, California
United States
2828.22 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** CommonRaven_Z9X0148_WarnerSprings_

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Eastern Kingbird - Tyrannus tyrannus — **Eastern Kingbird**
*(Tyrannus tyrannus)*

**Description:**
I drove from Oakville, on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, to my friend’s cottage near Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, with a couple of stops along the way. One of my stops was on McKinnon Road near Angus Ontario.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:17 12:13

**Location:**

McKennon Road
Angus, Ontario
Canada
610.27 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** EasternKingbird_Z9X5174_McKinnonRoad-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Eastern Towhee - Pipilo erythrophthalmus — **Eastern Towhee**
*(Pipilo erythrophthalmus)*

**Description:**
In May-2023, during my three-day visit with friends in Dayton Ohio, I split my time with the local birds between backyard feeders and a local 189 acre reserve called Cox Arboretum MetroPark, where I met this bird.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:05 10:56

**Location:**

Cox Arboretum
Dayton, Ohio
United States
912.12 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** EasternTowhee_ZX90558_SouthDayton-OH

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Elegant Trogon - Trogon elegans — **Elegant Trogon**
*(Trogon elegans)*

**Description:**
I had hoped to spend two days at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista Arizona as I headed home from my 2023 North American Expedition. When I learned of the poor road conditions and the closure of Garden Canyon, I settled for a half day in the lower Huachuca Canyon. The birds I found here are like few places in North America.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:12 13:29

**Location:**

Huachuca Canyon
Fort Huachuca, Arizona
United States
5459.58 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** ElegantTrogon_Z9X1950_HuachucaCanyon-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Field Sparrow - Spizella pusilla — **Field Sparrow**
*(Spizella pusilla)*

**Description:**
While enjoying a visit with old and dear friends in Pennsylvania, I drove to a nearby nature reserve called Blue Marsh. There, I enjoyed the company of birds I did not see at my friend’s property.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:07 13:43

**Location:**

Blue Marsh
Leesport, Pennsylvania
United States
321.54 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** FieldSparrow_Z9X4761_BlueMarsh-PA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Five-Striped Sparrow - Amphispizopsis quinquestriata — **Five-Striped Sparrow**
*(Amphispizopsis quinquestriata)*

**Description:**
The final birding episode for my 2023 North American Expedition was to Box Canyon. It yielded an encounter with Five-Striped Sparrows, an Arizona specialty species I’d been hoping to meet for over a decade.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:14 9:32

**Location:**

Box Canyon
Greaterville, Arizona
United States
4760.73 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/20000

**File Name:** FiveStripedSparrow_Z9X4355_PimaCounty-BoxCanyon-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinensis — **Gray Catbird**
*(Dumetella carolinensis)*

**Description:**
Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The third was Switzer Lake, about twenty-one miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains, and less than 2 miles from the West Virginia border.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2023:06:19 11:51

**Location:**

Switzer Lake
Hinton, Virginia
United States
2303.26 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** GrayCatbird_Z9X9989_SwitzerLake-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Great Crested Flycatcher - Myiarchus crinitus — **Great Crested Flycatcher**
*(Myiarchus crinitus)*

**Description:**
When I reached Presqu'ile Provincial Park on the northern shore of Lake Ontario on the last days of May 2023, the spring migration was nearly complete. I believe all the birds I met during my visit were there to raise babies on these grounds.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:01 8:25

**Location:**

Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Quinte Shores, East Northumberla, Ontario
Canada
265.76 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** GreatCrestedFlycatcher_Z9X2608_PresquilePark-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Green-Tailed Towhee - Pipilo chlorurus — **Green-Tailed Towhee**
*(Pipilo chlorurus)*

**Description:**
Gardner Canyon Road leaves AZ-83 four miles north of Sonoita and ascends the eastern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains. I stopped there to spend the night and see what birds I might meet.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:19 12:55

**Location:**

Gardner Canyon Road
Sonoita, Arizona
United States
4747.61 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** GreenTailedTowhee_ZX92991_GardnerCanyon_Sonoita-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Harris's Sparrow - Zonotrichia querula — **Harris's Sparrow**
*(Zonotrichia querula)*

**Description:**
I spent the day south of Lawrence Kansas exploring the Baker Wetlands. Bird migration seemed in full swing, and I enjoyed every minute.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:04:27 10:48

