▼

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Birding From East To West

Double D was good to me this weekend. On Saturday he drove us 45 minutes east to visit Tickfaw State Park and today he drove us 35 minutes west to visit the Atchafalaya (UH-CHAFF-UH-LI-YA) National Wildlife Refuge. Since the weather is nice it's imperative to take advantage. Pretty soon it will be hot, humid, and swarming with mosquitos, so we've got roughly 3-1/2 months at this point to hit all the nature areas. In addition to moving here for my mom, nature was #2 on the list, and since last year was consumed with my mom's illness and passing, we didn't get to visit as many as we had hoped.

At Tickfaw we saw our first yellow-bellied sapsucker. We also spotted red-bellied woodpeckers, and the usual cast of characters: cardinals, chickadees, hairy woodpeckers, and mockingbirds. Unfortunately my pictures did not turn out as I had hoped from Tickfaw. Today wasn't much better, but I was able to get several shots of a carolina wren that was gracious enough to pose out in the open for a few nervous seconds.







Two benches overlooking Whiskey Bay at Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
Sharing with
LINK

Camera Critters



51 comments:

  1. Gone CountryJanuary 27, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    Wow, those are some amazing shots of the Carolina Wren! I have yet to capture them on 'film'. They're always so fast and jittery. Awesome captures!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 27, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    Fantastic captures of that sweet little bird!

    ReplyDelete
  3. TexWisGirlJanuary 27, 2013 at 8:58 PM

    adorable little poser. :) yup, gotta take the weather opportunities while we have 'em. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJanuary 27, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Gorgeous photos! I am always so in awe of photographers that can get such amazing shots of birds. One day I hope to come close.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2013 at 10:30 PM

    Those are lovely shots of the bird! And the two seats in the last photo looks wonderfully inviting.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJanuary 27, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    I think you did very well with that little wren. Don't they have the perkiest little tails? I'd say you were quite brave to take that "underbody" shot. The picture with the benches is just wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. KerryJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:26 PM

    What an adorable little bird. I never tire of your bird shots. I would love to watch you in action!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Stewart MJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:55 AM

    I do love the shots of the wrens - are they very loud for their size?

    Stewart M

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    what a sweet hubby you have! i always enjoy our little carolina wrens with their little tails that stick up, that seem to say "look at me! look at me!" great job, gail!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Amy BurzeseJanuary 28, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    Great shots. Too bad about the yellow bellied sapsucker. I really should learn to ID more birds outside your common yard bird.

    ReplyDelete
  11. carol l mckennaJanuary 28, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    Your photography is so exquisite and professional ~ would love to know what software you use to edit and put your signature on your photos? Beautiful!

    Carol of: A Creative Harbor ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  12. renae January 28, 2013 at 8:42 AM

    oh Gail! Lovely photos of this sapsucker that wouldn't hold still, looks like. Awesome job my dear!!!

    Thanks for your nice words. I'm trying to just place one photo on my site on Monday, because I am linking up with Tamar. Do you know her? Her photo are well done. Her blog is Random-osity. If you aren't following, well, you should. Click on the button on my post at the bottom and it should like to her post.

    Keep smiling. I can tell you are behind that lens.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    We don't see the underside of these birds very often at all... I really like that color. The benches look like a nice place to sit & watch the day pass, so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Optimistic ExistentialistJanuary 28, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    Are those Wrens? I love wrens!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    Nice shots! That little wren showed you all his good sides!

    ReplyDelete
  16. hootnonnyJanuary 28, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    Cooperative little guy. I especially like the one from underneath.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    I have been so wrapped up in my online art classes and studio creations that I have fallen behind in visiting my favorite photographers! It certainly appears that you and Bertha are getting along very nicely! Your photos continue to be extraordinary!

    ReplyDelete
  18. BarbJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    Wonderful photos of the little wren - I'm glad it "sat" for its portrait.

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Nice close ups!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sylvia KJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    I do love your photos of the wren! What a cutie! He did seem to be enjoying the photo op!! Hope you have a great week! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnnaJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:57 PM

    Great captures of the wren, Gail!
    Love it...
    Warm greetings from Holland,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  22. Coloring Outside the LinesJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    Great shots Gail

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lisa GordonJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:36 PM

    This little one is just adorable, Gail, and I LOVE the photograph of the benches. Wonderful simplicity.

    ReplyDelete
  24. PatriceJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:20 PM

    Beautiful shots, Gail - looks like a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Fun60January 28, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    What a reward at the end of the day to have photos as good as yours.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Inspired By JuneJanuary 28, 2013 at 5:05 PM

    Wrens are always twitching around so much, I'm amazed at your captures! Great job! They are such little characters!

