Early Bird

The Eastern Bluebird is easily one of my favorite birds. Unlike the migrant birds the Bluebird stays put the entire year through cold and heat. I like the Bluebird so much that I make nesting boxes so that my property will be more attractive to them. I even give a few boxes to my friends so that they can also enjoy the Bluebird. Aside from its gorgeous color the Bluebird also has a very melodious voice. I enjoy sitting on my porch swing and listening to their serenade. My Bluebirds seem to prefer that I keep the lawn closely cropped. I think a short crop helps them easily spot tasty meals of grasshoppers and crickets. The male Bluebird at left was patiently waiting his turn to share a tasty morsel with his offspring. The female was sitting on a powerline letting me know her displeasure of my close proximity to the nesting box. Some people open their Bluebird boxes periodically so that they can monitor the nesting cycle from egg to fledgling. I generally open mine only for cleaning before the start of a new nesting season. Enjoy the fun, put up a Bluebird box.

Eurasian Invasion

The image at right is of a Eurasian Collared-Dove and was taken at a small park in Titusville, Florida. This Dove is not a native of North America but was introduced from Europe. Like its human predecessors it is now rapidly colonizing North America. It originally took hold in South Florida. It is now seen up into Tennesse and as far west as Texas with its range continuing to increase. It is slightly larger than the native Mourning Dove and somewhat lighter in color. Some people theorize that it is using the rail system to expand its range as small colonies seem to turn up near railroad tracks. It would seem a bit odd that a bird would prefer rail travel over air travel. I much prefer the Eurasian Collared-Dove over other introduced species such as the obnoxious English Sparrow and European Starling.

Regal Egret

There are seven species of White Herons in our country. They are the Great Blue Heron ( White Morph), Little Egret, Great Egret, Reddish Egret (White Morph), Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron , and Cattle Egret. Some are only white in their juvenile stage. Unless you know the distinguishing characteristics of each species you could easily get confused. The image at right is of a stately looking Great Egret. Characteristics that distinguish the Great Egret are its yellow bill and its all black legs including the feet. It is sometimes confused with the smaller Snowy Egret which has a black bill, black legs and yellow feet. The Egret at right is displaying its breeding Plumes which seem to give it a few extra legs. Other distinguishing characteristics of the Egrets include their behavior when feeding. The Great Egret is likely to strike a regal pose and move slowly when stalking its prey. The Snowy Egret is more apt to hunch over and dart about chasing a meal.

Lewis & Clark

The exploration of the Louisiana Purchase Territory by Lewis & Clark is legendary history. They discovered many species of previously unknown plants and animals. One of the new species of birds that was encountered is seen at left, and is known as the Clark's Nutcracker. I was on Trail Ridge Drive which is the main road through Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. I was aware that the Nutcracker frequented a pullover area known as Rainbow Curve. The Nutcrackers and Stellar Jays at this site thrive on being fed by visitors. One tasty morsel they seem to delight in is Ritz Crackers. The Nutcrackers especially will often take an entire Ritz from your hand. At Rainbow curve you are just over two miles above sea level. Even in mid summer a warm jacket is usually a highly desired item at this elevation. Just beyond Rainbow Curve you ascend into the Tundra area of the Park at elvations over 14,000 feet. There are some walking trails at this elevation. Be mindful however that with even the slightest exertion you may become winded due to the thin air. The awesome views available will register permanent images in your memory bank.

His Majesty?

Terns are in the Gull family but are usually smaller and more slender and have straighter bills. I guess you could say they are more aerodynamically shaped and this reveals itself in their flight patterns. There are some 18 species of Terns including the Skimmers and Noddies. You will not see all 18 in one area, so if you want to see them all it will require much travel. This Royal Tern was sunning himself on the Gulf Shore of St. Josephs Peninsula State Park near Port St. Joe, Florida. The Royal Tern is one of our two largest Terns and also sports a Crest. A few other Tern names are Elegant, Sandwich, Sooty, Caspian, and Aleutian. Most Terns will search for small fish often diving headfirst from a hovering position into the water. Skimmers prefer flying low over calm water, slicing their lower mandibles through the surface to snag a small fish.

Blue Heron Sunset

I love Sunsets, and for that matter Sunrises as well. I am awake for more sunsets though. A Beautiful Sunset is always a pleasure to behold. A Beautiful Sunset with an isolated person, immovable object or other living creature is just outright inspirational. I have captured Sunsets with people, birds, boats, trees, and other objects included. I think my favorite though are the Sunsets with birds. I went looking for this Sunset. This Great Blue Heron is one of many that frequent the waters below Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga Tennessee. My challenge was to get them together in one frame. It was enjoyable moving slowly along the shore, stumbling over rocks, and attempting to frame the heron and sun for my perfect Sunset image. I like the results and hope you do too. 

Anhinga

Anhinga is a word from the language of the Amazonian Indians. The Anhinga is a bird native to North and South America. There is also an Eastern Hemisphere species of Anhinga. The Anhinga has a characteristic not seen with other water birds such as ducks and geese. Its feathers are not water proofed. After each venture into the water the Anhinga must "sit out" for a spell with wings spread to allow drying by the wind and sun. It is a diving bird and spears fish with its long bill. It will then toss the fish into the air until repositioned for a head first meal. I caught this Anhinga on film while driving along a road on Merritt Island NWR near Titusville Florida. Another name for the Anhinga is "Snake Bird" as when it is swimming it often will have only its long neck extended above water looking somewhat snake like. This particular Anhinga is a male in breeding plummage.

Bouldering?

Bouldering. What is it? Simply put, it is climbing on "Small Rocks" that are 10-30 feet tall without the use of ropes. I personally do not participate in this sport but "My Three Sons" do. They and several of their friends really seem to enjoy this activity. The bird at left is a Ruddy Turnstone. It enjoys climbing on rocks along coastal waters. I was chasing this particular Turnstone along a Jetty in Panama City Florida. The rocks on Jetty's are only about 2-3 feet in height. This is more to my skill level. The Turnstone seems very adept at making its way around, over, or under these rocks. I finally caught this Ruddy on film near the pinnacle of his ascent. I am quite sure he was delighted when I moved on to another subject. You are likely to see other sea loving birds on Jetty's, especially Pelicans and Gulls. One of my favorite Jetty's is off of Pleasant Town on Cape Cod. The Jetty stretches for miles and actually connects to the mainland. Just watch the tide so that you don't get caught far out on the Jetty.