April 20, 2014 - St. Mark's NWR
Read MoreWhen we’re in northern Florida each winter, one of my favorite places to visit is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. I see more bird species there than any other place we visit. I can usually find American Avocets and, like this one, they are in winter plumage. I like this picture because the bird is calling and it really emphasizes the long, thin, curved beak.
This bird, with its colorful red and yellow beak, recently had its name changed from Common Moorhen to Common Gallinule. The beak always reminds me of corn candy that’s available at Halloween. These chicken-sized birds are year-round residents along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. They nest in most of the eastern United States and a few have even nested in Minnesota.
My friend, John Murphy, and I were standing behind my car eating lunch. My camera was in the back seat for safe keeping while we ate. As luck would have it, this Bobcat came sauntering out of the brush about 30 feet away and stood there looking at us. Great photo opportunity and me without my camera! By the time I got the camera, all I could get was this butt shot as the Bobcat crossed the road and disappeared into the Saw Palmettos.
Susan
on April 21, 2014Especially like the blue-winged teals photo which clears up a naming mystery for me, thanks.