    ReplyDelete
  27. DeannaJanuary 28, 2013 at 5:54 PM

    I don't know if I like the name of that bird...yellow bellied sap sucker or the pics the best. What a silly name for a beautiful little bird.

    ReplyDelete
  28. EG CameraGirlJanuary 28, 2013 at 6:13 PM

    The Carolina wren seems to be quite the character!

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 6:33 PM

    Marvelous!!
    ~Linda

    ReplyDelete
  30. TinaJanuary 28, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    Gail your bird images are always so beautiful! Glad you and your husband are taking the opportunity to get out there while the weather is nice. We're in the midst of winter here, just had a dumping of snow today but are getting rain tomorrow and Wednesday with a high of 10 Celsius, crazy winter weather :-) Hope you're doing well and that this new year brings you much joy.

    ReplyDelete
  31. HilaryJanuary 28, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    What a sweet little critter .. such beautiful captures. And I love the photo of the benches. It's such an intimate setting.

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    The name of that bird cracks me up.. I just love seeing your birdy shots.

    Hugs~

    ReplyDelete
  33. ShugJanuary 28, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    Great photos....I'm so glad you spelled out the pronunciation of atchafalaya....I always try to pronounce it when we are down your way, but have never know the real way to say it. Thanks so much for all your prayers. Big hugs to you..
    shug

    ReplyDelete
  34. JackieJanuary 28, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    I have to agree with everyone else. These are some great photos. I love the two benches at the end...great touch!

    Happy day! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  35. betty-NZJanuary 29, 2013 at 3:59 AM

    I was called a yellow-bellied sapsucker when I was a kid, but it's good to know how pretty they really are!

    ReplyDelete
  36. eileeninmdJanuary 29, 2013 at 4:18 AM

    Gail, sounds like a wonderful place for birding! Your Wren shots are wonderful, they are cute subjects. The bench shot is awesome, well done! Have a happy day!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Phil SladeJanuary 29, 2013 at 4:26 AM

    Great shots Gail.I can see that your Carolia Wrens are just like our Common Wren - never atill but always active trying to frustrate the photographer. I call ours Wriggle Butts.

    ReplyDelete
  38. LynnJanuary 29, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Morning Gail. We are already getting mosquitoes. Mild weather is good for the utility bill ~ not so good for killing bugs. Love the photo of the two benches . . .

    ReplyDelete
  39. Rosemary AubutJanuary 29, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Gail outstanding photos! You are the master my friend! He just looks like the sweetest little guy! Enjoy your travels looking forward to more gems like these!

    ReplyDelete
  40. DanaJanuary 29, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Wonderful photos! I love those old benches.

    ReplyDelete
  41. KarenJanuary 29, 2013 at 9:54 AM

    A sweet little bird and fabulous captures!

    ReplyDelete
  42. renae January 29, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    Hahahaha, Gail! You are so funny. LOL

    Hey, let's meet in Austin TX this summer? I have invited Chatty Crone (you know her, right?) from GA and you and we could have a fit of a great time!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. genieJanuary 29, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    I am so envious of your getting to visit the wildlife refuge. Our closest one is Back Bay over on the Atlantic. Right now we are either freezing our kazoos off or it is 60 degrees. This has been the most bizarre winter. Your wren shots really did turn out well. Love the once showing the under belly. I am surprised your little friend allowed that shot. Thanks for the visit. It is so nice to be back up and running again. genie

    ReplyDelete
  44. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJanuary 29, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Beautiful shots. I totally want to come along next time!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Buttons ThoughtsJanuary 29, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Have I ever told you how your photos are something so beautiful it makes me smile ear to ear? B

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sallie (FullTime-Life)January 29, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    Great series ...that Carolina wren is just plain adorable! I'm pretty sure we drove past the Atchafalaya Refuge or at least a sign pointing to it...so many places in LA we didn't have time to go to.

    ReplyDelete
  47. BarbaraJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    These are awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. ReenaJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:27 PM

    So love your little wren! They are so skittish!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Tammy@Simple Southern HappinessJanuary 30, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    I love Wrens, They have a way of getting on our screen in porch to nest.

    You have the most amazing places to go to photograph. One house we hope to go take a look at, has a nature preserve next to it and a river. Know where I will be if we do decide the house is for us???? YEP! dats' right...

    LOVE your last picture of the 2 benches.

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownFebruary 1, 2013 at 2:46 AM

    Beautiful series of this little bird.

    ReplyDelete
  51. JoriFebruary 1, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    You amaze me, truly!

    ReplyDelete

I ♥ my wonderful readers!! Comments are a huge ray of sunshine in my day. I make it a point to visit all those who take time to share their thoughts. If you ask a question, please make sure your email address is enabled in your profile; otherwise, I cannot answer. Thanks!