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Friday, May 30, 2014

The Land Between Rivers

Frenchtown Conservation Area, also known as "The Land Between Rivers" is a 496 acre nature area operated by BREC (Recreation and Park Commission for the parish of East Baton Rouge). The acreage consists of bottomland hardwood forest, including small stream forest and spruce-pine hardwood-flatwood forest habitats--both of which are ranked globally as rare or imperiled. It's great for birding, exploring and hiking. At the end of Railroad Trail (1/2 mile) is the Amite River with a nice stretch of sandy beach.

Two notable birds spotted were the painted buntings and yellow-breasted chats. Double D and I were over the moon! But you would laugh at my photos...especially the chat. All I could get was a blurred shot of his underside in a thick tangle of brush. Grrrr. No matter, here are some other things we saw...
Periodical cicada. Some call them locusts, but that is incorrect.
These 13-year periodical cicadas spend their lives underground feeding off the fluids from deciduous trees.
Once mature, they emerge all at once in staggering numbers. The sound is amazing. It sounded like
an ocean or swiftly moving river was nearby. Incredible!

I think this is a Needham's Skimmer.

An Eastern fence lizard, male.

Close up

The only time I've ever seen a pipevine swallowtail that stayed still for more than a minute.

My first time to see an indigo bunting away from a feeding station.
His expression says, "Who you lookin' at?"

Enjoy the weekend, y'all! My 31-year old "baby" is arriving today. We have a very short weekend together so I'll catch back up with you guys on Monday.

46 comments:

  1. orchid0324May 30, 2014 at 5:27 AM

    I loved your collection today;
    My dragonfly lover husband would be happy to see your wonderful Needham's Skimmer (he is out tonight), I'll let him see it tomorrow:) Oh, cicadas already and so different from our blackish ones and colorful♡♡♡ Pipevine swallowtail is GORGEOUS, you were so lucky this time!!!
    Haha, nice expression of indigo bunting for closing♪♪♪

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

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  2. Hootin AnniMay 30, 2014 at 5:55 AM

    The Eastern Fence Lizard [of which I've not heard of before today] is incredible. LOVE both images of that critter.

    As for the chat...I chased one around a park and finally captured one....they're a nuisance. [but, honestly, what warblers aren't a challenge]

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  3. RoanMay 30, 2014 at 6:04 AM

    That bunting certainly is showing a bit of an attitude. The lizard is amazing. As for the cicada, wow! so sharp. I enjoy hearing them at first, but then they become annoying.

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  4. Optimistic ExistentialistMay 30, 2014 at 6:05 AM

    Wow the The Land Between Rivers looks like an amazing place to see nature. I actually love cicadas. I love the sound of them when they're echoing through the trees. And that lizard pic is so cool :)

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  5. SlamdunkMay 30, 2014 at 6:08 AM

    I remember the Cicada invasions well when I lived in the South. We still see them up here, but not in the same volumes.

    I have never seen an Indigo bunting before--thanks for the treat.

    I hope your family time goes well this weekend.

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  6. The CrankyMay 30, 2014 at 7:06 AM

    We have the 17 year version here; they get so horrifically loud that stores sell out of earplugs, and those seeking psychological help goes up by 10%!
    Have a wonderful weekend with your baby!

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  7. eileeninmdMay 30, 2014 at 7:22 AM

    Gorgeous series, love the lizard and the bunting.. Happy weekend!

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  8. Author R. Mac WheelerMay 30, 2014 at 7:27 AM

    great macro shots!!

    My new dslr arrives today (hopefully). Look forward to playing and playing and...

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  9. AnonymousMay 30, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    The Bunting was a nature photographer in his last life! Happy to hear something in EBR is beautiful. My sister taught in several different schools in that district, so I know some areas are blighted...or were.

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  10. DebbieMay 30, 2014 at 8:09 AM

    cute little buggers today and a
    gorgeous bunting!!!

    have a wonderful weekend!!

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  11. Grandma Barb's This and ThatMay 30, 2014 at 8:24 AM

    You got some incredible pictures. I love, love the dragonfly!

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  12. TexWisGirlMay 30, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    a happy family-visit weekend wished to you!

    i LOVE the lizard! LOVE!!!

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  13. TexWisGirlMay 30, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    oh, and that sharp looking cicada, too!

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  14. LindaMay 30, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    Gail, your photos are amazing. This series is spectacular. I feel as if I am right there...and that I can reach out and touch these creatures. Wow!

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  15. DeniseinVAMay 30, 2014 at 9:21 AM

    What a great set of photos Gail, the cicada is impressive, as are your other photos. You asked if there were any Meadowlarks at Meadowlark Gardens? Well, there may have been at one time but I can honestly say in all the years I have been visiting, I have never seen one. There are lots of Red-winged blackbirds, Robins and Swallows and others like sparrows occasionally. I live in hope that a Meadowlark will sit on a branch right next to my camera lens, or any of them really, maybe one day :)

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  16. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmMay 30, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Great pictures. I like the cicada! Enjoy time with your baby :-)

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  17. Beatrice P. BoydMay 30, 2014 at 9:33 AM

    Enjoy the familt time, Gail, and thanks for the explanation about cicadas vs locusts. Enjoyed the egret photo eing spread in the previous post.

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  18. Coloring Outside the LinesMay 30, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    Awesome shots Gail! Have a great visit with your "baby" this weekend!

