Kort Duce

@kortduce.bsky.social

5029 Followers 1274 Following

I have been a professional photographer and artist for over 25 years. I have worked at newspapers, magazines and now freelance. I love art. www.kortduce.com Longmont, Colorado

Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes as it wades through St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron is seen in left profile at the center of the frame, lifting its neck and head from the water a second after attempting to catch a fish. Water splashes in every direction as the bird's neck remains gracefully curved and its beak is angled slightly downward. The creek reflects the lush greenery of the riparian forest along the opposite bank, while the background consists of creek rocks and pebbles with a patch of natural grass in the upper right corner. Soft early morning backlight illuminates the scene, causing the splashing water to shimmer against the darker background while creating a warm rim light that outlines the heron. A beautiful portrait of a great blue heron in motion, capturing the energy and grace of its hunt within the riparian corridor that is so vital to its survival.
Video by Kort Duce In this vertical color video one views the landscape and scenery of Flathead Lake in Montana. A moment of Zen… Such a magnificent and beautiful place. Flathead Lake in Montana is one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River. Its crystal-clear water is fed by rivers and streams that originate in and around Glacier National Park. Stretching approximately 32 miles long, 14 miles wide, and reaching depths of 365 feet, Flathead Lake is renowned for its exceptionally clean, clear water and breathtaking scenery.
Photo by Kort Duce A juvenile American white pelican during a magnificent sunrise at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a juvenile American white pelican fills the frame in right profile, its head and neck slightly raised as it wades through shallow water. The entire scene is bathed in warm golden and orange hues from the rising sun. Cottonwood seeds, feathers, and other organic debris float across the water's surface, catching and refracting the light to create delicate circular bokeh highlights. The pelican's reflection stretches gracefully across the water, while its much smaller shadow adds an intriguing visual element to the composition. Together, the reflection, shadow, and glowing morning light create a peaceful and atmospheric portrait. A beautiful portrait of a juvenile American white pelican in the wetland habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce An eastern phoebe perches on an exposed tangle of tree roots along the bank of St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a chaotic network of exposed roots, earth, rocks, and fallen leaves fills the frame. In the lower right quadrant, an eastern phoebe pauses while hunting, scanning for its next insect as it perches about a foot above the creek, where insects swarm. Eastern phoebes typically build their nests in sheltered niches or beneath overhangs, where their young are protected from the elements and relatively safe from predators. They avoid damp crevices and instead favor dry locations tucked close to the "ceiling" of an alcove. This natural overhang along the creek provides an ideal nesting site for the species. This portrait captures an eastern phoebe within the riparian habitat that is so essential to its survival, highlighting the intimate connection between the bird and the creekside environment it depends upon.
Photo by Kort Duce A yellow-headed blackbird flies through last year's cattails at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the viewer looks through a dense stand of cattails along the edge of a pond. In the left half of the frame, a yellow-headed blackbird flies toward the camera with its wings thrust downward, revealing the striking white patches on its otherwise black wings. The foreground and background are filled with softly blurred, cream-to brown-colored cattails from the previous growing season, creating a natural frame around the bird. In the far background, patches of fresh green cattails and glimpses of pond water add subtle color and depth to the scene. This beautiful action photograph captures a yellow-headed blackbird in flight within its natural wetland habitat, highlighting the importance of these marshes to the species' survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A killdeer chick pauses while walking along the shoreline of a pond at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a killdeer chick is shown in right profile standing on a small, flat rock with its left leg and foot momentarily lifted as it pauses to assess its surroundings. A larger, rounded rock rests beside it, while softly blurred rocks fill the foreground. The rocks are coated with green algae left behind by the receding pond water. In the background, the pond reflects the brilliant blue sky, characteristic of Colorado's more than 300 days of sunshine each year. A beautiful portrait of a killdeer chick in the natural wetland habitat that is so vital to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce An American bushtit pauses briefly while hunting at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado, creating the perfect opportunity for a portrait. In this horizontal color photograph, slender branches rise through the frame from the bottom and extend out the top. Perched just above the center of the image, an American bushtit is shown in left profile with its tail feathers slightly raised. The background is rendered in a soft blur, revealing subtle hints of green vegetation and the gray surface of a pond reflecting the overcast sky. A beautiful portrait of an American bushtit in the natural habitat that is so vital to its survival.
