11/25/2024 - Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

A beautiful day at the end of November in Central New York doesn't happen often, so I took advantage of it.  Don't get me wrong, as bright and sunny as it was, there was still a little chill in the air with the temperature around 50F.  But, my third trip to Montezuma was a big success as I was able to get some pictures that I've wanted long ago when I was still taking pictures with my dad's Pentax film camera...

Parking Location: Montezuma national Wildlife Refuge

Site Notes: The visitor center is accessible with views from the wrap around deck.  You can also get some excellent views by driving around the Wildlife Drive "loop".

Time: 12:54; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm + Crop
Note: The sandhill cranes were very numerous and loud near the visitor center.

Time: 13:11; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm
Note: A blue heron in some deep water.

Time: 13:12; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm
Note: He got lunch!

Time: 13:16; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
 Focal Length: 600mm + Crop

Time: 13:17; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm
Note: A pied-billed grebe, the last trip to the refuge was my first time seeing one.

Time: 13:19; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm
Note: A northern shoveler, first time seeing one of these!

Time: 13:19; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm + Crop
Note: A canvasback, another first for me.

Time: 13:23; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm + Crop
Note: I don't think the smaller bird is a female mallard that is being bullied by a gadwall duck.

Time: 13:23; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm + Crop
Note: You can see the gadwall on top of the mallard.  I watched this for 10 minutes.

Time: 13:25; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm + Crop

Time: 13:34; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 550mm
Note: A picture of a Bald Eagle has been a dream of mine for a very long time, I got 2!

Time: 13:34; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 550mm

Time: 13:36; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm

Time: 13:37; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm + Crop

Time: 13:40; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm

Time: 13:41; Camera: Nikon Z7 II; Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRS;
Focal Length: 600mm + Crop