The weather forecast keeps calling for rain - and we keep getting sunshine - so off to Birch Bay we went.
The first bird we saw was not only new to me - but fairly rare on the West Coast. It is generally from the U.K. but has been seen on the east coast of Canada and the U.S. and fairly recently on the west coast of the U.S. There was just this one - and it ran about, searching for food.
Black Headed Gull - either a juvenile or the head feathers are just taking on their mating season darkness - as is the beak.
Then dashing about on the beach and in the shallow tide pools was a Lesser Yellow Legs - a shorebird - and there were several of these flitting about.
Ahhh, a good stretch feels so great.
Dabbling about in the shallows was a small flock of Widgeons
The tide was running fast
And you didn't suppose that you'd get through a post about birds from me without a heron, now did you?
This Great Blue Heron was up in a tree - about 30 feet above the ground. It must have been finished fishing for the afternoon as it was taking time for grooming
The wind was brisk and the tree branch swayed a lot.
And then there was a heron in the waves of the shallows in Birch Bay
Grooming time again
It was a very good day for birds
15 comments:
Those are brilliant shots JoAnn. And that little black gull makes me nostalgic for our home in Oxford and the reservoir we walk around. Actually these little gulls are practically everywhere. They have a very distinct piercing cry for such a small bird. Love the blue heron too. I was out at the bird sanctuary myself this weekend. I love the kinds of walks that result in bird spotting. :D
Beautiful photos of these shore birds JoAnn. They make great mosaics. Have a good week! Pam
Beautiful bird shots, I always love to see herons,
My blue heron is my favorite of all the waterfowl you "shoot"...they always look like they are about to topple over on their long spindly legs. You must have a great eye to find one in a tree! Thanks for sharing...and have a great week.
Congrats on your gull lifer.. It is a pretty one! I love all the birds, the Yellowlegs, Wigeons and the Herons.. Great photos.. Have a happy day and new week ahead!
I was marveling at the structure of these birds - the long skinny legs that allow them to wade into water with a vantage point to view what's available for lunch! - and a long beak to pluck it up!
How neat to see an unusual bird. You have such a nice variety and always take such great close ups. I should find out what kind of camera you use. Love your heron! It's nice to have a nice day to get out and view nature. We took off yesterday to one of our favorite state parks. We're glad we went...it is raining here today. Enjoy your evening sweet friend. Hugs, Diane
A interesting collection of birds found at the beach. It makes one wonder how such a top heavy bird like a blue heron could perch in a tree, especially if the wind was moving the branches as you described.
Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday Jo Ann.
Beautiful birds but I love the smaller long-legged birds like the Lesser Yellow Legs.
Wow! A black headed gull! Good for you! You have some wonderful shots here.
We had some widgeons hanging out in a field and pond nearby but even with my best zoom they still came out little lots when I shot them, not nearly as beautiful as yours.
Wonderful water bird photos--they all look very busy searching for food!
There are so many birds. Do you know them on sight, or do you take pictures and then identify them when you get home? That's what I have to do. - Margy
You captured a real find there, to see a gull on our coast that isn't even s'posed to be in this country , wow !
I know what you mean about the weather forecast. I actually look forward to rainy days so I can get things done indoors and when I believe the weather man ( silly me ) and plan for a day inside sewing or weaving, well, I feel a little put out to discover sunshine streaming in through my windows nagging me to get outside and do some weeding. But being outdoors at the beach or in the gardens really is wonderful, isn't it ?
It looks as though you and the birds all had a great day!!! Fabulous photos!! xx
Black headed gulls are common here and we can see them even in local parks. Their winter plumage has just two light black blobs on the head behind the eyes but about now the heads begin to turn darker and darker until they are black. Once the head is all black, the eyes stand out like a toy doll. If they are being fed by sight-seers, they hang around long enough to see the difference.
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