Bird Club
Photo by Kort Duce A turkey vulture perches atop a dead snag overlooking St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a turkey vulture precariously grips the top of a leafless branch rising from the center of the bottom of the frame. Warm early morning sunlight bathes the bird in rich golden tones. Its back is toward the camera as it hunches over and looks back to its right, revealing the profile of its bare red head. The background is a brilliant blue sky, characteristic of Colorado's more than 300 days of sunshine each year. This intimate portrait captures a turkey vulture in the natural environment it helps maintain, serving as an important scavenger that keeps ecosystems clean by consuming carrion.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes and hunts along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the viewer looks downstream and across St. Vrain Creek, where tall, lush grasses and riparian vegetation line the opposite bank. A large fallen tree branch enters from the left side of the frame and extends out over the creek. Perched on the branch, a great blue heron crouches intently as it peers into the water below, searching for its next meal. Smaller branches from the same tree, adorned with green leaves, fill the upper left corner of the frame and partially veil the heron, creating a natural sense of depth and concealment. The gently flowing creek occupies the lower portion of the image and continues along the right side of the frame. A beautiful moment that captures a great blue heron patiently hunting in the rich riparian habitat that is essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A female belted kingfisher fishes while perched above St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a female belted kingfisher perches in right profile on a dead branch in the upper right quadrant of the frame, her head slightly tilted downward as she watches the creek below for prey. The branch enters from the left near the center of the frame, where a smaller limb immediately angles downward toward the bottom, with several delicate offshoots fanning outward to create a striking sculptural element. The kingfisher's crest is raised, and her head feathers appear damp from a recent plunge into the creek. The background is softly blurred, with riparian trees in varying shades of green and yellow set against a brilliant Colorado blue sky. A beautiful portrait of a female belted kingfisher poised in the riparian habitat that is so essential to her survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A female yellow-headed blackbird showing her beauty at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a female yellow-headed blackbird fills the frame in left profile with her head turned slightly to her left. She is perched atop a rounded wooden fence post, confidently surveying her surroundings. The softly blurred background features lush green cattails, creating a pleasing natural backdrop that draws attention to the bird. A striking portrait that highlights the subtle beauty and elegance of a female yellow-headed blackbird in her wetland habitat.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron flies over a fallen tree in a pond at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a great blue heron fills the upper half of the frame as it flies overhead, with its wings and much of its body extending beyond the edges of the image. Below, the massive limbs of an old, weathered fallen tree rise from the pond, creating a striking foreground. Warm early morning light bathes both the heron and the surrounding landscape, highlighting the rich colors and textures of the scene. A narrow band of brilliant blue sky stretches across the top of the frame. A magnificent action photograph capturing a great blue heron soaring above a wetland habitat that is essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce An American mink visually inspects its environment along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the viewer looks across St. Vrain Creek toward the opposite bank, where a weathered fallen tree limb rests among rocks, exposed roots, and delicate cobwebs. Green blades of grass rise through the foreground, partially framing the scene. An American mink occupies the center of the image in left profile with its front paws resting on the fallen branch. It glances back over its shoulder, revealing the right side of its face as it carefully surveys its surroundings. I had the pleasure of observing a family of American mink that first caught my attention while I was photographing a great blue heron. Three juvenile mink darted through the riparian forest, swimming, wrestling, and playing tug-of-war with a stick. One even scampered along the shoreline carrying a crayfish. Photographing these American mink proved to be quite challenging in the deep shade of the riparian forest, where the low light required slow shutter speeds. Even so, they were an absolute joy to watch and photograph. A beautiful portrait of an American mink in its natural riparian habitat, highlighting the importance of healthy streamside ecosystems to this fascinating predator.
Photo by Kort Duce A turkey vulture portrait along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a turkey vulture is seen up close in right profile, revealing its head, neck, and upper chest in a classic portrait. A specular highlight in its brown eye brings the bird to life. Its brilliant red head and creamy-colored beak stand out vividly against Colorado's signature deep blue sky. A beautiful portrait of one of nature's most important birds, a scavenger that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our ecosystem.
