The Tri Colored Heron, this is a new bird for me to photograph. I posted one photo of it awhile ago, but I did not know what it was until a fellow blogger saw the photo and said it is named a Tri Colored Heron. Well, I was hoping to see this bird again and I did. I thought at first it was just a young heron because it is smaller but it is so much more colorful than the Blue Heron I normally see.
The fellow blogger is; Wildlife Intrigued, you can visit his blog by clicking his channel name. He has wonderful photos of birds as well and he is doing a count on how many he can see in a year. If you are interested there is a movie about this very subject; The Big Year, it is a true story about people who love to photograph birds and doing a big year, meaning seeing how many birds they can see in one year. A movie trailer below.
The big year record of 840 species was set by John Weigel of Australia in 2019
The world big year record of 6,852 species was set in 2016 by Arjan Dwarshuis of the Netherlands.
I started counting the birds I have seen and photographed this week, I made a spread sheet and started looking them up. So far I have come up with 83 species of birds and still counting that I have photographed.
Don’t Forget to Look Up, well I went for a walk to my favorite little lake here and they have a dock over the water and some benches to sit on. I walked up to the benches and sat down one early morning. I was enjoying the view in front of me and then I looked up and to my surprise, right above me stood this beautiful Egret bird, as quiet as it could be.
I slowly raised my camera up to photograph this bird high above me. Then it flew off, what a fun surprise this was. Sometimes I focus to much on what is right in front of me and I miss the beauty that surrounds me from above looking down at me.
New Birds to the Collection, well this first photo is a new bird to my eyes. It is called a green heron. It was at dusk when I took this photo, so it does not show the beautiful color this bird really is. It is a short stocky bird to say the least.
The Green Heron is one of the world’s few tool-using bird species. It often creates fishing lures with bread crusts, insects, and feathers, dropping them on the surface of the water to entice small fish.
This one is a Blue Heron, but I am thinking it might be a younger one. It is a lot smaller than the ones I usually see and its feathers were much bluer than the adults.
Of course one can not be on a beach without seeing the sandpiper birds. They are so commical to watch, they walk so fast, well they always look like they are running. They are not vey shy, they come right up to you most of the time to check out what you are doing on their beach.
Precious Are We, these two lovely ducks were walking along in the park. One looks a little ruffled, maybe it is the younger of the two. I added some flowers to the photo because they just looked like they should be enjoying flowers on this beautiful Autumn day. But there was another duck not far behind them. A grumpy looking duck to say the least.
Now it could just be the dark feathers around his eye, but he looks like he is having a bad day, giving my the ole stink eye like some of the deer did last year when I photographed them. 🙂
He is unique, but I have to say his feathers are just as beautiful as the two from above.
His back feathers look like a warm throw blanket, with a beautiful design all his own.
Two by Two, I took this photo of these two pelicans flying in unison and I was thinking, I wonder how many other photos I have of just two birds and I was surprised to find the photos placed below. None of these photos are photoshopped. They are exactly how I saw them. Two by Two
Two by Two – the Two Tablets were spoken by Him, to restore creation, to to become one as they should be for eternity.
The Two Tablets are the inside chambers of your Heart, “Love your Father” outside the chamber, “Love your Neighbor”.
Hot Sand Hot Sand, or just doing a little dance. It is a very windy day and the sand is blowing giving these photos a nice whitish background. The birds don’t seem to mind the sand blowing, but the salt spray tends to leave a sticky residue on your glasses, cameras and skin.
The Osprey in Flight, these photos were taken next to the ocean as we walked along the beach. This gorgrous osprey was doing a little fishing. They dive into the water just like the brown pelicans to catch their fish. I did not see them hit the water, but I am thinking they catch their fish with their claws instead. The last photo shows their amazing claws.
For the Love of Pelicans, who’s bills hold more then their bellies can. 😉
The two pelicans species I have photographed here in the mid west. The Great White Pelicans and the Brown Pelicans. Yesterday I talked about the difference in their size.
They do look similar with their actions and how they hold their heads. But,
The White Pelican has the largest wing span reaching 108 inches across. Their wings are beautiful and uniform which makes them glidge effortlessly above. They swim on the water and catch their fish by scooping them up in their bills.
The brown pelican is made for speed and diving. Their wings spans are shorter, their feathers on the wings are ragged and torn.
Because, they dive sometimes from as high as 60 feet. Air sacs beneath the skin on their breasts act like cushions. Also, while diving, a pelican rotates its body ever so slightly to the left. This rotation helps avoid injury to the esophagus and trachea, which are located on the right side of the bird’s neck.
This is how a Brown Pelican catches food, diving in head first. They can’t be all pretty and preened when nose diving all day for food.
I am back in my favorite place, where I can see the Brown Pelicans everyday. Those of you who have seen my blog post from way back know that I have photographed a lot of the Great White Pelicans and I photographed them in Iowa of all places. But the brown pelicans are only found down south on the ocean waters.
