New Bird to the Count
New Bird to the Count, 155 birds photographed. This is not the best picture, they were pretty far away and it was early morning light. But the bird in the back with the wings out is the new bird. I am not positive, it is either a Bonaparte Gull, or perhaps a laughing gull.
But I did not even notice it until I saw this photo. But I bet Brian from Wildlife Intrigued will know. He is my go to person for bird names. Plus he writes some excellent post with humor and lots of great photos.
One can never take enough photos of these little plovers. They are just so darn cute.
New Bird to the Count
24 Replies to “New Bird to the Count”
Sorry – Bonaparte Gull (no ‘s).
That is a whole lotta birds Sandra and I was excited about my three new finds I made in 2022. I have seen pics of that black-headed gull, likely on a UK photographer’s blog I follow. I think he said a Bonaparte’s Gull. I like seagulls – they pose nicely and tolerate your presence for a long time before bolting. You could always post the pic on Facebook at the site – I asked once about my European Juvenile Starling … had no idea what it was and a half-dozen folks answered right away – the link is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatsthisbird
Thank you Linda, yes it has a perfect dark head compared to the other gulls and yet some of them the black is speckled more. I think I know which ones are the laughing gulls now. They really do sound like they are laughing.
They are very cool to see. I heard a bird call which, to me, sounded like a jungle call and I heard it every morning. I happened to mention it to a fellow blogger, who is NOT a birder. She said it was a Northern Flicker, so I Googled the image and heard the call – sounded like some wacky jungle call.
155 birds photographed- Well done Sandra! If that fellow isn’t a laughing gull then he is a very close cousin. The beach we visit every year has vast numbers of them. While the other gulls like to steer clear of humans, the laughing gulls plant themselves in the middle of humanity. Looking at the picture I could hear their distinct sound. They are very cheeky when it comes to food. Hovering behind your back and swooping when least expected. When our kids and their cousins were littles we would stake an inflated turkey decoy (lovingly named Susie Turkey) that swiveled on a stick in front of our chairs. Its movement kept the laughing gulls at bay so we didn’t have to worry about them snatching snacks out of the kid’s hands and frightening them.
I believe that is what they are. Yesterday there were a few of them on some rocks I was walking by and it really does sound like they are laughing.
Beautiful images.
Thank you very much 😊
Yes. You are blessed. One of the great things to do on a primitive unpopulated beach is get set up in a chair close to the water’s edge while it’s still dark before the dawn and then watch the entire show in real time as it happens. It’s a great experience. Never gets old.
I just did that last night, my dog had to go outside around 11pm. The sky was clear and I could see all the stars. So I put my pup back in the RV, grabbed my camera and went down to the beach and sat down and looked up. A sight most people don’t get to see anymore. It is breathtaking to say the least.
Thank you Sandra. Congratulations on the new bird. I would think they may be getting harder to come across. This makes me wonder how many different birds there are in the world. Also, I remember reading an article in the past that said we have only actually identified a limited number of species of wildlife. I had thought at that time we had already pretty much found them all. In reality there is still much to be discovered. Also, these are great pictures of the coast. There is something about the seashore in which every day is a new day and all is new and fresh and alive. A wild beach away from the world is a great place to go to get restored. There is always something happening. Movement never ceases. The air is fresh. The birds are many. The surf is filled with fish of all kinds. The sun, the clouds, the breeze, the many shades of color…
Sunrises are the best
You are so right RJ, there is just something about standing next to the ocean. I walk the beach every morning starting at 6am, not a person in sight. I stand at the waters edge and look out to the horizon, nothing but water. It is my alone time with our Father. Every day I see something new and different. The oceans hold so much life, like you said. Things we may never see and new things when we look close enough. Amazing is this place we live. 🙂
You’ve been busy birding, I see. I particularly like the gulls. Your pictures remind me of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It was a book that was made into a movie back in the 70’s and I loved it so much that I went to see it multiple times. The music was done by Neil Diamond and made you feel as if you were flying.
Thank you Linda, I have heard of the book but never did see the movie. I do enjoy the gulls as well. They are quite beautiful in flight and each one is so unique looking.
Great shots, Sandra. I always love seeing your birds. Thank you for sharing Wildlife Intrigued. I am now following him. Have a wonderful week!
Thank you Kellye, yes birding is such a joy. There are so many different species, I never get tired of it. I love his blog, he has a great sense of humor and a wonderful story teller along with great photos. He and his brothers are birders and photographers as well.
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Thank you very much Francine 😊
Agreed about the plovers.
Thank you Marland and have a wonderful day.
You’re welcome, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
To you as well Marland, thank you very much 😊
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