Photo by Kort Duce A blue jay poses for a portrait at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a blue jay has momentarily landed on an old, weathered fallen tree in the riparian forest surrounding St. Vrain Creek. The bird occupies the right half of the image with its back toward the camera and its head turned to the right, revealing its striking profile. A specular highlight in its eye brings the portrait to life. The background is softly blurred, consisting of lush green leaves from surrounding bushes and trees that create a pleasing natural backdrop. In the foreground, a couple of small twigs droop into the frame from the left side, while a few green leaves in the lower right corner subtly frame the blue jay. A beautiful portrait of a blue jay in its natural riparian habitat, highlighting the importance of these healthy streamside ecosystems to the species' survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron takes flight at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado, with the Boulder Flatirons rising in the background. In this vertical color photograph, a great blue heron fills the frame in left profile as it launches from a tree branch with its wings raised high, preparing for flight. The tip of its left wing extends beyond the edge of the frame, emphasizing the bird's impressive wingspan. Warm early morning light bathes the heron and the surrounding landscape, highlighting the rich colors and textures of the scene. The background features the recently restored bank along the opposite shoreline, which also serves as the levee for St. Vrain Creek. Beyond it, the iconic Boulder Flatirons rise beneath Colorado's brilliant blue sky. A magnificent action photograph capturing a great blue heron taking flight in the wetland habitat that is essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A turkey vulture takes flight after perching on a tree overlooking St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a turkey vulture faces the camera as it launches from the top of a dead tree branch, driving its wings downward with powerful force. The warm light of the early morning sun illuminates its bare red head and outstretched wings, accentuating the rich details of its plumage. Behind the bird, Colorado's signature deep blue sky provides a clean, uncluttered backdrop that emphasizes the drama of the moment. A striking action photograph capturing the power and grace of a turkey vulture in flight.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron is silhouetted as it perches at sunrise on a small submerged tree in a pond at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the viewer looks down and across a pond as the early morning sun reflects off the rippled water, creating a broad swath of shimmering glare. In the lower left quadrant, a great blue heron stands on a small submerged tree, its many bare branches extending across the bottom of the frame. The heron faces the camera with its head and neck turned to its left, revealing the right side of its face. Its neck forms a graceful "S" curve, and its head is slightly bowed with its beak pointing downward. The water throughout the image is textured with ripples created by a gentle breeze. The opposing shoreline occupies the top of the frame and remains in deep shadow, creating a striking contrast with the brilliant sunlight. Just below the top of the image, the sun's reflection breaks through the darkness and stretches downward across the pond, bathing the scene in warm golden and amber tones that evoke the tranquility of sunrise. This beautiful portrait captures a poised and majestic great blue heron in its natural wetland habitat, an ecosystem that is vital to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes and hunts in and along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron wades in the creek with its back to the camera, its head and neck turned to the left. The bird occupies the lower right quadrant of the frame. St. Vrain Creek flows diagonally through the scene from the upper left toward the right and lower portions of the image. Softly blurred green and golden grasses fill the left foreground, adding depth and framing the composition. The background features exposed rocks along the creek bed and tall grasses illuminated by dappled backlight. The sunlit vegetation glows a rich golden color, with its warm tones reflected in the water surrounding the heron. This beautiful light adds drama, depth, and a strong sense of place to the riparian landscape. This serene portrait captures the great blue heron in a poised, majestic stance within the natural habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A double-crested cormorant perches high in a tree at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a double-crested cormorant fills the frame in a three-quarter left profile with its head turned back over its shoulder, revealing the right side of its face. Its beak is open, as if calling or panting. A branch enters the frame from the lower right corner and extends roughly three-quarters of the way across the image, providing a natural perch and leading line. The background is a brilliant blue sky, characteristic of Colorado's more than 300 days of sunshine each year. This intimate portrait highlights the cormorant's striking features, elegant posture, and prehistoric appearance against a simple, vibrant backdrop.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron squawks while fishing in St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron is shown in right profile in the upper right quadrant of the frame with its beak stretched wide open as it squawks. The heron stands along the edge of a gravel bar in the middle of St. Vrain Creek, where it is hunting and fishing. Vivid green grasses growing on the gravel bar stand out dramatically against the surrounding deep shade, drawing the viewer's eye directly to the heron and its habitat. The high-contrast light creates a striking environmental portrait, highlighting the great blue heron within the riparian ecosystem that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce Four mallard ducklings navigate St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado, with their mother swimming close behind. In this vertical color photograph, four mallard ducklings fill the frame from top to bottom in left profile as they swim upstream. The second duckling from the top is in sharp focus, appearing to assess both its surroundings and the photographer. The other three ducklings avoid eye contact and are rendered slightly out of focus, creating a natural sense of depth. The creek's rippling water reflects the lush green vegetation lining its banks and the surrounding riparian corridor, adding a vibrant wash of color to the scene. A beautiful portrait of young mallard ducklings swimming through the natural habitat that is so essential to their survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron comes up empty-beaked after diving for a fish at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron fills the frame in right profile, with its tail cropped from view. Its neck and head burst upward from the water after an unsuccessful strike, sending droplets and splashes in every direction. The heron's reflection is mirrored in the rippled surface below. The foreground and background consist entirely of pond water reflecting the lush green foliage of mature trees growing along the opposite shoreline. Darker reflections from the trees' shadows add contrast and depth to the scene. This dynamic action photograph captures the split-second aftermath of a missed fishing attempt, illustrating both the patience and persistence of a great blue heron in the wetland habitat that is essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron looks skyward as another heron squawks while flying overhead at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a great blue heron fills the frame as it faces the camera while balancing on its right leg. Its neck and head are turned in left profile, with its beak tilted toward the sky as it watches another heron passing overhead. The background forms a beautiful painterly scene, beginning with the earth-toned shoreline at the top of the frame, followed by alternating horizontal bands of blue water and creamy reflections. The lower three-quarters of the image is filled with the pond, mirroring Colorado's signature blue sky. This elegant portrait captures a moment of awareness and curiosity while showcasing a great blue heron within the wetland habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A northern house wren sings while perched near its nest along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a northern house wren is shown in left profile just left of center with its beak open in mid-song. The branch on which it is perched runs diagonally through the frame from just above the center left to the lower right corner. Smaller branches and leaves are softly blurred in the background, while the distant foliage blends into a rich green backdrop that beautifully complements the bird. This intimate portrait captures a northern house wren singing within the riparian habitat that is so essential to its survival and breeding success.
Photo by Kort Duce A male common yellowthroat warbler perches momentarily at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a male common yellowthroat is perched on a branch in the upper half of the frame. Branches crisscross the composition, some sharply in focus and others softly blurred. A few leaves cling to one branch, while a dark tree trunk angles through the upper left corner. The distant blue sky provides a clean backdrop that adds color and helps anchor the scene. The common yellowthroat is shown in right profile with its head tilted slightly upward. A bright specular highlight in its eye brings the bird to life. At this fleeting moment, the elusive warbler seems to realize it has been discovered and appears ready to vanish into the dense tangle of branches from which it emerged only seconds before.
Photo by Kort Duce A killdeer chick stands on a rock with its lanky legs along the shoreline of a pond at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, the killdeer chick appears in the left half of the frame in right profile as it stands on a rock. The chick stands atop a pinkish-cream-colored rock, its slender legs and tiny claws still wet from running through the shallow pond water. The background is softly blurred, revealing a mix of algae-covered rocks and pond water reflecting Colorado's brilliant blue sky. A charming portrait of a young killdeer chick taking its first steps and exploring its new environment.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes in St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the viewer looks down on St. Vrain Creek as it winds through the frame, bordered by dense, lush green vegetation on both banks. A large tree rises from the upper left quadrant, while gentle rapids cascade past it along the right side of the image. In the lower right corner, an almost silhouetted great blue heron wades through the shallow water with its head tilted upward and its beak slightly open. A beautiful and serene moment captures a great blue heron in the riparian habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes in St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical black-and-white photograph, the viewer looks down on St. Vrain Creek as it winds through the frame, bordered by dense, lush vegetation on both banks. A large tree rises from the upper left quadrant, while gentle rapids cascade past it along the right side of the image. In the lower right corner, an almost silhouetted great blue heron wades through the shallow water with its head tilted upward and its beak slightly open. A beautiful and serene moment captures a great blue heron in the riparian habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A house finch perches on a barbed wire fence adjacent to a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a house finch perches on a strand of barbed wire that crosses the upper right portion of the frame. The finch faces the camera with its head turned to its right, revealing the left side of its face. A second strand of barbed wire runs horizontally across the lower quarter of the image. The bird is balanced directly over one of the wire's barbs, while the distant background consists entirely of a clear blue sky. A fun portrait of a house finch perched on an urban fence, demonstrating that wildlife can be found in even the most ordinary settings.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron sleeps during a spectacular sunrise at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a great blue heron stands on one leg atop a partially submerged log, facing the camera with its head turned to its left and its eyes peacefully closed. The weathered log is surrounded by countless upright branches, each draped in delicate spider webs that glow as they are backlit by the rising sun. The entire scene is bathed in warm golden and orange hues from the sunrise. Cottonwood seeds, feathers, and other organic debris drift across the water's surface, catching and refracting the light to create delicate circular bokeh highlights. The heron's reflection extends out of the bottom of the frame, joined by the reflections of the surrounding branches. Gentle ripples spread across the pond, gradually widening toward the foreground. The lower half of the image glows with the most intense golden light as the sun's rays illuminate the water. A peaceful portrait of a great blue heron resting in the heart of a thriving wetland, highlighting the beauty of these fragile habitats that are essential to the survival of this remarkable species.
