Surprise visits...
Back on the Broward enjoying the springtime weather. Got some photos of snow covered lawns though from some of my friends and relatives. It is definitely spring in the south though. Coffee is hot and I venture out to the dock. I spot an old friend and get some surprise visit from some new ones.
In the past few weeks I have spotted George, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, a few times. I was wondering if he would return since the tree he used to roost in was gone due to Hurricane Irma. This morning found him sitting on the bank looking for minnows. As I sat down on the dock some ducks flew by and landed behind me (but into the sun). It was a male Red-breasted Merganser and some females. I have only seen this species once before. I sat still as they swam directly towards me while feeding along the shallow water near the bank. I could scarcely breath as they swam right up to me and went under the dock and into the lagoon. The sun was now at my back and I could capture the beauty of these colorful ducks. I stayed still and could not believe they had not spooked. They continued to feed in the lagoon and the male sat up in the water in a classic Merganser wing flap.
A Brown Pelican flew by and dove into the channel in front of me. I was amazed at what I saw when I processed the photos. You would think it would be going after a huge fish. Instead it deftly plucked a few minnows using its long beak like chopsticks and swallowed them. A few Tricolored Herons remain on the Broward along with the Great and Snowy Egrets. The latter are dwindling in numbers as they migrate north. Also captured a first sighting as the Editor and I were having coffee on the porch. A Great Crested Flycatcher was gathering nesting material from a nearby abandoned nest. It was indeed a pleasant surprise.
The surprise visits lifted my spirits just when I was down because most of my feathered friends are nesting or molting. Hope they brighten yours too! Blessings.
George, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron retuned for a visit...his mate should arrive soon too
Male Red-breasted Merganser and some females make a surprise visit to the Broward.
Female Red-breasted Merganser (left), immature male (right)
Could not believe how close the came to me..male Merganser profile
Classic Merganser wing flap
Merganser wing flap
Was amazed to see how adept the Pelicans can be with that huge beak. This one plucked a minnow as if using chopsticks
Just got my hair feathers done at Janet's but look at my nails now!
Got one! Tricolored Heron with minnow
Red-winged Blackbird female balances on the marsh grass..
Male Red-winged Blackbird flashes his arm bands..
Morning Grace...Great Egret glides up the Broward..Blessing!
A first for me, Great Crested Flycatcher..nice surprise!