Stephen Barten

Look who’s back! Big flocks were moving north these last two days with a few pairs foraging on the ground, unconcerned by the nearby humans (as long as those humans stayed on the trail). #sandhillcrane #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography

Trumpeter Swans
McHenry Dam, 3.8.26
#trumpeterswans #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography

Putting together some images of the 8 bumblebee species I documented on CFC property in 2025 for next week's annual meeting. Character limit won't let me list them all.
No. 5. is the Rusty-patched BB (federally endangered)
#bumblebee #bumblebees #beemonitor #citizensforconservation

The eastern bluebirds have been back for a while - some never left - but hopefully with all this rain and warmer temps, spring won't be too far away. In spite of the groundhog!
#easternbluebird #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography

In front and behind; between the two of us we can hear everything.
#backyardwildlife

Neighbors: I look forward to talking to you about our local wildlife tonight at the village hall. Hope to see you there.
I'll mention how a water feature can attract wildlife. I took this photo through my kitchen window yesterday evening.

Common Mergansers doing a fly-by up the river
Fox River Preserve
#commonmerganser #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography

People who let helium balloons go only to have them land in forest and nature preserves are the same as people who throw their fast food containers and empty bottles out of their car windows as they drive down the street. They're doing the same thing. #balloonsblow

Gulls are underappreciated.
Ring-billed Gull in morning light. Fox River Preserve, 3.1.26
#ringbilledgull #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotograp

That time last summer I found an Eastern Foxsnake shed coming out of a hollow log.
#easternfoxsnake #fieldherping

First prescribed burn of the season!

Winter coats are fuzzy, thick, and warm.
#whitetaileddeer #backyardwildlife

You got it, Common Goldeneye

I may have to rethink putting the birdbath right in the middle of the wildflower garden.
#whitetaileddeer #backyardwildlife

There was a James Bond movie named after this bird. It was released 30 years ago and was the first Bond movie that didn't use material from original Bond author Ian Flemming.
McHenry Dam, 2.15.26
#goldeneye #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography

They don't catch many and a Sharpie's got to eat too.

Today's backyard hawk: Redtail
This one's an immature whose tail hasn't turned red yet.
#redtailedhawk #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography

Thanks!

Thanks!

Thanks, Rob L!

Backyard Sharpie
Sharp-shinned hawk scoping our the bird feeders, 2.14.26
#sharpshinnedhawk #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography

Looking forward to the return of spring birds, like this Bobolink who travels all the way from Argentina. Argentinians never see this bold breeding plumage, but only their drab winter colors.
#bobolink #birding #birdingphotography #BirdPhotography

American Black Duck
McHenry Dam, Lake County, IL, 2.15.26
#americanblackduck #birding #birdingphotography#birdphotography

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sunrise, heat shimmer, and pelican
Little St. Simons, GA 11.13.25
#brownpelican #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography #littlestsimonsisland

Stephen Barten
All I can think of is that meme where Homer Simpson shrinks back into the bushes.
Black-crowned Night Heron, Little St. Simons, GA 11.13.25
#blackcrownednightheron #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography #littlestsimonsisland

Tri-colored Heron
Little St. Simons, GA 11.12.25
#tricoloredheron #birding #birdphotography #birdingphotography #littlestsimonsisland

Hunkered down in the cold snap
Willets (big) and Short-billed Dowitchers; amazing size difference
Little St Simons, GA, 11.12.25
#willets #shortbilleddowitchers #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography #littlestsimonsisland

You've got a little something on your beak
Short-billed Dowitcher, Little St. Simons, GA, 11.12.25
#shortbilleddowitcher #birding #birdingphotography #birdphotography #littlestsimonsisland

Coyote pair on the prowl, 4:00 AM
They proceeded up our front walkway to the driveway and across the street, leaving tracks in the fresh snow.
#Coyotes #TrailCam #TrailCamera #backyardwildlife