It was an exciting, chilly day of birding as we traveled east last Sunday, January 5th. Confirmed sightings of the brown booby propelled us to Madisonville; however, he was so far out on the water, it was impossible to see anything more than an indistinguishable shape. There were several photographers and a birder with a scope, all nice as could be, excitedly sharing info and look-sees. Although I didn't get to really SEE the booby in detail (even through the scope), I had fun photographing the terns and gulls. I also saw a common loon, though my photos aren't great. Our drive to Mandeville just a few miles further east allowed us good looks at an immature Iceland gull. A rare sighting indeed. Stay tuned! There are more photos and much more drama to the story. :)
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Buoy #2 where the brown booby is perched. He's the little figure on the crossbar just above the right side of the triangle.
This is cropped slightly from the 400mm lens. Cropping further would not have helped.
Why won't Double D buy me a boat?? :(( |
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| Ring-billed gull |
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| Ring-billed gull creating a ruckus |
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| Royal tern |
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| Royal tern |
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| Pair of royal terns |
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| Aaaand, they're outta here. |
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| Caspian tern in forefront, royal tern in back |
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| Caspian tern getting ready for take-off. |
I hope I have identified the terns correctly. If not, feel free to let me know.
For those of you in the Polar Vortex, God bless and stay warm!!! It's supposed to get down to 17°F as I prepare this post on Monday evening, the 6th. I've fed the birds and covered the plants, praying all survive.
One kind word can warm three winter months. :)
Japanese proverb
Sharing with
Wild Bird Wednesday. Thanks so much, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteas always...great shots
terns always make me laugh! such goofy looking birds. glad you got to 'see' the booby. :)
ReplyDeleteMore fabulous photos, Gail! The one of the bird on the post with his wings spread open is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings to you
Terns always make me laugh. I bet a boat would scare off the booby anyway.
ReplyDeleteStay warm...your post and your kind words definitely should warm anybody's winter!
If I don't look at the thermometer or outside,your pictures can almost transport me into summer.Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHa Ha one good tern deserves another. Dianne
ReplyDeleteI love that second Ring-billed gull picture where he's looking skyward :)
ReplyDeletegeweldig Stewart,
ReplyDeleteGreat set of pics, love the one of the gull looking skyward, and Terns are always great to watch.
ReplyDeleteAllthe best Gordon.
Amazing pictures and beautiful birds. My favorite is the last...ready to take-off...really beautifully.
ReplyDeleteGreetings
that one shot he looks like he is gargling. ha. ha!! sort of. ( :
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any terns here for a while so what a pleasure to see yours!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to be back and see all your gorgeous wildlife shots....They are amazing.....Happy New Year sweet girl....
ReplyDeleteThese are all fantastic shots..not sure I would want to motor boat out in that choppy water!
ReplyDeleteWow....I'm surprised that your temps are that low. I'ts still very cold here. All you need is a boat!!! You could really get some sure-nuff close ups of those gators down there. Fabulous photos of terns and I just want to say that you know you've got a good lens when you can get close ups of the bird poo! lol.
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed to live in an area where you can see such beautiful fowl.
Wrap up and stay warm...
shug
Hi Gail, your photos are fantastic. I especially loved the flying terns. Hope your temperatures get higher soon :)
ReplyDeleteI love the gull. Some folks don't like them but I always have.
ReplyDeleteLove the gulls and Terns are one of my favorites. They have such attitude. Congrats on your Brown Booby sighting! Enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteNice images as usual Gail. I feel sorry for something named a booby or just imagine being just a common loon!
ReplyDeleteAt least you give them respect!
Well, all was not lost just because the brown-footed booby wouldn't cooperate. The shots of the gulls and terns are really lovely. Great job.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shots. That proverb will come in handy this winter.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of the gulls especially. These trips of yours to find birds are like explorations or detective work--neat to read about your adventures!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever seen terns: what a treat. The royal tern has a crown!
ReplyDeleteWow - a booby sighting! Can't wait for the sequel. I love the terns' mohawk crests.
ReplyDelete...at least you got to see the brown booby. Here, when it was spotted and Bud and I went out...we saw only pelicans and cormorants! No booby.
ReplyDeleteLove the gull making the ruckus!!
Gorgeous photos! Stay warm! it is cold in Florida too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shots of the terns. They're gorgeous birds.
ReplyDeletefabulous series of photos. i especially loved the terns. and the gull.
ReplyDeletehave a great evening and stay warm!
big hugs~
Outstanding shots once again my friend.
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Fantastic photos! We get the Ring-billed Gulls here in the winter, but no terns. Love the double take off! Too bad the Booby was being so elusive. That's a long way out there!
ReplyDelete