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Borrego Springs, CA

Saturday, January 15, 2011

An Anahuac Avian Adios!

Alliteration, don’t you just love it?  I was off to the VIS this morning under cloudy, windy skies.  There were not many people visiting the refuge today, and my sales for the day amounted to exactly zero!  That’s the first time I’ve been skunked here.  At least I didn’t have any interruptions as I entered the data into a spreadsheet for all the bird surveys I’ve done.  :)  That took me about four hours to accomplish.

_MG_8528The territory of this mockingbird surrounds the VIS, so this afternoon I decided to try to get his picture.  His feathers are a little rumpled due to the wind, but he remains vigilant in defending his territory.  Soon, he’ll start singing 101 different songs to attract a mate.

_MG_8540After work, I decided to take one last drive on the roads at this end of the refuge.  I guess I startled this family of blue winged teals. (click to enlarge)

_MG_8544 _MG_8545

There was also a brown pelican fishing Oyster bayou.  That doesn’t happen that often this far up the bayou.

_MG_8548  _MG_8549

A crested caracara took flight as I approached.  He is one of nature’s garbage men.  If an animal dies, he and the vultures clean up the remains.  I think he’s a little more stylish looking than the vultures.

 

As I drove the road towards Frozen Point, I stopped to enjoy this snowy egret procuring his evening meal.

_MG_8556 _MG_8557

_MG_8561 _MG_8565

_MG_8563 _MG_8567

_MG_8564 _MG_8568

Good things come to those who wait!  Mmmm…fresh fish!

 

Adios amigos, and thanks for giving me such a wonderful display for the last three months! 

 

I probably won’t post tomorrow night, as I’ll be getting all those last things done after working at the VIS.  Guess you’ll hear from me again once I get to Louisiana.  That’s a new state for me.  I’m looking forward to trying a shrimp Po-boy.  :)

 

Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later,  Judy

23 comments:

  1. Safe journey Judy & Emma & we'll keep an eye out for your very first ever Lousianna post:))

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  2. Can hardly wait to see Louisiana posts. Every time I read your blog, I have Jim look at the pictures because I just can't believe the incredible ones you can take. Thank you.

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  3. I felt like I was right there with you watching the snowy egret fishing for his dinner. Safe travels to Louisiana.

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  4. Love the egrets little yellow boots!

    Safe travels!

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  5. safe travel fellow Judy....

    we'll be awaiting the first post!

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  6. safe travels, bird lady of blogland!..we all look forward to the Louisiana birds!!

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  7. Have a safe trip and we'll look for you in the bayous of Louisiana!

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  8. I guess the egret just decided he wasn't going to get himself wet ... never seen one fishing like that!

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  9. Glad to see you are off on another one of life's adventures, Have a safe journey and take your time and enjoy the scenery, We will be with you in spirit, and waiting to continue following your adventures. Give Emma a hug and a pet from all of us. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna. and also Rigg's & Sadie.

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  10. Travel Safe- my favorite poor boy is the Acme oyster bar in NO 2nd favorite is Mothers.

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  11. Such beautiful pictures you gave us. Thank you. Safe journey and looking forward to your next adventure.

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  12. I'm jealous! I just love watching pelicans. They are rather gangly yet elegant. Thanks again for lovely pics and for the tales of an area with which I am familiar. Safe travels to you and Emma! :)

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  13. The shrimp po-boys are OK but have nothing on the oyster po-boys. You sprinkle them with Tabasco and then take a big bite. Soft, then crisp, then melting with a little lick of hot. I wish I could be eating one now.

    Take care in Louisiana.

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  14. Safe travels. Hope you don't have the rain that we have here in Texas (just outside of Houston).
    Jan

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  15. Be careful, and enjoy your po' boy!

    Kerri in AL :-)

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  16. The snowy egret pictures are fabulous. Safe travels and thanks for the info on the Wood Pecker.

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  17. Louisiana has some great birds...We saw a Pilates Woodpecker and some Chinese Geese...at least that's what I was told they were..Stay safe...and warm!

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  18. Add my wishes for a safe journey. Enjoy the trip.

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  19. Loved the egret series of photos. Safe travels!

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  20. So nice of the feathered friends to see you off in a showy way!

    Have a safe trip to Louisiana and I hope you find a delicious shrimp po' boy!
    Kathy

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