Bird alert!

The sun came out on my mother's birthday after being absent for two weeks. What a glorious day it was! I first drove out to LSU Lakes and saw the usual pelicans, cormorants, warblers and ducks. Feeling a little disappointed I decided to go visit my mother's grave and wish her a happy birthday. As I stood over her grave I asked her for a sign to let me know she was there. I said, "I know it's your birthday and I can't give you anymore gifts, but it would be a wonderful gift to me if I had a new bird to photograph. Then I would know that you are here." After all, I had the 100-400mm lens that she bought for my 50th birthday, and I always think of her when I use it.

Something pulled me toward a grove of nearby trees and I just stood there meditating for quite some time, being very still, not really thinking about anything, but hoping I'd see something. And I did! I have a new bird that I can add to my bird list. Thanks, Mama!

Meet the Acadian Flycatcher Ruby-crowned Kinglet! (corrected 2/2/13) He appeared for maybe five seconds and I got two shots before he was gone, spooked by the camera clicks I'm sure. Since I am still shooting on manual I was happy that the exposure and shutter speed were correct. I was also pleased that even though they weren't the best poses, at least they were in focus.

UPDATE 2/2/13: On a bird expedition today with a group of birders, I learned that I may have misidentified this bird originally. Once I was able to check my bird book I realized this was not the Acadian Flycatcher but was indeed a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. This sighting is significant because my mother loved the color red, specifically ruby red. Although this bird does not have the red patch on its head, it's because this is likely a female. I sincerely believe my mother was trying to tell me she now has a ruby crown in heaven. I'm literally in tears as I type this because I had wondered since I saw this bird what the connection was to my mother. Now I know! Thank you, God!

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P.S. Sallie at A Full-time Life shared a live web cam for a pair of eagles and their recently hatched eaglets. Go have a look!

Here comes the sun, doo doo doo doo doo

I have been singing that George Harrison ditty all morning long. Up since 5AM, I cleaned and filled all the bird feeders, drank two cups of coffee, did my morning devotionals, and now headed off to let Brittany do something with this mop of hair. After that, I am going to soak up every bit of sun possible! Today would've been my mom's 74th birthday. It seems fitting that the sun should emerge today after two long weeks of gray skies and dreary rain. Happy birthday, mama. You are greatly missed.

6/20/12

Hickory Hills

The rain has been relentless, so although I'm feeling better, Bertha and I can't go on our outings. I remembered that I hadn't posted my pics of the hunting lodge in Mississippi my dad took me to in October of last year. Bertha was still new to me at the time, so these aren't the best. And I'm still not a fan of hunting lodges, but this one is 12,000 acres and absolutely beautiful. I reasoned that the deer have a wonderful life for the time they are there, with plenty of space to roam and trees to hide in. Each hunt is supervised, so you can't go out and shoot whatever you want. Young deer are off-limits for instance. Be prepared and ask before you shoot because some of these animals will put an enormous dent in your wallet. You could purchase a nice automobile for what it costs to bag some of these deer. :/

This is what I saw driving in. If you look through the trees on the left, you can spot a couple of deer already.

This is the tree stand that I took most of the deer shots from. It was full of spiders and webs. *shivers*

Motley Crew

Greetings everyone! It's been a mushy, wet week here in Baton Rouge. The incessant rain coupled with a very bad cold has got me feeling pretty run down. I was so thankful to have my ipad (thanks, Dad & Darleen!) so I could keep up with your blogs on the couch or bed. The dogs sure have enjoyed all the snuggle time. Since I can't get out with my camera I went through some photos that I had not yet developed. Hope you enjoy and that you all are untouched by this terrible flu season.

Look who's back! It was so nice to see Pierre on Christmas Eve.

Should I bring the hummingbird feeders in for the winter? There seems to be a disagreement on the web.

American Coot - LSU Lakes - 12/2/12

Wild-eyed Pigeon - LSU Lakes - 12/2/12
I love the beige and gray colors on him.

White Pelican - LSU Lakes - 12/2/12

LSU Lakes - 12/6/12

Red-eared slider - Hoo Shoo Too Rd. - 12/18/12

Anhinga - Hoo Shoo Too Rd. - 12/18/12

House Finch - Backyard - 12/23/12

Snowy Egret - LSU Lakes - 12/29/12

Snowy Egret with fish - LSU Lakes - 12/29/12

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Pelicans Gone Wild

Each week I look at the weather forecast and plan my nature outings accordingly. Mondays are laundry and housework day, but since yesterday was the only decent day forecasted for the week, I had to take advantage of it. With no make-up and no shower, I threw my gear into the car and headed out to LSU Lakes. Positioned about 20' above the water I sat on a pile of wet leaves for 2 hours as the pelicans cavorted on a fallen tree. I searched for information online about the behavior I witnessed to no avail. It wasn't aggressive and they didn't seem to be exhibiting mating rituals, so I assume it was play time. Despite a back ache and wet butt it was a fun couple of hours! And I still managed to get all my chores done late that afternoon. Go me!

Awww, don't get mad. I was just playing!

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