Jackpot!

Very seldom do I have the chance to photograph the tricolored heron. Did you know this bird used to be called the Louisiana Heron? Double D spotted this one with his binoculars at LSU Lakes on December 1. This industrious bird had found his fortune at the pond in the middle of the golf course.

Dodging golf balls, I let nothing deter me. At one point we stood in between two live oak trees to avoid getting hit in the head. The golfers were very gracious; however, I think I may have let my disdain for them show by sighing and making grumpy faces. As we left I noticed a big sign that said "GOLFERS ONLY ALLOWED ON GOLF COURSE." I felt like an entitled arse with my high powered camera. Bad Gail! Don't judge, you would've done the same! lol

Because my little subject was so unafraid, and didn't seem to mind a nutty camera woman recording his every move, over 400 images of just him ended up on my memory card. He caught so many fish I lost count.

At first we thought this heron wasn't quite right in the head. He twirled around in the water and performed like a ballerina at times. But each time he came up with a fish, minnow or other prey. Double D and I were laughing at him, yet we had to admit that his tactics were successful. Turns out, this is exactly how they hunt for prey. We really should have videoed him; he was a hoot!

Out of 400+ I kept 73 images. There are eight on this post. I am determined that all of them will make it to my blog, so you might be seeing him well into 2014. Thank you in advance for your patience! :)

Linking with Anni at I'd Rather B Birdin'. Please check out the links if you have time.

Love on the Water

It was an enjoyable afternoon watching this motley crew co-exist on a log in the water. What can I say? I'm easily amused.

The cormorants are not happy.
Okay now, you two! None of that funny stuff!

Hey! This is a family lake. There are youngsters on this log.

You two should be ashamed! Kids, look the other way. Turtles, go back in your shells!

We're sorry...

Shameful!! We don't need your kind around here. Scat!

Oh, all right. Don't get your feathers in a bunch. We're leaving. Hmph!

We're outta here. Buh-bye!

And stay out! Good riddance!

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday and I'd Rather B Birdin'. Many thanks, Stewart and Anni!

Sheldon

Since I've (hopefully) conquered the squirrel situation, I've noticed many more birds coming to the feeders. The most recent new visitor is the brown thrasher, scientifically identified as toxostoma rufum. He adores suet, so I try to keep it out just for him. And the woodies, too, of course! Photographed 10/18/13.

Looks like he has some sort of infection on his face. :( Wish I could do something for him.

He likes to be near this piece of driftwood when he's feeling insecure about his surroundings.

Some extra napkins over here please!

The brown thrasher is a very exuberant singer, often mimicking other birds. The mimicry is not surprising since they're in the same family as mockingbirds and catbirds. They are thought to have more than 1100 songs in their repertoire. Brown thrashers are the only thrasher species east of Texas. Their bodies are quite large and well-marked, yet well-camouflaged in dense shrubs and vegetation. During summer males climb high to sing on exposed limbs. The brown thrasher will vigorously defend their nest, known to draw blood from people and dogs. Both males and females incubate the eggs and feed their young.

I've named this one Sheldon (from The Big Bang Theory) because he sings complex musical phrases, repeating each phrase twice. I find that just a tad OCD, but in a cute way. :)

Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday and I'd Rather B Birdin'. Thanks to the generous hosts, Stewart and Anni!

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