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Borrego Springs, CA

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Two weeks to go

As I’m nearing the end of my time here at Anahuac NWR, I find myself anxious to move on, as usual.  It’s time to explore new horizons.  :)  I had two pretty grueling (read boring) days in the VIS this weekend and ended up taking exactly zero pictures.  So, tonight’s pics are from the bird survey I did on Friday morning.

 

Last Wednesday’s more than 2.5” of rain meant that formerly dry fields were now moist soil units.

_MG_8053 _MG_8039

On the way to my second stop, I ran across the mother load of white ibises gleaning tasty morsels from wet fields.  There were several hundred in all.

_MG_8033And on the sidelines, two coyotes were out during the overcast morning looking for an easy target.  Their legs and bellies were pretty wet from running in the fields.

53 Anahuac NWR 20103They’re pretty healthy looking specimens.  I have often found their paw prints along the transects that I walk.

_MG_8045This  stop was my destination.  I hope it will give you an idea of the vastness of the marshlands that I survey.  These marshlands are an estuary for fish and shrimp, help with stopping erosion, purify the water, and provide fantastic wintering grounds for North America’s ducks and geese. (and I might add that it is an enormous breeding ground for mosquitoes:))  These protected marshes are just teeming with life, and are so important in maintaining an ecological balance.  They don’t have the majesty of the mountains or the stark beauty of the desert, but, my goodness, they are so important and hold a treasured place in my heart.

 

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

16 comments:

  1. onwards to new places and new vistas..and of course, new birds!!

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  2. Those coyotes look pretty healthy. I'm guessing they are finding snacks on a pretty regular basis.

    Where are you headed next?

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  3. I was gonna say, those are some well fed coyotes!

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  4. Our coyotes are much skinnier! Do these catch and eat birds?

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  5. Definitely not going hungry are they. Did you get all the pictures Stephanie (I think that's who it is) wanted?

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  6. Nice coyote pics. Just wondering where you are headed to next!

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  7. Great pictures of the coyotes. Same question as others...where do you go next?

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  8. Say, did you have that Coyote on a leash to get him to pose so well for you:))

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  9. I'm with Al....how did you get those Coyotes to hold so still? Seems I only catch fleeting glances of them as they run off...We have quite a few here in Northern IL...

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  10. Great pictures, as always! I'm looking forward to your continuing adventures!

    Cyndi and Stumpy @ RVly Ever After

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  11. The coyotes are beautiful. It's always nice to start the planning for moving on to the next destination.

    Have a good day!

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  12. Wanted to let you know the pretzels you told us about a few days ago were a big hit on game night. Everyone kept asking me how I made them. I used nacho cheese, but would rather use the garlic one, but couldn't find it here. Again, thanks.

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  13. May your next stop have lots of beauty and no mosquitoes! :)

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  14. Great coyote pictures - they are the healthiest looking I've ever seen.

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  15. Those coyote eyes are just so intense! Great shots today (as usual for you) we sure enjoy your blog, your travels and most of all --- your photos!

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

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