This page is a collection of video-grabs, and a couple of movie clips, from our recent trip to California and Minneapolis. The aim of the pictures is simply to document what was seen, rather than for photographic merit in their own right, and the latter is anyway impossible using my setup of a Sony IP7 camcorder through an ancient Kowa TSN2 scope (as per Nigeria photos on this site). In addition we have started a family since that trip, so my standard birding equipment now also includes a wriggling toddler strapped to my back in rucksack, change bag and food & drink bag either side, plus the usual scope, bins, camera, phone, guides etc.
Please click on images for larger versions! All images may be freely used for any non-commercial use, preferably with acknowledgement.
Osprey man, Osprey nest, Great White Egret (Coon Rapids):
Canada Geese (Coon Rapids) [moffitti and maxima respectively???]:
Western Gulls (San Francisco Bay):
Black-chinned Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpeckers (San Jose)
Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee (Coon Rapids)
Cliff Swallows - juv being fed, Tree Swallow (Coon Rapids)
House Wren, Grey Catbirds, Yellow Warbler (Coon Rapids)
Song Sparrow (Coon Rapids)
Common Grackle, Brewer's Blackbirds
Lesser and American Goldfinches
Movies section
(1.8MB zipped) 
(1.6MB)