Freak Out

Since my last post was called Geek Out, it seemed only fitting to title this one Freak Out. Let me 'splain.

Hubby took me out to Cypress Island for my birthday on Monday with the hopes that I'd get some photos of the roseate spoonbills and finally shut up about it. Unfortunately, they were too deep into the swamp, so my shots were mediocre. He has promised to take me back again soon. What a good man.

This anhinga, aka water turkey, was quite a sight! He was the first thing I saw as we entered the Island. He was drying his wings, posing beautifully for me.

As we drove along the water, a few other folks were out and about, pointing to certain things they'd see in the water or by the banks. We pulled over for the first "pointing" and it was a 10' alligator!

I watch Swamp People and I know how fast these suckers are, but for some reason, armed with my camera and tripod, I felt invincible. My desire for a good shot apparently overrides my common sense.

We saw three gators sunning at various locations beside the bank and three swimming in the waters. I crept up to one that was sunning and stood 15' away, snapping one shot after another. He was so still that at one point I wondered if he was dead. Then he raised his back leg AND I BOLTED! It was such a thrill. The exhilaration was like a high. Looking back, I just can't believe I'd be that daring. It's so not my personality.

The little blue herons put on quite a show. It took me a while to figure out that they weren't fighting. You see, I had forgotten that the babies are white with green legs. Little blue babies are vocal, demanding little suckers. This babe latched on to her mom's beak and tugged and yanked until she got what she wanted while her baby brother cried, "Hey! What about me?!" No wonder he was so much smaller. :/

The cattle egrets were as far away as the spoonbills. I watched as the babies practically inhaled mom's beak. I couldn't believe how far her beak could go down her babes' throats without hurting them.

Alas, my only halfway decent shot of the roseate spoonbill.

So, that's how I celebrated my birthday. For Mother's Day I went to New Orleans. It's just as weird and wonderful as I remember. All three of my kids called me which was really the highlight of my day. They also each sent me something very special, things they know I would treasure. I love and miss them so much!

Before signing off I want to thank Hilary of The Smitten Image for choosing my Geek Out post for the Phine Photography section. Hilary has an amazing blog and great sense of humor with a wonderful writing style. Please visit her and all the other recipients if you have a chance! Thanks again, Hilary!!