Freak Out

Since my last post was called Geek Out, it seemed only fitting to title this one Freak Out. Let me 'splain.

Hubby took me out to Cypress Island for my birthday on Monday with the hopes that I'd get some photos of the roseate spoonbills and finally shut up about it. Unfortunately, they were too deep into the swamp, so my shots were mediocre. He has promised to take me back again soon. What a good man.

This anhinga, aka water turkey, was quite a sight! He was the first thing I saw as we entered the Island. He was drying his wings, posing beautifully for me.

As we drove along the water, a few other folks were out and about, pointing to certain things they'd see in the water or by the banks. We pulled over for the first "pointing" and it was a 10' alligator!

I watch Swamp People and I know how fast these suckers are, but for some reason, armed with my camera and tripod, I felt invincible. My desire for a good shot apparently overrides my common sense.

We saw three gators sunning at various locations beside the bank and three swimming in the waters. I crept up to one that was sunning and stood 15' away, snapping one shot after another. He was so still that at one point I wondered if he was dead. Then he raised his back leg AND I BOLTED! It was such a thrill. The exhilaration was like a high. Looking back, I just can't believe I'd be that daring. It's so not my personality.

The little blue herons put on quite a show. It took me a while to figure out that they weren't fighting. You see, I had forgotten that the babies are white with green legs. Little blue babies are vocal, demanding little suckers. This babe latched on to her mom's beak and tugged and yanked until she got what she wanted while her baby brother cried, "Hey! What about me?!" No wonder he was so much smaller. :/

The cattle egrets were as far away as the spoonbills. I watched as the babies practically inhaled mom's beak. I couldn't believe how far her beak could go down her babes' throats without hurting them.

Alas, my only halfway decent shot of the roseate spoonbill.

So, that's how I celebrated my birthday. For Mother's Day I went to New Orleans. It's just as weird and wonderful as I remember. All three of my kids called me which was really the highlight of my day. They also each sent me something very special, things they know I would treasure. I love and miss them so much!

Before signing off I want to thank Hilary of The Smitten Image for choosing my Geek Out post for the Phine Photography section. Hilary has an amazing blog and great sense of humor with a wonderful writing style. Please visit her and all the other recipients if you have a chance! Thanks again, Hilary!!

Geek out

I admit it: I'm a total geek when it comes to wildlife. My own backyard is allowing me to unabashedly get my geek on. 

For most of these shots I used the manual setting on my Canon 50d. Gasp! I know!! It was the only way I could achieve the exposure I desired, and quite frankly, I was tired of all the editing I was having to do in PS. It's an enormous pain to change settings so often, but it's either do it out in the field, or correct nearly every photo in post. I must say I do enjoy having so much control over my photos, and will probably stick with it! Never thought I'd go there. Go me!

I cannot get enough of these little Chickadees. I've given up trying to tell if they're black-capped or Carolinas--even THEY can't distinguish their own kind, so if they don't care, then neither do I! Apparently the only way to really identify them is by their chirps. They're acrobatic, cute, and not afraid when I approach with my camera. They're little hams, actually. :)

Female house finch

More woody! A downy woodpecker, I believe.  

This blue jay posed right nicely for me.

A new addition! Brown thrasher. First time today to spot one in the yard.

Another female house finch--look at her chest/belly area. Is she getting plucked or is she molting?

I am always amazed at the colors in the starling. Yes, they can be pests at the feeders and a little bossy, but they are colorful. Did you know that fans of Shakespeare are to blame for bringing them to the U.S.? A group called The American Acclimatization Society endeavored to bring every bird that was mentioned in Shakespeare's literature across the pond. Boo to that! But they probably would have found their way here eventually, anyway.

Great blue heron at Tickfaw River

A green anole which hangs out frequently on our patio. One day we found him reclining in our lawn chair.

Lots and lots of dragonflies buzzing about. This one seemed to smile for me. :)

I believe this is a snout nose butterfly. Don't quote me though!

I think I'll end with this sea of pink petunias which flourishes along our fence line.

On Monday we're returning to Cypress Island. Hoping to spot more gators and that elusive roseate spoonbill! 

Swamp Romp

Greetings! As promised, here are my photos from Cypress Island. Unfortunately, I didn't have the right lens with me, so we're going back again this weekend. I also did not spot the Roseate Spoonbill, so another trip is imperative!

On an unrelated note, Friday after next I have a job interview lined up. We drove there today and discovered it's only 3.2 miles from our house! Hopefully, it'll be the right fit. You really can't beat that commute! I could even go home for lunch. Praying it works out.

