The much easier life of the glossy ibis. In the 19th century they were viewed as “water turkeys” and purported to be good eating.
Pair O Glossies
Tag: birds
Quiet Time
The wetlands have quieted down – most migrants are gone. However, I told folks on one of the tours Saturday how quiet things were and their response was “This is quiet?” They reminded me how important “fresh” eyes are. Thanks!
Bird Monday
“Rest if you must, but never quit.” – John Greenleaf Whittier
Continuing with the Great Blue Heron, here is a younger sibling. They start life completely white, slowly changes colors over their first year. Often confused (by me) with egrets.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/267703.John_Greenleaf_Whittier
King of the Wetlands
Being one of the largest birds in the wetlands they make great subjects. They have mastered the art of being still. plus they are big enough that you don’t need to be too close for nice pics.
Daddy Long Legs
“the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you” – John Greenleaf Whittier
Black Neck Stilt fact – the ratio of leg length to body size is second only to the flamingo.
Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/267703.John_Greenleaf_Whittier
Almost Time
Mom has done a good job here – nine ducks almost big enough to be on their own. The mottled duck is a Florida native.
Good Morning
“Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.” – Henry David Thoreau
Summer patterns have arrived and we are blessed in the mornings with clouds in the east. Due I believe to the proximity of the Gulf Stream. I kept this picture despite the artifact from the lens. Kind of looks like a camp fire.
As for the second picture there were spoonbills, glossy and white ibis, great egrets and more – all deciding on a fly around at the same time. wonder why?
Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/morning
Quick Shot
I’m as much intrigued by the branches as the young hawk. I wonder if anyone has done a study about how much of a hawks day is spent watching!
Bird Monday
“None of Nature’s landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild.” – John Muir
Nothing ugly about a swamp – just a thoughtful quote. Okefenokee swamp is the largest swamp in North America. The Seminoles called it the land of trembling earth. Very impressive, although the small bit I was able to see was completely altered by man through canal digging and wood harvesting.
quote found http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/favorite_quotations.aspxat
Couple o Birds
The bluebird is either a juvenile or female – the males are completely blue.
The European Starling was first brought to the US in the early 19th century by Shakespeare enthusiasts. Now among the most numerous song birds in the country. Wonderful coloring.
We will be leaving Tennessee after this. Next couple of posts will be from the Okefenokee Swamp on the Georgia – Florida border.
Picture This by Frank 