Eagles in Flight
Both juvenile and adult Bald Eagles in flight.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Adult Bald Eagle
Impressive wingspans are up to 6 1/2 ft wide.
Adult Bald Eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle
So powerful and majestic.
And always a thrill to get to see one!
Pair of Red-shouldered Hawks
This past March, it was shortly after sunrise when I spotted this pair of Red-shouldered Hawks perched alongside the road.
Always a treat to capture a pair together, I quickly pulled over and walked back.
Red-shouldered Hawks (male on left, female on right)
The male was focused on the marsh below them, and suddenly dove. I stayed with the female to see what she would do. She remained motionless, except for just a downward tilt of her head to watch her mate in action.
Female Red-shouldered Hawk watching her mate on the ground
(These photos were taken along the Tamiami Trail (US 41) that passes through the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.)
Killdeer Reflections
Several posts back, I shared photos of a pair of Killdeer and their eggs. The last I saw them, the parents were still incubating the eggs. I was disappointed to miss seeing the hatchlings.
I did, however, get a chance to watch one of the parents one day around the water’s edge, creating some nice reflections.
Killdeer
Killdeer
Let’s hope those little hatchlings were born healthy and are growing strong each new day!
Mallards – Into The Sun
These three Mallards were photographed just before sunset last month. I opted for B&W processing to highlight the wings a little nicer with the sun reflecting on them.
Mallards in Flight
I stayed with them for a short series; and they flew into the sun before I realized it. In my last shot of the series, I found it a bit ‘artsy’ when a color spectrum appeared in the sky behind them.
Mallards Flying into the Sun
What fun to find other interesting things in your captures at download!
Spotted Sandpiper
Last month, I had several opportunities with Spotted Sandpipers. Here are my three favorites from the bunch.
Spotted Sandpiper “Habitat”
Spotted Sandpiper “Flight”
Spotted Sandpiper “Profile”
Fledglings Keeping Their Parents Busy
There are a lot of American Robins around us; and it has been great entertainment watching their fledglings hop around on the ground and take short flights trying out those new wings, all while waiting, looking for or following closely along one of their parents.
American Robin fledgling
American Robin fledgling
“Okay, I’ll land here!” Learning to fly and quickly encountering a fence in its path.
American Robin parent searching for insects for a waiting juvenile.
Handsome profile!
American Robin parent searching for insects for a grumpy-looking juvenile.
Pretty juvenile!
American Robin fledglings
The fledglings get impatient quickly.
“Have you seen my Momma?”
Letting everyone know it wants to eat!
Finally a parent shows up to an excited fledgling!
American Robin fledglings getting vocal
I saw a different fledgling in the mix, begging an adult American Robin to feed it; but it was ignored. I believe it is a European Starling fledgling, please correct me if I am wrong.
European Starling fledgling
I lost track of this little one, hopefully its parent arrived and scooted it off where it should have been. Meanwhile, the juvenile robins continue to keep their parents on-the-go!
Baltimore Oriole (WooHoo!)
Not long after seeing the Red-headed Woodpecker in my last post, I saw a flash of flaming orange flying at the top of the trees, disappearing again behind another set the leaves. Could it be? Finally?
For sure, the challenge was on to capture this bird I’ve seen numerous times but has eluded my lens (and list) for years.
Yes! Welcome to my photographed bird lifer list #207 Baltimore Oriole!
Baltimore Oriole (male)
It actually took me until late yesterday to finally capture worthy photos of this handsome male.
Baltimore Oriole (male)
I’ve not sighted the female, although I’ve heard her. I believe she’s incubating on a nest hidden in a couple trees I’ve been eyeing.
Baltimore Oriole (male)
WooHoo! Please join me in a ‘happy dance’! 💃 💃 💃
Red-headed Woodpecker
I last shared a photo of a Red-bellied Woodpecker, this post shares another woodpecker species, the Red-headed Woodpecker.
Whew, time flies when things get crazy busy, leaving you no time for hobbies. I’ve missed posting, and I’ve missed your blogs! Getting home a month later than planned due to the pandemic, we had much to do, crammed in half the time left, before departing for a preplanned June trip.
Whew again. We are now in Indiana for our scheduled warranty work appointment on our RV.
As soon as we arrived, I immediately saw a beautiful Red-headed Woodpecker making its rounds on the trees around us at the campground. It didn’t take long to get a couple nice photos of it.
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker hopping up the tree with its larvae snack
Hmmmm…..wonder what other birds and wildlife I’ll be finding in Indiana for the next few weeks while here? 😉
Red-bellied Woodpecker on a Fence
This is a first for me to see a woodpecker resting on a fence, so that adds to my thrill of getting this pretty shot.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (male)
Reflecting Birds on a Foggy Morning
Arriving at the 10,000 Islands NWR early one morning this past March, the rising sun was just beginning to burn off a light fog.
I hurried to my favorite location to see what I might find in the shallow pools between the mangroves.
I couldn’t believe the spectacular sight….
Great Egrets
Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons
Great Egrets, Great Blue Heron, Cormorant
Great Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills
Great Egrets, Great Blue Heron
Reflecting Birds on a Foggy Morning
In just a few minutes, the fog disappeared. The bright sun aroused the birds; and just as quickly, they left, off to find their breakfast and begin their day.
Bay Photos by Donna 