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. |