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  19. hootnonnyMay 30, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    Amazing study of God's creatures!

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  20. IrmaMay 30, 2014 at 10:14 AM

    What a great series of pictures, Gail.
    All photographs have captured perfectly, my compliments.
    I wish you a very nice weekend with your 31-year-old baby.
    Greetings Irma

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  21. Bas.May 30, 2014 at 12:42 PM

    heerlijk z,on mooie gevarieerde serie maar je hagedis is subliem.

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  22. renae May 30, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    Glad your baby will be in town. Have a great time. Thanks for your sweet friendship and yup many prayers are being answered daily in my behalf, let me tell ya! I am grateful for every single prayer! wow. humbling.

    These insects bug critter photos are AMAZING, my friend. I love getting the education here each time you share. I thank you!!!

    ♥, Renae

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  23. Ruth HiebertMay 30, 2014 at 2:38 PM

    Amazing pictures. Enjoy the time spent with loved ones.

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  24. AnonymousMay 30, 2014 at 6:11 PM

    Great photos. I love the expression on that little bird's face. Have a fun weekend!

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  25. UnknownMay 30, 2014 at 7:08 PM

    Such amazing photos once again. I love the look that indigo bunting is looking right at you.. Makes me smile.

    Enjoy your weekend..

    Hugs~

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  26. Elizabeth EdwardsMay 30, 2014 at 7:10 PM

    i love the lizard & the butterfly shots best. neat views. ( :

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  27. HilaryMay 30, 2014 at 8:33 PM

    Oh my... you have some beauties here. Those last three share the same shade of blue!

    Enjoy your baby. I know you will. :)

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  28. Brian KingMay 30, 2014 at 9:03 PM

    Love the lizard and bunting! Gorgeous photos!

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  29. KarenMay 30, 2014 at 10:28 PM

    Incredible shots Gail! Although I really dislike the look and sound of cicadas, that's a brilliant photo! I love lizards (have one as a pet), and the Bunting is just so darn cute!

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  30. Stewart MMay 31, 2014 at 2:36 AM

    Great pictures - when the cicadas call here it seems to make it feel 10 degrees hotter!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  31. AnvilcloudMay 31, 2014 at 6:57 AM

    You take good bug pics too, and you know all of their names.

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  32. rainfield61May 31, 2014 at 9:37 AM

    These are beautiful captures.

    And will be in my mind when I am going to take some shots tomorrow.

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  33. Spare Parts and PicsMay 31, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    Great photos, Gail! I guess my fav is the lizard close-up. I see a ton of lizards out in the desert, but I never seem to be able to get this close with good, sharp focus. Well done!

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  34. Amy BurzeseMay 31, 2014 at 1:06 PM

    Awesome. Especially the lizard. Geez, you can even identify a male lizard too. I can hardly get my birds right.

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  35. ShugMay 31, 2014 at 8:42 PM

    Happy you.....a wonderful visit this weekend!! Hope you all are able to cram a whole lot of talking into the short time you have to visit...
    The best of the best in these photos...each one are my favorite!! lol.

    enjoy the weekend..

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  36. IdaMay 31, 2014 at 9:17 PM

    Those Cicada bugs are rather creepy looking but fascinating as well. Great shot of the dragonfly and I loved the lizard.

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  37. SuzanMay 31, 2014 at 9:52 PM

    All of our photos were up close, in your face (meaning up close/macro) and wonderful!! Your cicada -- fascinating -- looks like he's wearing armor. Guess in a sense he is! Your indigo - such fun!! God is so good when you see the diversity of each of these creatures!!
    Have fun with your "boy"!!!

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  38. EG CameraGirlJune 1, 2014 at 6:55 AM

    When I look at your photos I feel so jealous that you've been out so much in nature. Your photos are wonderful!

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  39. Waldameise AndreaJune 1, 2014 at 8:44 AM

    Das blaue Vögelchen gefällt mir am besten. Da hast du eine tolle Perspektive erwischt.

    Liebe Grüße
    Waldameise

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  40. nookwormJune 1, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    You are an A-1 nature photographer and the knowledge you share about your subjects is impressive. I absolutely am flabbergasted by your photos.

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  41. Betty ManousosJune 1, 2014 at 9:38 AM

    oh, my! fantastic set of macro shots, gail. it's really hard to pick a fave.
    i love your photographic eye and the offerings of your art.

    have a great weekend with your baby!

    big hugs~

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  42. WillowJune 1, 2014 at 5:51 PM

    I hope you are having a wonderful time with your 31 year old baby ! :))
    Your photos always give me a thrill , as does that Indigo bunting .

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  43. Inspired By JuneJune 1, 2014 at 8:46 PM

    These are amazing, Gail! Love that shot of the bunting. You don't see head-on shots of birds that often - so much character!! Congrats on the Pipevine Swallowtail - really lovely! I hope you had a great weekend with your "baby" :)

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  44. Wally JonesJune 2, 2014 at 12:04 PM

    Gail, simply superb post. Thank you!

    That seems like an area worthy of more exploration. Outstanding photographs!

    Enjoy that precious family time!

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  45. AnonymousJune 2, 2014 at 7:17 PM

    All great shots, but I love the last one and the lizard the best!

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  46. AnonymousJune 3, 2014 at 2:53 PM

    That's a cool looking lizard! I hope you had a nice visit with your kid.

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