The biggest difference between the two types of Pelicans is the color of course and then their size. The White pelicans have a wing span of 108″ and the Brown pelicans have a 78 inch wing span. I will show the difference on tomorrow’s post.
Deep Thoughts by Darren the Heron, My Heart Will Go On as I stand here alone on this beach, looking out over the water wondering where she went.
Play the video at the end and then look at the pictures again. That is what I was thinking when I first saw Darren the Heron standing alone on the beach looking out over the ocean.
Blue Heron on Vacation, one thing about the birds when you get down by the ocean is, they are not to afraid of people. So they stand right next to you which is great for photo opts. You will find them near people especially if they have a fishing pole in their hands, looking for a easy meal.
Circle the Wagons, that is my thought when I was watching these 4 egrets walking in a circle in the river. Or perhaps they were playing Duck Duck Goose, if anyone remembers that game from our childhood. I wonder if kids play games like that outside anymore. Ring around the Rosie, Hop Scotch, Annie Annie Over. All great games when I was a youngster.
These four Egrets are just fishing and the second photo is 4 Geese flying overhead with gorgeous blue sky in the background.
Diving Head First into a New Adventure this weekend. It is my birthday weekend, I am turning the big 60 years old. A year ago I picked where I wanted to be on my 60th birthday and these photos will give you a little hint. . But this adventure does not end with just a weekend. 60 is the new 30, we are never to old to make our dreams come true, faith and trust.
Of course a lot has happened over this past year and I never write my plans in stone. One never knows if tomorrow will come, I take one day at a time and enjoy it to the fullest.
So I am going to say; Have a wonderful weekend a little early today.
The Young Eagle This beautiful young eagle has been visiting our place lately. He is very noticeable just from his size alone. Even hidden in the shade of these trees, his silhouette is quite breathtaking when I notice him on the branch of this aspen tree.
The plumage of juvenile and immature bald eagles shows a good deal of variation. In fact, immature bald eagle plumages are among the most complicated and difficult to classify among North American birds.
I Was Waiting For Them this morning. Every morning about 4 groups of geese fly over head towards the east. This first photo shows the sun is just coming up as they fly over, so you can see the sun light on the front of their wings. I have not seen geese all summer but come September they do this fly over everyday, I am not sure where they are going and in the evening they fly back towards the west.
They start about 7:30 am, when the sun is just coming up and by the 3rd group that fly’s over, it gets a little brighter and the sky starts turning into a beautiful blue instead of gray.
Until We Meet Again – to the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in my yard this year. I have made a note on my calendar, for the first time this year, I have not seen these beautiful little birds. I believe they started their long journey south. They have been all over my fall flowers and feeders throughout August and now they are gone.
So here are some of my best photos during 2021 of the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. Safe travels.
Before Migration Begins, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds double their weight from 3 grams to over 6 grams prior to departing. They don’t stay pudgy for long, though. In northward migrations, it’s not uncommon for a hummingbird to weigh around 2.5 grams when it reaches U.S. shores!
Each year, hummingbirds embark on two migrations – one north and one south. These migratory journeys, which can span hundreds or thousands of miles, require immense preparation and a shocking amount of energy from these small birds – the smallest in the world.
In the fall hummingbirds can set out as early as late July and the last stragglers will cross the southern U.S. border by late October. It’s this amazing cycle of hummingbird migration that can also bring a sudden swarm of activity to your hummingbird feeders. If you have a well-maintained hummingbird feeder, expect plenty of new visitors as they try to boost their energy before the next stage of their journey.
I am taking lots of photographs of them right now before they leave. I look forward to seeing them again next year.
Young Eagle Stopped By today, I have not seen many eagles this year. Only on occasion when they fly by and sometimes stop and hang out in a tree for a little bit. This one here just glided right in, he was so far away, I wasn’t sure what it was at first.
So I got the big camera lens out and that is when I realized it is a young Eagle. I never get tired of seeing them.
So I thought I would share some of my favorite Eagle photos below.
The Dance of the Hummingbirds, as the sun was setting last night the hummingbirds became very active. I watched them as they flew back and forth, chasing each other from one corner of the porch to the other. But it appeared more like a dance as they hovered in mid air and then flew off together.
I got my camera out and pulled up a chair below the feeder. They became silhouettes in front of me as the sun glowed on the clouds behind them. A put a video down below so you can see the; Dance of the Hummingbirds.
They are Back, yesterday I talked about the migration beginning for some of the birds in my area. Well, not for these two birds. They were gone during the month of July, nesting and raising their young. But they are back, amazing how it all changes, one group leaves and the next one comes back.
The Chickadee and the Blue Jay’s are back in my yard. One of the things I love about the Chickadees, they are not to afraid of people. If the feeder is empty and I go outside, heading towards the garden shed where I keep the bird seed. They actually follow me and go back and forth in the trees every where I walk, waiting for me to get some food for them.
