October 25 was my first day back to Bluebonnet Swamp since May. Except for boardwalks and established trails, the swamp is largely left alone to grow as natural as possible. The trees and vegetation get so thick it's hard to walk though there and still breathe during summer months (about half the year!). From the end of May to the second week of October I dare not enter. Well, here I was happy to be back, meandering the trails happy as a clam, when before I knew it I was slapping at mosquitoes. One would think the last week of October, these detestable insects would no longer be a problem. I forget I'm not in Texas anymore; I have to remember this place is almost like the tropics. You'll be happy to know that I put a can of OFF in my camera bag, so I will be ready next time, even if it's the middle of winter. Ha!
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This was my one and only chance to shoot the titmouse. Not bad! I love their little faux hawks, big eyes and animated ways.
They're quick as lightning, though. |
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Double D and I were getting ready to pack it in since not much was happening, when all of a sudden
we came upon two immature ibises. |
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| They looked like they were on a see-saw. |
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I spotted this one first and asked Double D if he was real. The staff had decorated the swamp for a Halloween hike, so I wasn't sure.
The ibis finally moved, so I knew it was real. They stood there calmly letting me take my shots. Sorry about the harsh sunlight, but I
was relegated to one vantage point. |
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Took this with my iphone to show you where I was standing while shooting the ibises.
In June I finally broke down and bought a sturdy tripod - a Benro - and I love it. |
The ibises are beautiful. Lovely captures :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful images...Of course, I have come to expect that when I stop by to visit with you!!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of how you showed us where you are with your camera...neat idea.
Oh, and the ibis?!! Love 'em.
So pretty. Congrats on the new tripod. I can't imagine dealing w/ all those mosquitos still. It got cold here this week!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are beautiful especially the first one of the titmouse . Love how your capture the vivid colors of the birds :) nice to see the "behind the scenes" shot of the photographer at work.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is so beautiful, Gail :) I always love seeing your pictures. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThese are stunning Gail, I especially love the titmouse!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment and I'm trying to get back into the habit of blogging and coming to read my friend's blogs.
Awesome images Gail! Love them all and it would be hard to pick a favorite! Hate those horrible insects! Looks like a sturdy tripod! Congrats on the purchase!
ReplyDeleteGreat capture of the titmouse for only one shot, he is so cute! And I've been seeing the White Ibis flying in the sky lately, love those guys. Not sure where in Texas you lived before, but when I walk on the coastal birding trail by Galveston Bay, I'm still swatting at skeeter too.... :(
ReplyDeleteawesome to see the young ibises! they're so cool. i love titmouses, too. just adorable little things.
ReplyDeleteThat titmouse is sooo cute! Great shots of the ibis as well. I was thinking about asking for a tripod for Christmas, I've never used one.
ReplyDeleteNice to see your camera on the tripod!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Ibis!! All your photos are lovely!! Especially with the cypress tree as the back drop!! Love those ancient trees!! Awesome shots!!
Looks like you found an amazing spot. The images are really nice.
ReplyDeletethose ibises are too cute & yes, they do look like they are on a see-saw! Love the spot you picked for this session. Still have lens envy...will have to figure out where to buy one. None of the local shops have them. Beautiful photos my dear...stay warm today.
ReplyDeleteThe titmouse is such an endearing little bird. One shot and caught with a seed in his mouth - perfect!
ReplyDeleteI smiled when I read 'see-saw'.
Two little ones out to play
Standing so still
Hoping you'd go away. :)
I love that you included the tripod shot. It gives us a great view and sense of where you were.
Althugh I've had plenty of experiences with mosquitoes, I have never seen a titmouse or an ibis! Great photos.
ReplyDeleteMosquitoes at the end of October...!?! I'm so glad you didn't get scared off by them! I love your photos so much, Gail, it's like a peek into another world!
ReplyDeleteMosquitoes at the end of October...!?! I'm so glad you didn't get scared off by them! I love your photos so much, Gail, it's like a peek into another world!
ReplyDeleteMosquitoes at the end of October...!?! I'm so glad you didn't get scared off by them! I love your photos so much, Gail, it's like a peek into another world!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots. A friend of mine is heading to Florida on Friday and is hoping to go to many of the nature preserves. I am just a little jealous.Hope he at least sends me some pictures.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful catches !
ReplyDeleteI have never used a tripod, something I must learn when I get a nice camera :) speaking of which yours looks like a great one !
Your photos are so gorgeous I wish you'd send a sample to NatGeo. I have every confidence you'd be included in one of their periodic bird spreads.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images... I've seen immature ibis before in very similar positions -- as if they're pointedly ignoring each other.
ReplyDeleteLovely birds captured here, and not a bad bit of kit....
ReplyDeleteI should add that its about time I used my Tripod. I have had it 5 years and never used it (apart from photographing the moon at night...), It will get an airing soon!
ReplyDeleteLove those little big-eyed birds. Great shots of the ibises.
ReplyDeleteThe ibises are so cute! I need a tripod...I can't be still to save my life...it's a wonder any of my photos turn out!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the shot of the titmouse, with the sunflower seed in its beak. It's just a beautiful shot. The ibis photos are great, too. Such a nice sighting. I love that you took a picture of your camera equipment, too.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always so wonderful! I'm especially fond of that first one. I just got a new tripod too...it took me forever to make a decision.
ReplyDeleteLove the titmouse! Nice shot with the seed! The ibises are so cool! One of those birds we don't have here. A good tripod is so handy.
ReplyDeleteIts a truth universally acknowledged that a photographer will eventually buy a tripod!
ReplyDeleteNice pictures.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
The Titmouse is a cutie and I love the juvie Ibis! Great shots.
ReplyDeleteHi. Wonderful shot of Titmouse and great to find the 2 Ibis
ReplyDeleteThe titmouse is adorable. Lovely shots of the ibises. I must confess I have a tripod too, but I have never used it.
ReplyDeleteGreat photographs, Gail!
ReplyDeleteIt's tough to get a Titmouse to hold still at all, so nice work in catching that one!
Don't you know - 'skeeters all migrate from the north to Louisiana and Florida for the winter!