Photo by Kort Duce An eastern phoebe perches on a dead tree branch hanging over St. Vrain Creek while hunting for insects in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a broken branch descends diagonally from the upper right corner of the frame toward the lower left corner. Perched partway down the branch in left profile is an eastern phoebe, patiently watching for flying insects above the creek. The background is a soft blur of roots and darkness from the opposing creek bank. The result is a beautiful portrait of an eastern phoebe in its natural habitat, quietly poised between moments of stillness and flight.
Photo by Kort Duce A juvenile American white pelican during a magnificent sunrise at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a juvenile American white pelican fills the frame in right profile, its head and neck slightly raised as it wades through shallow water. The entire scene is bathed in warm golden and orange hues from the rising sun. Cottonwood seeds, feathers, and other organic debris float across the water's surface, catching and refracting the light to create delicate circular bokeh highlights. The pelican's reflection stretches gracefully across the water, while its much smaller shadow adds an intriguing visual element to the composition. Together, the reflection, shadow, and glowing morning light create a peaceful and atmospheric portrait. A beautiful portrait of a juvenile American white pelican in the wetland habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron flies across a pond at one of my favorite nature areas in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron is captured in left profile during flight, its beak open as it squawks and its left wing fully extended, sweeping diagonally across the frame from the upper right to the lower left corner. The heron's body and legs extend beyond the edge of the frame, creating a tightly cropped composition that emphasizes the elegance and power of its wing. The background is a pond rippled by a gentle breeze, reflecting Colorado's brilliant blue sky and providing a simple, vibrant backdrop that draws attention to the bird in motion. A beautiful action photograph capturing a great blue heron in flight over its natural wetland habitat.
Photo by Kort Duce “Whatcha doin’?” Asks a great blue heron at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a great blue heron's head and neck fill the frame as it faces the camera with its head turned slightly to its left. The background consists of pond water reflecting Colorado's brilliant blue sky, creating a simple, uncluttered backdrop that draws attention to the bird's striking features. An engaging portrait of a great blue heron seemingly staring directly into the camera, inviting viewers to wonder what it might be thinking.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes in St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron wades through the creek at the center of the frame. In the foreground, grasses and delicate seed heads create a natural veil that draws the viewer's eye toward the bird. A narrow band of shoreline stretches across the top of the image, while the remaining background is filled with water reflecting the lush riparian forest. Two elements make this photograph especially distinctive: 1. Countless bokeh balls of varying sizes shimmer throughout the scene. 2. A female mallard duck bursts into flight, sending water splashing through the composition. Partially obscured by the foreground grasses, the duck can be seen just below the heron as a brown blob exiting the frame. Swarming gnats catch the morning light as out-of-focus specular highlights, transforming into luminous circles that appear to float through the air. The result is a dreamlike atmosphere, creating an artistic portrait of a great blue heron immersed in its natural habitat.