**Location:**

Baker Wetlands
Lawrence, Kansas
United States
816.97 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** HarrisSparrow_ZX97820_BakerWetlands-KS

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Horned Grebe - Podiceps auritus — **Horned Grebe**
*(Podiceps auritus)*

**Description:**
Southwest of Lawrence Kansas is a large reservoir called Clinton Lake. Here, a 1.6 mile long earthen dam holds back the Wakarusa River, forming a fifty foot deep, 11 square mile lake. I hiked to the shore at the dam’s base and spent time with the gulls, swallows, and grebes, who were kind enough to approach my perch.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:04:22 8:49

**Location:**

Clinton Lake
Lawrence, Kansas
United States
892.43 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250

**File Name:** HornedGrebe_ZX96059_ClintonLake-KS

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Least Flycatcher - Empidonax minimus — **Least Flycatcher**
*(Empidonax minimus)*

**Description:**
During my stay near Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, most locals I met spoke fondly of a location called Tiny Marsh. On March 24th, I spent most of the day there and learned for myself why it is loved by so many folks.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:24 8:01

**Location:**

Tiny Marsh
Township of Tiny, Ontario
Canada
652.92 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** LeastFlycatcher_Z9X9832_TinyMarsh-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Louisiana Waterthrush - Parkesia motacilla — **Louisiana Waterthrush**
*(Parkesia motacilla)*

**Description:**
Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The third was Switzer Lake, about twenty-one miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains, and less than 2 miles from the West Virginia border.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:19 12:01

**Location:**

Switzer Lake
Hinton, Virginia
United States
2313.11 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** LouisianaWaterthrush_Z9X0228_SwitzerLake-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Lucy's Warbler - Leiothlypis luciae — **Lucy's Warbler**
*(Leiothlypis luciae)*

**Description:**
Having enjoyed past visits to Agua Caliente Park, in northeast Tucson, I was eager to return during my 2023 Expedition. It did not disappoint!
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:27 17:08

**Location:**

Agua Caliente Park
Tucson, Arizona
United States
2772.45 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** LucysWarbler_ZX95775_AguaCaliente-Tucson-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos — **Northern Mockingbird**
*(Mimus polyglottos)*

**Description:**
I ended my drive through Alabama with a stop at the Mississippi Welcome Rest Area to spend the night. Before retiring, I could not resist spending time with the local birds.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:23 18:58

**Location:**

Mississippi Welcome Center
Toomsuba, Mississippi
United States
354.35 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** NorthernMockingbird_Z9X1434_MississippiWelcomeCenter

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Orchard Oriole - Icterus spurius — **Orchard Oriole**
*(Icterus spurius)*

**Description:**
Texas Roadside Rest, sometimes called ‘Picnic Areas’ can be worthwhile places to meet rural birds. I stayed at the Pinto Picnic Area when I left Kickapoo Caverns and met orioles, finches, vireos, and flycatchers.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:02 19:09

**Location:**

Pinto Picnic Rest Area
Brackettville, Texas
United States
1105.70 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** OrchardOriole_Z9X7869_PintoPicnicRestArea-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Painted Bunting - Passerina ciris — **Painted Bunting**
*(Passerina ciris)*

**Description:**
On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:30 10:49

**Location:**

Kickapoo Caverns State Park
Brackettville, Texas
United States
1712.68 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** PaintedBunting_Z9X5171_KickapooCaverns-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pied-Billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps — **Pied-Billed Grebe**
*(Podilymbus podiceps)*

**Description:**
I spent only a little more than an hour for my first visit to the Sweetwater Wetlands a little west of Tucson. I found it lovely, and I expect to visit it again, and again.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:18 16:08

**Location:**

Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Tucson, Arizona
United States
2257.33 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** PiedBilledGrebe_ZX92015_SweetwaterWetlands-Tucson-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pine Siskin - Spinus pinus — **Pine Siskin**
*(Spinus pinus)*

**Description:**
Patton’s, in Patagonia is legendary as a ‘must see’ birding destination in southeastern Arizona. Yet, this was my first visit. I spent almost two hours there, and those few hours were delightful.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:21 12:04

**Location:**

Patton's
Patagonia, Arizona
United States
4088.13 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** PineSiskin_ZX94042_Patagonia-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pine Warbler - Setophaga pinus — **Pine Warbler**
*(Setophaga pinus)*

