J.D.E - Photography

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) Observation | Sterling, Colorado

Species & Behavior:
This footage documents the distinct thermoregulatory and maintenance behaviors of the Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum). The video captures an adult perched prominently atop a deadwood log structure in a slow-moving water corridor. It highlights the classic cormorant "wing-drying" posture—holding its large wings outspread to dry its feathers after a dive. Because cormorants have less preen oil than other waterfowl, their feathers soak up water, which reduces buoyancy and helps them hunt efficiently underwater but requires them to air-dry their plumage post-forage.

Location & Habitat:
Filmed along the Buffalo Skull Trail ecosystem in Sterling, Colorado. The combination of quiet river channels, standing wetlands, and exposed fallen timber provide optimal roosting sites and foraging habitats for diving piscivorous birds throughout the Northeast Colorado high plains.

Seasonal Context:
Recorded during late spring (mid-May), matching the peak breeding and active foraging season for regional waterbirds. Resident cormorants heavily utilize these open deadwood snags during clear and overcast afternoons alike to manage their body temperature and maintain feather condition between feeding dives.

Production Notes:

* Location: Buffalo Skull Trail — Sterling, CO
* Season: Mid-Spring (May)
* Equipment: Canon Rebel T8i
* Media Production: J.D.E. - Photography

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Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) Observation | Sterling, ColoradoSpecies & Behavior:This footage documents the distinct thermoregulatory and ma...

05/22/2026

Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) Survey | Sterling, Colorado

Species & Behavior:
This footage documents the foraging behaviors, specialized multi-directional scratch techniques, and territorial vocalizations of the Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus). The video highlights an adult male displaying its characteristic striking jet-black upperparts, warm rufous-colored flanks, and crisp white underbelly. The bird alternates between shifting ground leaf litter to locate insects and perching prominently within low-hanging branch networks to issue territorial calls across the brush canopy.

Location & Habitat:
Filmed along the Buffalo Skull Trail in Sterling, Colorado. The dense undergrowth, heavy ground-level brush, and low canopy corridors characteristic of this Northeast Colorado trail setup offer prime nesting ground and foraging cover preferred by towhees and related secretive ground-feeding songbirds.

Seasonal Context:
Captured during late spring (mid-May), coinciding with peak territorial display, courtship patterns, and active ground foraging schedules across high plains brush communities. Resident males utilize dense thickets to defend active territory boundaries and locate ground-dwelling invertebrates necessary for seasonal nesting success.

Production Notes:

* Location: Buffalo Skull Trail — Sterling, CO
* Season: Mid-Spring (May)
* Equipment: Canon Rebel T8i
* Media Production: J.D.E. - Photography

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Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) Survey | Sterling, ColoradoSpecies & Behavior:This footage documents the foraging behaviors, specialized multi-direc...

05/21/2026