Photo by Kort Duce A female yellow-headed blackbird showing her beauty at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a female yellow-headed blackbird fills the frame as she faces the camera with her head turned slightly to her right, revealing the left side of her face. Her neck is stretched out and her feathers slightly puffed. The blackbird is perched on a rounded wooden fence rail. The background is softly blurred, with cattails in varying shades of green creating a natural backdrop. A beautiful portrait of a female yellow-headed blackbird strutting her stuff.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron spears a fish just behind its eyes at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron is seen in left profile while wading through shallow water. Its beak is slightly open as it pins a crappie with a precise strike just behind the fish's eyes. The heron's head is angled downward as it firmly secures its prey. The fish's head points upward while tiny droplets of water spray from both the fish and the heron's head as the fish struggles, adding a vivid sense of motion to the scene. The surrounding water reflects the lush green trees lining the opposite shoreline, creating a natural backdrop that emphasizes the drama and fleeting nature of the moment. Ripples radiate across the water from the instant the heron lunged forward to spear the fish. An incredible action photograph of a great blue heron demonstrating the speed, precision, and skill required to catch a fish in the wetland habitat essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A female yellow-headed blackbird catches a dragonfly to feed her fledglings at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a female yellow-headed blackbird fills the frame as she faces the camera with her head turned slightly to her right, revealing the left side of her face. She holds a dragonfly in her beak with its head facing the camera and its four wings extending in different directions. The blackbird is perched on a rounded wooden fence rail. The background is softly blurred, with cattails in varying shades of green creating a natural backdrop. A beautiful portrait of a mother yellow-headed blackbird providing for her young, illustrating the care and dedication essential to their survival in the wild.
Photo by Kort Duce Two juvenile American white pelicans fish at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, two American white pelicans glide across the water in left profile. The leading pelican occupies the center and left half of the frame, while the second bird enters from the right with its rear partially cropped from view and its head turned slightly to the right. Both pelicans are beautifully reflected in the calm water, creating near mirror images beneath them. The water reflects the brilliant blue sky for which Colorado is known, while softly blurred cattail leaves crisscross the foreground, adding depth and a natural frame to the scene. A beautiful medium portrait of two American white pelicans methodically searching for fish in the healthy wetland habitat that is so essential to their survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A double-crested cormorant perches high in a tree, drying its wings at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a cormorant fills the frame in left profile as it flaps its wings to shed water before holding them wide open to dry in the sun. Its left wing partially obscures its head and neck. A branch enters the frame from the lower right corner and extends about three-quarters of the way across the image. The background is a brilliant blue sky, characteristic of Colorado's more than 300 days of sunshine each year. A beautiful portrait capturing the distinctive wing-drying behavior of a double-crested cormorant.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal black-and-white photograph, the viewer looks down over a pond. The left half of the image is filled with gently rippling water in the foreground, with reflections extending along the left edge and across the top of the frame. The right half features a rocky shoreline that weaves in and out as it recedes into the distance, bordered by cattails and a large tree stump. Wading in the shallow water along the shoreline, a great blue heron patiently fishes, its reflection mirrored almost perfectly on the calm surface. A beautiful scenic landscape photograph of a great blue heron fishing in the natural wetland habitat that is so vital to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A male yellow-headed blackbird perches on a fence post at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a male yellow-headed blackbird fills the frame in three-quarter left profile with its head turned to its far left, revealing the right side of its face. A bright specular highlight in its eye brings the portrait to life. The background is softly blurred in varying shades of green from the cattails lining the edge of a pond. The rounded fence post on which the bird is perched is heavily weathered, its surface etched with deep cracks and grooves. A handsome portrait showcasing the striking plumage and confident posture of a male yellow-headed blackbird in its natural habitat.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron loses its balance while fishing at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron fills the frame in left profile, hunched over with its neck tightly curled after an unsuccessful strike into the water. Its wings are extended high above its head as it struggles to regain its balance. The heron is wading in water that reaches midway up its legs, with droplets falling from its beak and ripples spreading outward from the point where it struck the surface. A rocky shoreline is softly blurred in the background, while the rippled water below contains a distorted reflection of the bird. A beautiful and unexpected action photograph, this image captures a fleeting moment as a great blue heron loses its balance while attempting to catch a fish—an essential part of its daily struggle for survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A northern house wren returns to its nest with a meal for its hungry hatchlings along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a northern house wren perches on a branch spanning the lower half of the frame. The wren is shown in three-quarter left profile with its head turned to the right, an insect clutched in its beak. Its left wing is raised and partially spread, creating the impression that it is pointing toward the area where it found its prey. The background is a soft blur of green foliage from the riparian forest canopy, interspersed with patches of brilliant blue sky filtering through the leaves. This beautiful moment captures the devotion of a northern house wren as it pauses briefly before delivering a hard-earned meal to its hungry young.
