Taken at the start of the last stop of the day. This was one of those times we visited multiple locations, with just a break for lunch.
Below a Snowy Egret worked a small salt pond as the sun was low in the sky. A time for good reflections.
Each salt pond had a flock of Egrets, and Ibis at times, preparing to head out to roost.
Merritt Island, Florida.
This vulture was one of many (many!!) that we’re hanging in the Palms with the Roseate Spoonbills. Actually the spoonies were out numbered.
Turkey Vulture, the red face gave him away.
It’s that time of year here, Great Blue Herons nesting.
If we are lucky, and work a little, a good spot in a swamp gives us the opportunity for photograph scenes like this for a good while. Once the big birds get motivated for the day there are multiple foraging trips to catch.
BTW, he gets motivated when she tells him he is 😁.
This is the shot I was hoping to get. I know when they cluster together the photograph can be very interesting, and fun.
‘The White Pelican has an overall length of about 50–70 in (130–180 cm), courtesy of the huge beak which measures 11.3–15.2 in (290–390 mm) in males and 10.3–14.2 in (260–360 mm) in females. It has a wingspan of about 95–120 in (240–300 cm). The species also has the second largest average wingspan of any North American bird, after the California condor.’ (Wikipedia)
These were taken in a small inlet in (?) Georgia. We have stopped there several times. However, I am not the navigator. Not even close. The trail blazer, country person, in the family gets us there.
We usually find something interesting each time, last week it was Mergansers. Photos here are dark since there was a light rain at the time.
There were several decent size groups. I tried to get as many in a single frame as possible.
Somewhere in Georgia, or maybe northern Florida, but not yet South Carolina, definitely not Iowa.
He jumped up, and so did I. Never did see him there until this first shot.
Herons were around in these reeds, I had seen some earlier. I just didn’t expect one this close.
I don’t think he expected me either.
A rookery was off on an island in this marsh. Not only were there Great Blues, there were also Spoonbills building nests. While it was a little far we watched the activity for a while.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, Florida.
A quick glance and you immediately know it’s a Roseate Spoonbill.
Showing off his pink.
If you visit here with any frequency you know I have minimal patience for the ‘little birds’. A super telephoto and fast moving feathered dot give me fits.
This Yellow-rump Warbler wasn’t moving, and was right in front of me. That I’ll gladly take.