Oh, and I found another orange leaf laying on a green leaf. Summer and Fall together as one.
Change of Season with Birds, most of the time people notice the change of seasons to Autumn by the colors of the leaves and temperature. But this year is the first time I have noticed exactly when certain birds have left my area. Migration is a big thing in the spring and fall, especially for birders like my self.
These Red Winged black birds made their presence known all summer. They are very territorial and nested all around the pond here and two days ago they were all gone, just like that. Not one is here. The days are getting shorter by 1 minute a day. Birds sense this along with, weather, geography, food sources, day length, and other factors.
I had a pair of Robins that built a nest right by the cabin. They really enjoyed the bird bath I set out this year. Every day they were using the bath, especially on hot days. But, they are all gone now as well. Robins don’t mind the cold weather as much, they can handle that. They leave for warmer areas because of lack of food here in the colder months. Flocks of them arrive in Florida to spend the winters.
Yes, all the moths and butterfly’s are gone, along with my summer flowers not producing anymore. But the fall flowers are just starting up. A welcome sight, all the rich warm colors.
But, despite the birds telling us winter is coming soon. There are some exciting things that have returned since the summer birds have left. Take for example the Ravens, this one in particular I have named Edgar. Now he never left all summer, but he could not come visit as often as he would like because the Red Winged black birds would always chase him away. Now, he is back on his perch, high above the forest and comes and goes as he pleases.
Migrating birds can cover thousands of miles in their annual travels, often traveling the same course year after year with little deviation. First-year birds often make their very first migration on their own. Somehow they can find their winter home despite never having seen it before, and return the following spring to where they were born.
Taking a journey that can stretch to a round-trip distance of several thousand miles is a dangerous and arduous undertaking. It is an effort that tests both the birds’ physical and mental capabilities. The physical stress of the trip, lack of adequate food supplies along the way, bad weather, and increased exposure to predators all add to the hazards of the journey.
To me, seeing what nature has to endure to get to the end results, speaks to me from that silent voice within us. We are on a similar path. The ups and downs, the long journey finding our way in this world. There will always be some hard times and ruff roads to travel and a lot of good things as well. But in the end we will find our way home, to where we were born. None of us die, we just go home.
Update on the Tree Swallows, Well, I did not get any purple martins at my bird houses this year. But the pair of Tree Swallow birds are still here. I lowered the bird house last week and they have 5 eggs in their nest. So maybe there will be little ones flying around soon. The eggs have been there for quite awhile it seems like. But I have seen them coming in and out of that apartment in the house.
Now, they are called Tree Swallows, so I am assuming they should be nesting in trees, but I think they like being barn swallows and/or apartment dwellers.
Last week I had a surprise visitor at our back yard. A mother black bear and her yearling cub. I will be posting photos tomorrow and a video on You Tube, it was an amazing thing to see.
Feathers From Heaven, I was reading a blog a few days ago by Wayne with Tofino Photography. He takes wonderful photos of wildlife, especially Eagles and he was talking about eagle feathers. To find a tail feather on the ground of an Eagle brings good luck.
I had mentioned to him that I have never picked up a feather of any kind. I never really looked for them or see that many. Well, I was sitting on my porch yesterday, just enjoying the beautiful weather, when all of a sudden this feather, this one feather floated down in front of me, ever so gentle, it floated down before me. Not one bird in sight above me.
I picked up this beautiful feather, amazed at the thought that I have never seen a feather fall from heaven. This one feather, one thought, expands my belief of what is possible.
A feather falling from heaven, is one we rarely see, but this one is quite different, for it is very special to me.
Edgar and Flicker, those sound like names of horses, but alas they are two birds who visit my backyard. My sister was here visiting a few weeks ago and The Raven came to say hello. I told her his name is Chuck, but she said he is definitely an Edgar, you know, Edgar Allan Poe. How do I know he is a raven, his beak is bigger and curvy, compared to a crow.
I said ok, he is now called Edgar, I know him by sight, because he has a small chip in his lower beak,
This is a Northern Flicker, she has a nest in a nearby tree. I have a small dirt pile on the ground she visits regularly. Finding food for her young ones. She does not sit still very long, she is a busy mom or dad. 🤔
Want to Fly Like an Eagle, to the Sea, Fly Like an Eagle, Let my Spirit Carry Me
Click this link to see these hummingbirds flying in slow motion at my place. Humming Birds in Slow Motion – You will see where I photograph these birds from my porch and the camera that I use.
Time Keeps On Slippin
Slippin, Slippin
Let My Spirit Carry Me
The words are from a song by the Steve Miller Band 😉💕
Good Thing It is Summer or his tongue would stick to the metal. Be honest, who did that when you were younger. Had your tongue get stuck to a metal pole. I did, on the playground during recess. They dared me and I went ahead and tried it. But I barely touched it, I was only stuck for a few seconds. I never forgot it, good thing we get a little wiser as we get older.