Photo by Kort Duce After catching and eating two fish, a great blue heron flies to another location a short distance away at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a great blue heron is seen from behind as it leaps from the water and begins its takeoff. Its wings are extended outward, with droplets of water trailing behind its feet. Most of the heron's wings, head and neck are cropped from the frame. The background consists entirely of rippled pond water reflecting the sky and shoreline. A red excavator parked along the bank is reflected in the water, adding an unexpected splash of color to the left side of the frame. This beautiful action photograph freezes the first moments of a great blue heron's flight, capturing the power and grace of its departure from the water.
Photo by Kort Duce This Canada goose displayed plenty of aggressive behavior while I was photographing a great blue heron. It deliberately came extremely close to me, hissing repeatedly. Then it picked up a chunk of red brick from the shoreline, almost as if it were showing me what it planned to do if I didn't leave! In this horizontal color photograph, the head and partial neck of a Canada goose are shown in right profile with a chunk of red brick clamped in its bill. The softly blurred background consists of gently rippled pond water reflecting the blue sky overhead. An unusual and entertaining portrait of a Canada goose, a species well known for aggressively defending its nest, goslings, territory, and flock.
Photo by Kort Duce A territorial female red-winged blackbird attacks a great blue heron perched on a fishing pier in Longmont, Colorado.
Photo by Kort Duce I love the intricate feather detail in this close-up portrait of a female yellow-headed blackbird at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a female yellow-headed blackbird fills the frame in left profile, with her legs, back, and tail feathers cropped from view. She is captured in the middle of fluffing her plumage, her feathers puffed out and revealing remarkable texture and detail throughout. The softly blurred background is composed of varying shades of green from the cattails growing along the edge of the pond, providing a natural backdrop that complements the bird without distracting from her. An intimate close-up portrait of a female yellow-headed blackbird in the wetland habitat that is so vital to her survival, showcasing the beauty and complexity of one of Colorado's native marsh birds.
Photo by Kort Duce An osprey fishing above a pond is attacked by a male red-winged blackbird at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph an osprey is flying in right profile with its wings spread open and its feet dangling as a red-winged blackbird flies right behind it. The red-winged blackbird eventually lands on the osprey and successfully chases off the osprey. Despite their small size, red-winged blackbirds are fearless defenders of their nesting territories and will aggressively confront almost any perceived threat—including humans. I'm continually amazed by encounters like this. Most happen too quickly or too far away to photograph, but this morning everything came together, allowing me to capture a few images of this extraordinary display of avian aggression and the unwavering determination of one of North America's boldest songbirds.
Photo by Kort Duce A female mallard duck casually swims while feeding at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, a female mallard is seen in the upper half of the frame through softly blurred tree leaves and cattails. She floats in left profile with her head turned slightly toward the viewer, creating a near-perfect reflection in the gently rippled pond water. The water reflects the blue sky overhead, while varying shades of green from the surrounding vegetation dominate the scene. Darker areas in the corners naturally frame the duck and draw the viewer's eye toward the subject. This intimate portrait captures a female mallard in the peaceful wetland habitat that is essential to her survival, highlighting both her quiet beauty and the importance of preserving these natural environments.
Photo by Kort Duce A male belted kingfisher perches with a northern crayfish it speared in St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a dead branch from a fallen tree cuts diagonally across the frame from the upper left to the lower right, suspended approximately five feet above the creek. In the upper left quadrant, a male belted kingfisher perches on the branch, clutching a freshly speared crayfish in its beak. The background is softly blurred and consists of brown vegetation and green shrubs lining the creek bank, allowing the dramatic predator-prey interaction to stand out. This portrait, frozen in time, perfectly demonstrates how the kingfisher earned its regal name—a true king of fishing.
