Thursday, May 29, 2014

Mossy

Noticed this "fence" as we were leaving Jefferson Island. I'm calling it a fence because it has posts and a wire strung between them. Not sure if the moss ended up there naturally or someone thought to put it there. Both images were snapped with the iPhone.


Here are some other shots with moss in them.
Breeding great egret, Lake Martin, 3/22/14

Rose-breasted grosbeak, my backyard, 4/26/14 (moss on far right)

Barbara the barred owl, Bluebonnet Swamp, 3/16/14 (moss also on right side)

Back in February I told you about the barred owl pair, Barbara & Barry, who made a nest close to the boardwalk at Bluebonnet Swamp. The chicks were scheduled to appear the second week in April. Weeks went by without any sightings of the parents, much less the owlets. Finally, Barbara appeared a couple weeks ago preening on a boardwalk railing; another day she was spotted bathing in dirt. Some days later, Barry made his presence known. The chicks were never seen, so we don't know if the harsh winter did them in, or if a predator got them. We were so disappointed. But at least the parents are okay and we know they will try again next year.

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50 comments:

The Cranky said...

Poor owlets; I hope Barbara and Barry have better luck in the future.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love the effect of that moss on the fence! It's beautiful. And I love that owl Gail!!

Hootin Anni said...

The moss...one of my favorite things in LA. It's so beautiful. Great 'fencing'.

Too bad/sad about the owlets tho. Yep, again next year.

Roan said...

That's a great moss fence. I love seeing the moss in the trees. I'm glad Mom and Pop owls are okay.

Roan said...

That's a great moss fence. I love seeing the moss in the trees. I'm glad Mom and Pop owls are okay.

Anonymous said...

I think Barbara must be sitting on a Cypress tree branch. That Egret is stunning!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

condolences out to Barb and Barry

:(

Anvilcloud said...

All nice pics -- even the iPhone moss.

nookworm said...

The moss fence is neat! Also, you great white egret photo is stunning!

Suzan said...

Your spanish moss fence IS interesting!! It wouldn't have fallen so perfectly!! someone saving it to sell?? Once it hits the ground it's inundated with chiggers, red bugs and other little 6-legged, biting critters!!
LOVELY picture of Barbara cleaning herself with new cypress coming out!!

Camila Rafaela Felippi said...

Sometimes I can't believe how wonderful is nature and the birds. It's really amazing! I loved the white bird :D

Linda said...

Brilliant captures, Gail!

Slamdunk said...

Yes, you wonder if someone did the "fence" like that on purpose?

Nice catch with the barred owl. We enjoy watching owls and birds of prey when we get a chance on our hikes. Mostly though, our loud little gang of hikers scares them into hiding.

Anonymous said...

I love the Spanish moss on the wire fence. Glad to know Barbara and Barry are okay.

Karen said...

I love the moss draped over the wire! Your bird photos are gorgeous. That egret is superb!

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Wonderful photo of the moss on the fence! I've never seen anything like it. Love your bird photos too. Especially the one of Barbara. ;0)
Barb

TexWisGirl said...

sorry about the owlets!

loved the moss-draped fence! rather reminded me of the beads along the fence in nola! :)

Unknown said...

Such great shots my friend. Poor Owls. I do hope there little ones are in hiding somewhere.

I do hope you enjoy your weekend..
I always look forward to seeing your photo.

Hugs~

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Love the fence in the first 2 shots against the very green area. Pity about the Owls this year but there will be another year, Love the birds shots.

Irma said...

Beautiful photos of the fence, Gail.
But also the great egret, the barred owl, rose-breasted grosbeak.
Greetings Irma

Bas. said...

ja dat is sneu hopelijk hebben ze volgend jaar meer succes.

Deanna said...

I always enjoy your photos and that moss always entrances me. Lovely!!

Ruth Kelly said...

It looks like someone is hanging the moss out to dry. That egret photo is just stunning.

BumbleVee said...

ohmygoodness! the egret is amazing...

Evelyn S. said...

I would LOVE to see a snowy egret someday! Meanwhile, I'll be happy to see your photos of this amazing bird. As for the moss, I wonder if the person caring for the grass had a partner who hung the moss?? :-)

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love that moss decorated fence as well as the bird pictures.

Ida said...

That is a unique fence with all that hanging moss. I find it fascinating. Cool shot of the Egret and that Owl, I also think Owls are fabulous looking birds.

DeniseinVA said...

The moss fence is great, and such a clever take on this theme. Great shot Gail as are all the rest of those beautiful birds. The egret in its breeding plumage is magical!

barbara l. hale said...

Love all your "moss" shots! And that the female owl is named Barbara. My daughter often accuses me of looking like an owl. I think it's the big nose and glasses.

Pantherka said...

Interesting mossy fence.
Sad thing ... at least that parents are fine.
Greetings.

eileeninmd said...

I love the pretty Mossy fence. Beautiful egret shot and I love the Owl. So sorry to hear the owlets did not make it. :(

Michelle said...

LOVE that Egret! Wow, what a sight to capture. I also love that moss fence.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i wonder how long it would take the fence to have that moss? i know it grow quickly. wonder how quick? ( :

renae said...

Oh Gail! Seriously you have a dress like mine? You GO GIRL!!!

Thanks for your ever appreciative words each time you visit. I so enjoy you!!!

Those iphone photos are amazing. Are you on Instagram? You should be. Try it, you'll like it!

♥, Renae

Debbie said...

oh Gail, that is such an interesting fence, I have never seen anything like it!!

So sad about those little owlets, but I guess it's just part of life's circle!!

The egret is stunning, so much detail. A really special image, I'm so happy to be following you!!

Brian King said...

That looks like a moss clothesline! haha! The egret and owl are beautiful!

Unknown said...

Now that is one unique fence. Thanks for sharing the amazing photograph.

marilyn said...

Your 'moss fence' is a most interesting one. All the bird photos are beautiful.

Stephanie said...

Stunning images!

Sobat Bonsai said...

wonderfull

Anonymous said...

That mossy fence is lovely as is the white tutu of the egret!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The moss fence is beautiful! Hope the owls have a successful nest next time.

21 Wits said...

Oh so sorry for the owl family, the moss, especially the egret and the owl photos are my favorite, and what a capture with the egret!

orchid0324 said...

Wow; you featured moss for this post♬♬♬
Great series of pictures; I remember I was SO surprised with the egret with that fine feather from your gorgeous picture♡♡♡ Hope the successful next time for the barred owl pair!!!

So sorry for my a bit late comment, I was a little busy but catching up♪♪♪

Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Donna said...

Love the moss and birds and especially glad to hear the owls are still ok.

Donna said...

Love the moss and birds and especially glad to hear the owls are still ok.

Carola Bartz said...

That is such a cool fence! I love the moss. The bird images are spectacular, especially the owl!

Anita Johnson said...

I have run out of words...your photos render me speechless. To see an owl like that...wow!

Betty Manousos said...

that's a beautiful moss fence.

and i really love the bird portraits. spectacular!

big hugs~

Anonymous said...

Sad about the babies