Sunday, February 3, 2013

On A Bender

Oh my stars, I am so tired. Yesterday was the big bird watching expedition at Bluebonnet Swamp. I met lots of nice birders, learned some new things, and found out about new birding areas. For 9-1/2 hours I was on the go with only a breakfast bar and a half a cup of coffee to sustain me. I guess you could say I was on a bird bender! I even found a huge eagles' nest where two eaglets have recently hatched. Double D was nice enough to accompany me there this afternoon for three hours. So far I have spent seven hours observing the eagles in two days. I am waiting to perfect my photos before I show them on here.

On the way home from the eagles' nest, this little Killdeer crossed the road right in front of us. Good thing I was only going about 30 mph, and with no cars behind me I was able to stop and get some shots. Poor guy appeared lost and there were no others of his kind around. I hope he found his family and friends.





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39 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

beautiful killdeer shots! love his huge eye.

and girlie, you're gonna have to start packing bottled water and snacks on your outings! shame!

can't wait to see your photos, tho!

Chatty Crone said...

I don;t think I have ever seen one - GORGEOUS! He looks like a jail bird!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I see Killdeer around here all the time, but these shots give me a better view than I've ever had before. Killdeer will act strangely if you're near their nest...trying to keep your attention away from the nest. Do you think that might have been what this one was doing?

hootnonny said...

Better a bird bender than the usual kind! This little Killdeer has pretty markings. What a trouper he was modeling for you!

Have a wonderful week and happy birding.

Kathy said...

You are becoming quite the birder. I understand it's rather addicting.

Suzan said...

He's beautiful!! Just walking about?? Didn't fly off when you stopped to photograph him? You are amazing Gail!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful. another few weeks and I can expect to see them here.

Ann said...

such a sweet little bird!!
i've never heard of this bird...i am learning so much from you!
7 am yesterday..right? oh,i am not a morning person either! 7 should only come once in a day..and that would be pm!!
thanks for sharing these photos!

Dimple said...

Wonderful shots; I am usually too slow for wildlife shots, and admire good ones such as yours. The killdeer doesn't seem afraid at all!

Fran said...

Great bird shot. I have spend several days this weekend trying to capture a phto of a flock of green parrots that have taken up residence in my sister's neighbothood in Austin Tx. No luck with my point and shoot except for one on a high wire over my head.

the wild magnolia said...

The Killdeer has beautiful markings. A new bird to me.

Ah.....the eaglets. Exciting and I am excited to see these babies.

Stewart M said...

Great set of pictures - it eyes look so huge.

Cant make up my mind if I like the "brown background" or the ones with the green stripe.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Rosemary Aubut said...

Hi Gail! Wonderful photos as usual! I think he had his eye on you! There is a webcam down the road placed by a local realtor on two baby eagles, 24/7. I will send you the link.

Hootin Anni said...

Superior post!!! Just look at its eyes?!!! What great clarity and wonderful action poses you've managed to capture through the lens. I also skimmed down to view your previous post...those hummers are wonderful...absolutely wonderful.

Thanks for stopping by Hootin' Anni's yesterday for my 'storm trek'...and linking up to the Bird D'Pot on my birding blog.

Have a great week.

Jackie said...

These are just marvelous Gale! I didn't have much luck this week at all.

I have a dental appointment at 10 am and then I am going to dig into my archives and try to get a post up. I have some photos I took when visiting the coast.

I wanted to get them up for Anni! I am adding this and your other blog to my roll.

I thought I had already done so but I guess not! I will change that right now!

Happy day...beautiful shots!

Deanna said...

what a beautiful little wild-eyed bird...great shots and pack a lunch next time..sweetie!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, such gorgeous shots!

Can't wait to see your eagle photos.

Anonymous said...

what a cute, colorful little guy!! strange name for it, though!

Starla said...

We get these little fellas around here sometimes...but! Your shots have given me a close up view I haven't seen in person!!

Lynn said...

Hi Gail. He looks like a drum major separated from his parade. Beautiful marking definition. Thanks for your comment this morning on Heather’s site. It made my day.

renae said...

Oh Gail, wow! Very impressive. Too bad you got so hungry at your watching. I LOVE EAGLES. Have I confessed that to you, yet? Oh they are so majestic and keen. When we go to the Zoo here I stand I stare at the Eagles forever and my family always leaves me because I stay too long at the Eagles. I can't wait to see them!!!! My dog is cute but a pill sometimes. I love her, I do.

Hilary said...

Kildeer sure are lovely little critters. A pair of them hang out at an abandoned parking lot (of a new building that never made it into business) nearby. I never got such a lovely look at them though.

I'm so looking forward to your eaglet pics. You have spent some very dedicated time.

HansHB said...

A new bird for me. It looks like a big eye...
Great photos!

Anonymous said...

He's a beauty... don't you just love their big eyes! I'm so glad you came by to share on Weekly Top Shot #68!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I am sure you are tired and Tex is right take care of yourself. I am so glad you went though. I enjoyed the pics. B

Brian King said...

Beautiful photos! Their eyes seem so large compared to their heads!

eileeninmd said...

The Killdeer are so sweet looking. Great photos!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful shots!

Karen said...

Superb captures. He is such a handsome bird!

Dave said...

That's a beautiful bird Gail. I have never heard of it - Dave

Dave said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anni said...

Happy to know you posted your link to this fabulous photo album. Again, as I stated above in the comment from Hootin' Anni's-----love the eyes.

EG CameraGirl said...

Wonderful shots of the killdeer! I am looking forward to seeing photos of the eagles.

Larry said...

Super shots of the Killdeer Gail! You got a great angle there. I'm certain, that with all the noise they make, this bird is not lost ;-)

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

LOL on a bird bender. Pretty pic! I would've passed out going that long without food!

renae said...

oooooh, do you have winter humidity? Wouldn't you want leopard nylons in the cooler months? I lived in Seattle for 4 years and it was humid and cool to the point the the cold would go right through you, at times. Thanks for your fun visit and for your awesome post that I came back to to see again. I love it.

Tina said...

Beautiful Killdeer images Gail! Can't wait to see the baby eaglets.

Jackie said...

LOL..Gail I just now read the part about being on a 'Bird Bender'! I love that and I am chuckling!

I love your shots too but I already told you that!

LOL..I have been out on some 'Bird Benders' lately too. I have found it not best to take along an extra large iced caramel coffee.

I get back off in the middle of nowhere and ...well...let's just say it can get uncomfortable!

Bird Bender...best phrase I've heard all week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Great shots of the Kildeer which usually flitter around too much to get a picture of! Gosh you are becoming just like one of those professional birders!