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.
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70-200mm f10 1/320 sec ISO200)