**Description:**
I jumped at the opportunity when I was invited to visit my friend Judy’s cabin near the shore of Georgian Bay at Lake Huron. I filled the bird feeders when I arrived, and two days later, the local birds discovered the seeds and suit, and I captured all the images I could.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:18 13:55

**Location:**

Wahnekewaning Beach
Township Of Tiny, Ontario
Canada
636.51 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** PineWarbler_Z9X6366_TinyBeachesCottage-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Red-Eyed Vireo - Vireo olivaceus — **Red-Eyed Vireo**
*(Vireo olivaceus)*

**Description:**
After my first visit to Wye Marsh in Midland Ontario four days earlier, I felt there were more species I wanted to meet. I returned Monday morning, and I tried to collect images of the birds I missed before.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:22 7:51

**Location:**

Wye Marsh
Midland, Ontario
Canada
629.95 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** RedEyedVireo_Z9X8560_WyeMarsh-Midland-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Red-Headed Woodpecker - Melanerpes erythrocephalus — **Red-Headed Woodpecker**
*(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)*

**Description:**
I spent the day meeting birds at Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia. It is a 1,862-acre park about an hour outside of the Washington, D.C. metro region, where there are meadows and forests stretching up to the ridge of the mountain and the Appalachian Trail.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:13 11:22

**Location:**

Sky Meadows State Park
Paris, Virginia
United States
885.87 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/800

**File Name:** RedHeadedWoodpecker_Z9X7546_SkyMeadows-SP-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Red-Necked Grebe - Podiceps grisegena — **Red-Necked Grebe**
*(Podiceps grisegena)*

**Description:**
My friend Judy gave me a tour of a few of her favorite nearby birding locations, and included a revisit with the nesting Red-Necked Grebes at Bronte Harbour.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:27 17:17

**Location:**

Bronte Harbour
Bronte, Ontario
Canada
269.04 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** RedNeckedGrebe_Z9X2353_BronteHarbour-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Rock Wren - Salpinctes obsoletus — **Rock Wren**
*(Salpinctes obsoletus)*

**Description:**
I spent much of my stay at Davis Mountains State Park working on images and stories from earlier episodes from my expedition. But on my final morning in the park, I drove up-slope to Skyline Drive and looked again for Montezuma Quail. Again, I ‘heard’ them, but did not see any. However, I enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and a couple of ‘early birds’.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:08 8:36

**Location:**

Davis Mountains State Park
Fort Davis, Texas
United States
5295.53 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/800

**File Name:** RockWren_Z9X9925_DavisMountains.SP-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Boondock Camping - Scenery — **Boondock Camping**
*(Scenery)*

**Description:**
Mittry Lake is just a few miles north of Yuma along the Colorado River.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:03:16 18:46

**Location:**

Laguna
Yuma, Arizona
United States
164.05 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
SM-S906U, 5.4 mm, f/1.8, 1/180

**File Name:** RV_Camping_20230316_184646_MittryLake-Yuma-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Swamp Sparrow - Melospiza georgiana — **Swamp Sparrow**
*(Melospiza georgiana)*

**Description:**
I drove 20 minutes from Tiny Shores to Midland Ontario, to spend the day at the Wye Marsh Nature Reserve, a place known for its key role in the recovery of Trumpeter Swans.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:19 10:10

**Location:**

Wye Marsh
Midland, Ontario
Canada
613.55 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** SwampSparrow_Z9X7109_WyeMarsh-Midland-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Townsend's Solitaire - Myadestes townsendi — **Townsend's Solitaire**
*(Myadestes townsendi)*

**Description:**
Historic Redington Road runs east out of Tucson through some very rugged country. I stopped on the eastern slopes to spend time with the birds and make camp.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:04:03 7:02

**Location:**

Redington Road
Tucson, Arizona
United States
4206.24 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** TownsendsSolitaire_ZX97539_RedingtonRoad-Tucson-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor — **Tufted Titmouse**
*(Baeolophus bicolor)*

**Description:**
I boondock camped in Fort Valley, near Strasburg Virginia, and enjoyed the local birds there.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:16 14:13

**Location:**

Elizabeth Furnace Recreational A
Fort Valley, Virginia
United States
751.35 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/10.0, 1/800

**File Name:** TuftedTitmouse_Z9X8825_FortValley-VA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Varied Bunting - Passerina versicolor — **Varied Bunting**
*(Passerina versicolor)*

