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Favorite Focus, February 2026

by Kevin Shank | Feb 1, 2026 | 2026, 02 February, Comets, Rodents, Shorebirds, Sparrows, Waxwings

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comet breaking apart

Killdeer feeding in the water — I was on a small mud flat on a lake watching two killdeer. I love to photograph shorebirds, and, although killdeer are common in Pennsylvania, I like to photograph them. One of them started walking closer to me, so I lay down in the mud and waited. That’s the trick with getting good photos of shorebirds. Don’t approach them; just wait, and eventually they’ll walk right up to you.
Well, it worked! One of the killdeer walked up close enough for a good photo, and I got a shot just as it plucked a worm out of the mud. Photo © Theo Krisko.
Congratulations. Great shot and technique.
—The Editor

red squirrel on feeder — These little American Red squirrels have found my bird feeder. At least they pose nicely for their picture!
Photo © Leah Grant.

cedar waxwing hanging upside down eating a berry — Cedar Waxwing. Photo © Wilford Martin.

dark-eyed junco on stub — Dark-eyed Junco. Photo © Wilford Martin.