I set out this afternoon to try to find some large birds that we had spotted along a highway a few weeks ago. I found the highway and drove up it for a number of miles - nothing to be seen. Several miles further I finally spotted some birds in the water-filled ditch. I pulled onto the shoulder and got out quietly. These were the same ones - they were quite wary and while I managed to make a few shots, they flew off before I got within close range. I drove several more miles but the ditch came to an end so I reluctantly turned to head back home disappointed. The ditch on the return side appeared to be almost dried up.
As I came near the end of the highway where I had to turn off, I noticed what appeared to be construction ahead. I slowed, and then noticed a large excavator removing plant material from the ditch. And there, surrounding the digging, were scores of egrets, ibises, some herons, and the birds I was after. The noise of the excavator drowned out any sound I made, and I was able to capture what I was after. These 'beauties' are known as wood storks, and they lined themselves up nicely to have their photo made before taking up new positions on the other side of the ditch.
Note: our popularity with our friends and family in the frozen north was ratcheted up a few notches when we bought a home in Florida. We have company again for the next few days which will limit my time to visit and respond to comments. I hope to continue to post during this time.
(70-200mm f10 1/320 sec ISO200)
As I came near the end of the highway where I had to turn off, I noticed what appeared to be construction ahead. I slowed, and then noticed a large excavator removing plant material from the ditch. And there, surrounding the digging, were scores of egrets, ibises, some herons, and the birds I was after. The noise of the excavator drowned out any sound I made, and I was able to capture what I was after. These 'beauties' are known as wood storks, and they lined themselves up nicely to have their photo made before taking up new positions on the other side of the ditch.
Note: our popularity with our friends and family in the frozen north was ratcheted up a few notches when we bought a home in Florida. We have company again for the next few days which will limit my time to visit and respond to comments. I hope to continue to post during this time.
(70-200mm f10 1/320 sec ISO200)
13 comments:
Ohh, lovely..tu sai "catturare" l'attimo...Well done, friend! Cy
Beautiful photo Rick! I love how these birds lined up just for you to take a shot of them. :-) The birds and other animals are so fascinating in Florida, I love seeing them through you lens. You take such fantastic photos I feel as though I'm there seeing the amazing creatures myself... well until I have to go and turn up the heat another notch. We're heading back into a deep freeze, it's about -20 here now... brrrr!
Enjoy your company and see you when you have time. I can totally understand your new found popularity, who wants to stay at home where's it's -100? lol
You must have quite the influence on these birds,to get them to pose like this. :)
The three monkeys are not going to leave you in peace, are they? :-D
Again, very nice pic :-)
Greetz,
Joseph
Wood storks are such neat creatures. So prehistoric looking. And very wise. Last winter we had the amazing surprise of seeing a young wood stork near the lake by our home. He looked like an oversized cotton ball with eyes!
They were waiting for you patiently. Good eye to find them so:)
Soooo...you have a house down there do ya? Need anyone to help with the yard work, cleaning, grocery shopping and such?
;)
Have a great visit with company...we'll keep waiting patiently for your next capture!
So cute :D
c'est une bien belle photo Rick !! ces oiseaux ne
semblent pas être très craintifs ?? ils sont beaux ! je t'envoie des bisous légers comme des plumes
The birds look like they are waiting for you.
Great picture! These Woodstalks look a bit like a bird we have here ... known as the ibis! The Australian Ibis can be a bit of nuisance here...they are know scavengers and can be a pesky around picnic sites. I don't mind them though!!! I love birds!
LOL! Yes, it does look like they're posing! Great shot!
FANTASTIC, Rick....you where there at the right SECOND......!!!!
A UNIQUE SHOT!!!!!
ciao ciao elvira
Thank you for your kind (and humorous) comments everyone. I'm catching up on responding and visiting again with all of you.
And I say gracias, merci, and ringraziarla to all my ESL friends !
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