Okay, enough chit-chat. Here are the photos (best viewed large).

Water hyacinth

Little blue heron

Tri-colored heron
Green heron
CORRECTION 5/22/12: THIS IS A GREEN HERON. MY FELLOW BIRDERS AT PROJECT NOAH HAVE SET ME STRAIGHT. :)

If I ever do a boat tour around there, it's gonna have to be a bigger vessel than this. See below.

According to some fishermen we met, this was at least a 10 footer. I was really mad at myself for not bringing the 400mm lens! No way I was going to get too close to the bank. One of the men had a rinky-dink canoe that he offered to rent me. I was like, "Uh, no thanks, I value my arms and legs!" He then held up his right hand which was missing part of his middle finger and said, "They don't take much!" He laughed as my jaw hit the ground. :/

Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou!!

I was so excited to introduce Double D to the famous Crawfish Festival last weekend, held every year in Breaux Bridge, LA. The temps were in the upper 80s, but the 96% humidity is what did me in. Cher bébé! (Shah bah-bay) as they say there. Cajun bands played all day, with a huge area designated for dancing. After about an hour I began to melt just walking around, so I don't know how some of those folks danced their arses off most of the afternoon.

I went straight to the crawfish pie and boudin balls booth. The boudin balls weren't spicy, but the crawfish pie should have come with a warning label. I'm still enduring...er...effects...from it, shall we say...

How in tarnation did this woman survive her booth all weekend in those garments? Just looking at her gave me heat stroke!

Double D & I rode the ferris wheel and it was fun. I was so grateful for the dark cloud that showed up momentarily.

Finally, after hours of dancing, this crawdad couple took a breather. If she's wearing pantyhose, she deserves some kind of award.

Had to shoot this through the car window. Just love the fleur de lis on the street signs. 

Double D talked me into buying this hat while there. He thought it would help with the sun bearing down relentlessly on top of my head. It only made me hotter and then I had "hat hair" so I was stuck. :/ He also encouraged me to buy the sunglasses because of the red fleurs on each side. Notice my fleur earrings also--those I already had. Yeah, I kinda went overboard on the fleur de lis.

We only lasted 3 hours at the festival, but afterwards drove to Cypress Island about 10 miles from Breaux Bridge. While there I spotted my first alligator out in the wild. A 10 footer!!! I also spotted my first tri-colored heron. Can't wait to share my pics later in the week. 

Me and my iPhone

The following photos were taken with my iPhone. I'm finally starting to get back into photography now that things are settling down a bit, and it took the iPhone to whet my appetite.

Double D 3 days before his heart procedure, relaxing on the patio. Izzy's tongue is ready to have whatever he's having, though it looks like she's too late.

Izzy being cute

With my long-lost high school bestie at a local Mexican restaurant after two margaritas that I was coerced into. Sadly, I can still succumb to peer pressure at my age. :/

My cousin invited us to his home for a crawfish boil--my first one in years. Double D's first ever.

Our hands smelled like crab boil for two days, but it was well worth it.
Oh, TIP: Do not rub your eyes after peeling these things. Burn city, man!

Our new address stamp - aged effect added, and information cut off for obvious reasons. :)

Chance and Sparky bird watching with me in the back yard.
Well, Chance is bird watching. Sparky is soaking up the sun.

Satsumas!! The lady who lived here before me planted 3 satsuma trees.
In fact, many of the plantings in the yard are in threes - my favorite number.
I'm so stoked to eat fresh fruit from my own frickin' yard!

Not the greatest photo, but wanted to show you my favorite place to relax. We got these chairs at Home Depot (Martha Stewart collection) and they are so comfy and big enough to curl up in. 

Cathedral of St. Joseph, where we have attended church the last three Sundays. It was built in 1853 in a faux gothic style. It is incredibly beautiful inside and out. 

I lose all self-control when these are within grasp. My mouth is watering just looking at this picture. I can never buy these again. Please stop me if you see me reaching for them in the grocery aisle. Thank you!

Out shopping the other day I found this cool bench. Too bad I have nowhere to put it. Although I'm still trying to figure out a way to give it a home. My home.

Boating on the Tickfaw River with my aunt and uncle. More on that later.

This mysterious object appeared three nights in a row under our patio eave. It was kinda freaking me out because there was a dirt dobber nest underneath so it made me wonder if some alien thing resided inside, emerging after dark. Finally, last night I saw the head. My camera flashed and "whoosh", he flew off. It was a Carolina Wren! I have no idea what possessed him to perch there, but it was a pretty exciting few nights trying to figure it out.

We're easily amused, what can I say?

Submitted to Rural Thursday