RTY Photography Blog

Wow, it’s been over a year since my last blog post. I decided to post some of my favorite images from 2020. Please visit my website to see up to date photos. Click here … www.rtyphotography.com.

Just some favorite images from 2019.

Great Gray Owl … Alberta, Canada 01/12/19.

I had such a great time following several pairs of nesting loons this year. Loons have a special place in my heart. I love to follow the same pairs from year to year. The Mt Desert Island loons had a great year with 8 chicks making it to fledge. Common Loon and chick 08/02/19.

Acadia National Park, Maine 07/03/19.

This was a gift. Eagles never let you get too close, but this one did. As I paddled back from the loon chicks, I passed this beautiful Bald Eagle. It didn’t seem to mind my presence. Acadia Park, Maine 07/01/19.

I had the pleasure to travel with good friends up to Alberta, Canada twice this year, We were lucky to see several Great Gray Owls. This was from the second trip in October. Great Gray Owl 10/22/19.

Northern Flickers, Bar Harbor, Maine 06/28/19.

This was also from the second trip to Alberta, Canada. It is so cool to see one of these incredible animals. We were lucky to see many. It was below zero on a few days, but well worth the pain lol. Moose … Jasper, Canada 10/27/19.

New Acadia Loons Calendar for 2020. All proceeds go to The Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary in Mt Desert, Maine. All photos by me and captions by Billy Helprin (Director of the Sanctuary). If interested, the link is below.

Click HERE for more information. Thanks and Happy Holidays to all.

After only a few days back from Maine, I was off to Canada. I accompanied several talented photography friends;  Harry Collins, Mike Toscano, Mike Cassella, Jason Gambone, and JJ Bowen. The group landed in Calgary and worked our way through Alberta up to Jasper. Alberta is absolutely beautiful. Driving through the Rockies was spectacular, every turn looks like a postcard. The area is a paradise for photographers, especially for wildlife. I have to thank my friends for their awesome research in planning this trip. Overall, the weather was mild, except for the two days when the temperature reached -7 degrees Fahrenheit. This trip was amazing; moose, great gray owls, bighorn sheep, coyotes, elk, eagles, and gorgeous scenery.  I split the photos into two parts. Here is part 2 …

Note: If anyone is interested, Harry is running a workshop in this same area in October 2020. Click on his name for info.

After only a few days back from Maine, I was off to Canada. I accompanied several talented photography friends;  Harry Collins, Mike Toscano, Mike Cassella, Jason Gambone, and JJ Bowen. The group landed in Calgary and worked our way through Alberta up to Jasper. Alberta is absolutely beautiful. Driving through the Rockies was spectacular, every turn looks like a postcard. The area is a paradise for photographers, especially for wildlife. I have to thank my friends for their awesome research in planning this trip. Overall, the weather was mild, except for the two days when the temperature reached -7 degrees Fahrenheit. This trip was amazing; moose, great gray owls, bighorn sheep, coyotes, elk, eagles, and gorgeous scenery.  I split the photos into two parts. Here is part 1 …

Note: If anyone is interested, Harry is running a workshop in this same area in October 2020. Click on his name for info.

I just wanted to post a few shots of this encounter with a Bald Eagle. I paddled alongside after a morning with the loons. It didn’t seem to mind my presence. This is the closest I have been to an eagle; what an impressive raptor.

If you have been following me for a while, you know I have a special place in my heart for Common Loons. So far, it has been a great season for the nesting loons on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Last year, three made it to fledge, which is about the average over the last ten years. This year eleven eggs hatched and eight chicks are still going strong. The first chicks were hatched on June 14th and the youngest hatched on August 2nd. Normally it takes about twelve weeks for the chicks to fledge and be on their own. The first chick has fledged and hopefully, the rest will follow. I have been out in my kayak following four pairs for the last few months. I have so many photos I want to share, so I’ll break it down into two posts.

Here is “Part 2” of my loon photos.

If you have been following me for a whle, you know I have a special place in my heart for Common Loons. So far, it has been a great season for the nesting loons on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Last year, three made it to fledge, which is about the average over the last ten years. This year eleven eggs hatched and eight chicks are still going strong. The first chicks were hatched on June 14th and the youngest hatched on August 2nd. Normally it takes about twelve weeks for the chicks to fledge and be on their own. The first chick has fledged and hopefully the rest will follow. I have been out in my kayak following four pairs for the last few months. I have so many photos I want to share, so I’ll break it down into two posts. Here is “Part 1” of my loon photos.

Each year during late May and June the alewives (river herring) make their annual run through parts of Maine to their spawning areas. This occurance draws the local eagles and ospreys to their favorite fishing locations along the way. The alewives run creates a wonderful opportunity for wildlife photographers. This may be my favorite time of the year and I spend day after day with friends at a local spot photographing the eagles and ospreys diving in the pond and streams.

Seals join in