**Description:**
On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:06:30 15:04

**Location:**

Kickapoo Caverns State Park
Brackettville, Texas
United States
1719.24 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** VariedBunting_Z9X5380_KickapooCaverns-TX

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Violet-Crowned Hummingbird - Leucolia violiceps — **Violet-Crowned Hummingbird**
*(Leucolia violiceps)*

**Description:**
I spent a long, hot, Arizona summer day visiting‌ the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia. For much of this visit I experimented with camera settings (ISO), and I learned what *not* to do.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:13 15:43

**Location:**

Paton Center for Hummingbirds
Patagonia, Arizona
United States
4015.94 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500

**File Name:** VioletCrownedHummingbird_Z9X3454_Patons-Patagonia-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Western Tanager - Piranga ludoviciana — **Western Tanager**
*(Piranga ludoviciana)*

**Description:**
I spent my morning with the lower elevation birds at Cave Creek. Then I drove to the higher elevations of the Chiricahuas, hoping to find Mexican Chickadees. I struck out with the chickadees, but made do with the birds more willing to spend time with me.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:07:10 20:01

**Location:**

Chiricahua Mountains
Portal, Arizona
United States
8415.77 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/800

**File Name:** WesternTanager_Z9X1179_ChiricahuaMountains-AZ

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Wilson's Snipe - Gallinago delicata — **Wilson's Snipe**
*(Gallinago delicata)*

**Description:**
Driving north a week earlier to Tiny Beaches on Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, on the recommendation of a friend, I stopped for a half-hour visit to McKinnon Road. Eager to reach my destination, I left knowing there was more to see than I had time for. On my return to southern Ontario, I spent a whole day, and still I knew there was more to see.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:25 12:00

**Location:**

Minesing Wetlands
Angus, Ontario
Canada
580.74 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** WilsonsSnipe_Z9X1759_MinesingWetlands-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker - Sphyrapicus varius — **Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker**
*(Sphyrapicus varius)*

**Description:**
I drove 20 minutes from Tiny Shores to Midland Ontario, to spend the day at the Wye Marsh Nature Reserve, a place known for its key role in the recovery of Trumpeter Swans.
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**Date Taken:** 2023:05:19 11:41

**Location:**

Wye Marsh
Midland, Ontario
Canada
606.99 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 9, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** YellowBelliedSapSucker_Z9X8000_WyeMarsh-Midland-Ont-CA

© 2023 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Click map markers to reveal further information

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The third was Switzer Lake, about twenty-one miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains, and less than 2 miles from the West Virginia border.

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

For my stay at Point Pelee, I camped at Wheatley Provincial Park, where my nearest neighbors were a family of American Robins.

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

Anytime I visit High Island Texas, I can’t pass up an opportunity to stop by the Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary. I’ve never been disappointed with the times I’ve spent there. Wading birds and cormorants abound, and lots of nesting takes place. My favorite memory of my June 2023 visit was watching an Anhinga parent feeding its twin offspring.

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

My last stop in Ohio, before entering Canada in 2023 was at Magee Marsh, on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Spring migration was in full swing, and many birds staged there, fattening up before flying over the Great Lakes.

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

While driving to visit friends in Dayton Ohio, I stopped for the night at a rest area and enjoyed a few minutes with the local birds.

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

I spent much of my stay at Davis Mountains State Park working on images and stories from earlier episodes from my expedition. But on my third day in the park, I drove up-slope to Skyline Drive and looked for Montezuma Quail. They were ‘heard’ but not seen. Barn Swallows feeding babies were more accessible.

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.

Black-and-White Warbler

Mniotilta varia

Before I pulled into Harrisonburg VA, I scouted the region for promising locations to find birds. There were three places that seemed worth visiting. The second was Riven Rock Park, twelve miles up US-33 heading into the Allegheny Mountains.

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

My Canadian friend Judy showed me one of her favorite birding locations called Long Point along the Ontario shores of Lake Erie. It is now one of MY favorite locations as well.

Black-Capped Vireo

Vireo atricapilla

On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.

Black-Throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

Black-Throated Gray Warblers may not breed here in the Anza-Borrego desert, but pass through as they head further north to spawn their next generation.