Photo by Kort Duce A Canada goose floats through the reflected glow of an early morning sunrise at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. Smoke from western wildfires has created hazy conditions that often produce deep orange and crimson sunrises and sunsets. In this vertical color photograph, the silhouette of a Canada goose appears in the lower half of the frame in left profile, with its reflection mirrored almost perfectly in the water below. The left side of the image glows with bright yellow highlights and rippling reflections from the rising sun, while the remainder of the frame is filled with rich orange-red tones radiating across the water. Gentle ripples cover nearly the entire surface, creating an intricate, graphic pattern that adds texture and movement to the scene. A striking sunrise portrait that captures the quiet beauty of a Canada goose in the wetland habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron fishes during twilight at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron occupies the left half of the frame in right profile as it carefully walks along a partially submerged log. The bird is shown in full body with its left leg and foot lifted mid-step, capturing a quiet moment of movement as it stalks its prey. The log disappears beneath the water before reemerging as smaller branches that extend into the right half of the frame. Both the log and the heron are reflected in the still water below. The foreground and background consist entirely of the pond's surface, which mirrors the evening sky. Soft blue tones blend with warm pink and golden hues from the setting sun, while scattered clouds create an atmospheric tapestry of color across the water. A beautiful environmental portrait that showcases a great blue heron in the peaceful wetland habitat that is so essential to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce A juvenile great horned owl perches at dusk, waiting for its mother while learning to hunt in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical black-and-white photograph, a juvenile great horned owl stands atop a fence post bearing a sign that reads, "Habitat Area No Access Beyond This Point." Its head is turned to its far right, away from the camera, revealing a three-quarter left profile. Its large talons rest loosely on the platform-like top of the post, serving as a quiet reminder of the strength and power these birds of prey possess even at a young age. Behind the owl, prairie grasses dissolve into soft, blurred tones, while the upper portion of the frame fades into the dark silhouette of distant trees. The diminishing light and tranquil stillness create a mood of patience and quiet anticipation as the young owl waits for its mother to return and continue its lessons in the art of hunting.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron hunts along St. Vrain Creek at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, one looks across and upstream at the lush green bank of a creek. A great blue heron stands just left of center in the frame, shown in left profile with its neck extended and head tilted downward as it searches the water for fish. The creek flows diagonally through the scene from the middle left edge of the frame toward the lower right corner. In the upper right portion of the photograph, a large fallen log rests along the bank, slowly returning its nutrients to the ecosystem. A shaft of sunlight filters through the vegetation, backlighting patches of grass and causing them to glow against the surrounding greenery. This quiet and beautiful moment captures a great blue heron in its natural habitat, an environment that is vital to its survival.
Photo by Kort Duce •the photo is upside down A great blue heron fishes under a pier at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical black-and-white photograph, the viewer looks beneath a fishing pier extending over a pond and its reflection. In the upper right quadrant of the frame, a great blue heron stands beneath the pier bent over fishing. Its reflection is mirrored in the water below, creating a striking visual echo. Reflections of a few trees along the opposite shoreline ripple across the upper half of the frame beneath the pier. The pond's surface is covered with organic debris, including cottonwood seeds and scattered feathers, adding texture and depth to the composition. A beautiful environmental portrait of a great blue heron in its natural setting, framed by the contrast of a manmade structure.
Photo by Kort Duce A great blue heron flies across a pond at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this horizontal color photograph, a great blue heron fills the frame as it flies toward the camera, with both wings extending beyond the edges of the image. The right side of its face is visible, revealing its focused expression as it glides through the air. The background is a soft blur of green leaves and deep shadows. Circular bokeh highlights, created by specular reflections passing through the lens aperture, add a pleasing abstract quality and emphasize the heron's sharp detail against the out-of-focus surroundings. A beautiful action photograph that captures the power, grace, and elegance of a great blue heron in flight.
Photo by Kort Duce A northern house wren perches on a weathered stump rising from a slough along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, the tiny wren occupies the upper right quadrant of the frame with its back toward the camera and its head turned sharply to its far left as it sings. The stump, stretching diagonally from the lower right to the upper left, dominates the composition and emphasizes the bird's diminutive size. The background is a softly blurred riparian forest, where patches of sunlight filtering through the leaves create scattered bokeh circles against the dark foliage. The contrast between the small songbird, the textured stump, and the subdued woodland backdrop creates a quiet, intimate portrait that captures the wren in its natural habitat.