Category Archives: Birds in Flight

Forster’s Tern in Flight

Forster’s Tern in Flight

Forster's Tern in Flight

Forster’s Tern in Flight

While foraging, the Foster’s Tern flies back and forth over water with his bill pointing downward and feet folded against body, typically about 6–8 m above water, and either plunges directly into water towards prey or hovers briefly before diving. Sometimes the Foster’s Tern forages from perches such as posts, bridges, telephone wires, or floating boards.The picture of this Forster’s Tern in flight was taken at the East Pond in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, New York.

American Black Duck in Flight

American Black Duck Coming in for a Landing

American Black Duck in flight

American Black Duck in flight

The American Black Duck has suffered somewhat from the introduction of captive-raised Mallards into its breeding range. The species hybridize (interbreed), and the Mallard may take over some breeding spots from the black duck. The picture of this American Black Duck coming in for a landing was taken at Big Johns Pond in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, New York.

Glossy Ibis in Flight

Glossy Ibis in Flight with Spring Tree Background

Glossy Ibis in Flight

Glossy Ibis in Flight

I took the picture of this Glossy Ibis flying over Big Johns Pond last Friday at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Although the Glossy Ibis in North America lives primarily along the Atlantic Coast, the Glossy Ibis also can be found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Click below to hear the sound of the Glossy Ibis

Song of the Glossy Ibis

Ring-billed Gull in Flight Closeup

Ring-billed Gull in Flight

Ring-billed Gull in Flight


This interesting closeup of this Ring-billed Gull was taken at Stuyvesant Cove on the East River in Manhattan. Ring-billed Gulls in many cases will winter at the same location every year and there are many Ring-billed Gulls that visit Stuyvesant Cove during the winter. It has become one of my favorite locations to photograph Gulls and this year cormorants.

Tree Swallow in Flight

Tree Swallow in Flight

Tree Swallow in Flight


The picture of this Tree Swallow in flight was taken at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. I just love when the Tree Swallows take over the air space at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and the opportunity to get them in flight is a special challenge for me. The picture of this Tree Swallow in flight was taken with the Canon EOS 7D with the 100-400mm lens.

Great Egret in Flight

Great Egret in Flight

Great Egret in Flight


The picture of this Great Egret in flight with breeding plumage was taken in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. The picture of this Great Egret was taken with the Canon EOS7D with the 100-400mm lens. I was glad to be able to get this beautiful bird as it was just taking off.

Tree Swallows at Nesting Box

Tree Swallows in Flight

Tree Swallows in Flight


The picture of these Tree Swallows was taken at the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The picture of these Tree Swallows was taken with the Canon EOS7D and the Canon 100-400mm lens.

I am so happy to see the Trees Swallows back at Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge. They add a delightful spriit to the refuge.