Black-Throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

I jumped at the opportunity when I was invited to visit my friend Judy’s cabin near the shore of Georgian Bay at Lake Huron. I filled the bird feeders when I arrived, and two days later, the local birds discovered the seeds and suit, and I captured all the images I could.

Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem

Lampornis clemenciae

Arizona has several streams called “Cave Creek”. But for my money, the one in the Chiricahuas near Portal is the only one that has captured my attention.

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

I said goodbye to my friends in Wernersville Pennsylvania, and began my trip south to explore the Appalachians. Only a half hour away, I stopped at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and toured their 6000 acre reserve.

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

Southwest of Lawrence Kansas is a large reservoir called Clinton Lake. Here, a 1.6 mile long earthen dam holds back the Wakarusa River, forming a fifty foot deep, 11 square mile lake. I hiked to the shore at the dam’s base and spent time with the gulls, swallows, and grebes, who were kind enough to approach my perch.

Broad-Billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

Having enjoyed past visits to Agua Caliente Park, in northeast Tucson, I was eager to return during my 2023 Expedition. It did not disappoint!

Broad-Billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

I ascended Mount Lemmon on Thursday and spent the night. It was too early in the season for the great warbler show. On my descent on Friday, I stopped below the Molino Basin, and enjoyed a few minutes with Bell’s Vireos, Lesser Goldfinches, and Broad-Billed Hummingbirds.

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

I was invited to visit friends in Apache Creek New Mexico and enjoy the birds visiting their yard, so I did! It was loads of fun.

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

Before I settled in at my campsite at Davis Mountains State Park, I stopped at their “Wildlife Viewing Area”. The light wasn’t great, but the birds were pretty nice.

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

During my stay near Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, most locals I met spoke fondly of a location called Tiny Marsh. On March 24th, I spent most of the day there and learned for myself why it is loved by so many folks.

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

Traveling south from my 2023 stay in Canada, I enjoyed a visit with old and dear friends in Pennsylvania. Theirs was a bird-friendly yard, and I took advantage of the opportunity to meet the local avifauna.

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

I began my drive in Dandridge Tennessee. After crossing the northwest corner of Georgia, I stopped at a rest area called the Alabama Welcome Center. I needed to stretch my legs, and when I saw some of its bird-life, I knew just how to spend my next hour.

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

Texas Roadside Rests, sometimes called ‘Picnic Areas’ can be worthwhile places to meet rural birds. I stayed at the Picnic Area 20 miles east of Marathon while traveling to the Davis Mountains. Skylarking Cassin’s Sparrows put on a show for me.

Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Chestnut-Sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

My Canadian friend Judy showed me one of her favorite birding locations called Long Point along the Ontario shores of Lake Erie. It is now one of MY favorite locations as well.

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

I ended my drive through Alabama with a stop at the Mississippi Welcome Rest Area to spend the night. Before retiring, I could not resist spending time with the local birds.

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

While driving to visit friends near Apache Creek New Mexico, I stopped in Glenwood to visit the local fishery and look for birds.

Common Ground-Dove

Columbina passerina

On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.

Common Raven

Corvus corax

Leaving San Diego for my 2023 cross-continental expedition, I stopped near Warner Springs hoping to photograph Tri-Colored Blackbirds, but they proved shy. This very wet Common Raven was not.

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

I drove from Oakville, on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, to my friend’s cottage near Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, with a couple of stops along the way. One of my stops was on McKinnon Road near Angus Ontario.

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

In May-2023, during my three-day visit with friends in Dayton Ohio, I split my time with the local birds between backyard feeders and a local 189 acre reserve called Cox Arboretum MetroPark, where I met this bird.

Elegant Trogon

Trogon elegans

I had hoped to spend two days at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista Arizona as I headed home from my 2023 North American Expedition. When I learned of the poor road conditions and the closure of Garden Canyon, I settled for a half day in the lower Huachuca Canyon. The birds I found here are like few places in North America.

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

While enjoying a visit with old and dear friends in Pennsylvania, I drove to a nearby nature reserve called Blue Marsh. There, I enjoyed the company of birds I did not see at my friend’s property.

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.

Five-Striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

The final birding episode for my 2023 North American Expedition was to Box Canyon. It yielded an encounter with Five-Striped Sparrows, an Arizona specialty species I’d been hoping to meet for over a decade.

