Literally! Some readers, who have been journeying with me for quite a while, know that this will be my fourth time volunteering at this refuge. My blog posts are generally full of bird pictures from here since it is a refuge for birds. :)
The volunteer coordinator, Stephanie, doesn’t want any grass growing under my feet, so she sent me off this morning with the folks that are presently doing this year’s bird survey route. When I get back from my cruise, I’ll be working on this as well.
There were four of us in the vehicle, and since I was just along for the ride, I sat in the back. Of course that meant I didn’t get to see very much. At one of the stops, I got out for this pic of a young double-crested cormorant. I liked how the bird and the dead tree both seemed to be flowing to the right. Seems funny to see a bird with webbed feet perched in a tree!
As I was taking the cormorant picture, this fellow stealthily made his way from one side of the road to the other by swimming through the culvert pipe. I was happy to see about a half dozen alligators on today’s drive. They are the survivors of the devastation of hurricane Ike. Many of the ’gators’ were drowned in the 15 foot high storm surge that came five miles inland. This guy was about four or five feet long.
After the official bird survey was over, we did a little birding on our own. The sora, a type of rail, was working the shallow water along the levy. Don’t you just like the white dot camouflage?
As we walked a short distance of the levy, this elusive marsh wren kept hopping in and out of the reeds while keeping up a buzzy chatter.
Lots of waterfowl are out there on the wet areas of the marsh, and many of them took flight as we drove along the back roads. Hunting season begins soon, so they’ll be even more skittish as time goes by.
I felt like Jeff Corwin as I tried to sneak up on this big old guy. :) Yes, I’m back at Anahuac NWR, and happy to be here, mosquitoes and all!
Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later, Judy
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I still cannot believe the beautiful, gorgeous pictures you get - especially of the birds. I am so glad I found your blog. Thanks
ReplyDeleteSo, was that alligator stalking you? Moving from one side of the culvert to the other? Was that not scary??? I hope it was a ways away and you were using telephoto! (note capitilization)
ReplyDeleteJust don't try to feel like Steve Irwin! The cormorant with the webbed feet in the dead tree is priceless!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and can't believe I haven't found it before.
ReplyDeleteI search and search for full time solo women rv blogs...
Do you mind if I put a link to your blog on mine?
Jennifer
looks like you had a 'birdifull' day!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are truly in the land of wildlife photo opportunities. Lucky you & good stuff....
ReplyDeleteLucky you getting such awesome photos of the sora...they are one hard to see bird!!!
ReplyDeleteJudy, it seems wherever you go is "for the birds". Great pics again today.
ReplyDeleteLove the gators, especially the big one.
ReplyDeleteWhat does Emma think of them?
Birds are beautiful and so are your pictures!!
ReplyDeleteSurvey says...Judy just got back to the wildlife refuge and already she's posting great pictures of birds and other creatures!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your header picture! You just can't beat a Texas sky :) Well, I'm biased to be sure!!
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming you were using a zoom lens on the alligator photo. Even so... I wouldn't want to be out of the car with one of those around!
ReplyDeleteI just love your header photo. That's the best storm photo - looks like God is going to join us! :)
Barbara
Welcome back Bird Lady. Loved all the pictures today. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe've lived on the Gulf Coast for nearly 20 years now. The biggest advantage by far is the migratory and native birds. I appreciate your photos and knowing what they are. I didn't know about the "sora, a type of rail."
ReplyDeletePrepare for a very windy day today and cooler temps by tonight. Goodbye humidity! :)
Take care,
Connie
I really like how the cormorant is mimicking the shape of that top branch.
ReplyDeleteThat alligator sure is scary looking. How close were you? Don't let Emma get too close, she could be lunch. Take care.
ReplyDeleteNow I know who to go to when I need a bird identified. Great phots.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever taken a decent pic of a bird. By the time I see them, stop staring at them and get my camera ready they have flown away so I really admire your photos. I have to say the gator looks like he is grinning as if he knows something you don't!! Enjoy the low humidity!!
ReplyDeleteThe American Alligator...truly a magnificent creature..and a bit intimidating!! Have fun bumping feathers with the birds!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures, as always. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit there one day, but I am highly allergic to skeeters, so they follow me from the next county!
Surely there is something you can do to repel them? Thermocell, maybe?
Happy Trails to you and Emma, Penny,TX