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

When I reached Presqu'ile Provincial Park on the northern shore of Lake Ontario on the last days of May 2023, the spring migration was nearly complete. I believe all the birds I met during my visit were there to raise babies on these grounds.

Green-Tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

Gardner Canyon Road leaves AZ-83 four miles north of Sonoita and ascends the eastern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains. I stopped there to spend the night and see what birds I might meet.

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

I spent the day south of Lawrence Kansas exploring the Baker Wetlands. Bird migration seemed in full swing, and I enjoyed every minute.

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

Having enjoyed past visits to Agua Caliente Park, in northeast Tucson, I was eager to return during my 2023 Expedition. It did not disappoint!

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

I ended my drive through Alabama with a stop at the Mississippi Welcome Rest Area to spend the night. Before retiring, I could not resist spending time with the local birds.

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

Texas Roadside Rest, sometimes called ‘Picnic Areas’ can be worthwhile places to meet rural birds. I stayed at the Pinto Picnic Area when I left Kickapoo Caverns and met orioles, finches, vireos, and flycatchers.

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

In the middle of the small West Texas town of Marathon, is a lovely park called Gage Gardens. I find it an irresistible place to visit whenever I pass through the region.

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

Pied-Billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

I spent only a little more than an hour for my first visit to the Sweetwater Wetlands a little west of Tucson. I found it lovely, and I expect to visit it again, and again.

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

Patton’s, in Patagonia is legendary as a ‘must see’ birding destination in southeastern Arizona. Yet, this was my first visit. I spent almost two hours there, and those few hours were delightful.

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

Red-Eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

After my first visit to Wye Marsh in Midland Ontario four days earlier, I felt there were more species I wanted to meet. I returned Monday morning, and I tried to collect images of the birds I missed before.

Red-Eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

I boondock camped in Fort Valley, near Strasburg Virginia, and enjoyed the local birds there.

Red-Eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

Red-Headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

I spent the day meeting birds at Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia. It is a 1,862-acre park about an hour outside of the Washington, D.C. metro region, where there are meadows and forests stretching up to the ridge of the mountain and the Appalachian Trail.

Red-Necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

My friend Judy gave me a tour of a few of her favorite nearby birding locations, and included a revisit with the nesting Red-Necked Grebes at Bronte Harbour.

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

I spent much of my stay at Davis Mountains State Park working on images and stories from earlier episodes from my expedition. But on my final morning in the park, I drove up-slope to Skyline Drive and looked again for Montezuma Quail. Again, I ‘heard’ them, but did not see any. However, I enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and a couple of ‘early birds’.

Boondock Camping

Scenery

Mittry Lake is just a few miles north of Yuma along the Colorado River.

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

I drove 20 minutes from Tiny Shores to Midland Ontario, to spend the day at the Wye Marsh Nature Reserve, a place known for its key role in the recovery of Trumpeter Swans.

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

Historic Redington Road runs east out of Tucson through some very rugged country. I stopped on the eastern slopes to spend time with the birds and make camp.

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

I boondock camped in Fort Valley, near Strasburg Virginia, and enjoyed the local birds there.

Varied Bunting

Passerina versicolor

On my 2023 tour of North America, I paid my third visit to Kickapoo Caverns State Park outside of Brackettville Texas. Unlike my first two visits, this time, there were plenty of birds to meet.

Violet-Crowned Hummingbird

Leucolia violiceps

I spent a long, hot, Arizona summer day visiting‌ the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia. For much of this visit I experimented with camera settings (ISO), and I learned what *not* to do.

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

I spent my morning with the lower elevation birds at Cave Creek. Then I drove to the higher elevations of the Chiricahuas, hoping to find Mexican Chickadees. I struck out with the chickadees, but made do with the birds more willing to spend time with me.

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

Driving north a week earlier to Tiny Beaches on Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay, on the recommendation of a friend, I stopped for a half-hour visit to McKinnon Road. Eager to reach my destination, I left knowing there was more to see than I had time for. On my return to southern Ontario, I spent a whole day, and still I knew there was more to see.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

I drove 20 minutes from Tiny Shores to Midland Ontario, to spend the day at the Wye Marsh Nature Reserve, a place known for its key role in the recovery of Trumpeter Swans.

Galleries

Birds I Have Known Butterfly and Moth Meetings Damsels & Dragons Eggs and Their Shapes Favorite Collections Mammals I have Known The Rocky Islands