back at the bank

I was so busy watching the Bank Swallows it was a while before I noticed the Brown Thrasher pair at the top of the bank.

What were they doing?

They were gathering sticks for a nest.

I think this one had been taking lessons from a woodpecker on how to use the tail.

more to follow

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more gulps -- I mean, swallows

"Am I being surrounded?"

"Keep your distance!"

"You gotta clean up after digging in all that dirt!"

"Don't I look better now?"

Meanwhile, this flycatcher (?) kept watch on all the goings on.
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megapixels

Cell phones with 8+ megapixel cameras are here. I don't always have my camera, but rarely am I without my cell phone -- that's why these are so tempting. But then, the new iPhone will be available next month and my contract with Sprint is almost over!

Bank Swallows at Carlos

I finally got around to editing some of the photos I took at Carlos Avery a week ago last Monday. I shot a ton since I was excited to see that the Bank Swallows had returned to the sand bank on the East side of Pool 4. They had started to nest there last Spring, but then abandoned the location. Let's hope they stay this year.

more to follow

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good photos

If your pictures aren't good enough,
you're not close enough.
-- Robert Capa

Trumpeter Swans at Carlos

Do Trumpeters nest here?
These were on the far (west) side of Pool 4.
You can barely make out some Sandhill Cranes in the background.

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taking flight

Great Egret at Carlos Avery

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more on the Canon Speedlite

... also known as the EOS 1000D (Rebel XS).

Carlos Avery -- it ain't just the birds

Until we get some more of the pictures edited, here are a few shots from last Monday at Carlos Avery.

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another new Canon Rebel

Speedlite

more from Springbrook

I still haven't edited yesterday's shots from Carlos -- so let me share some pictures from last Saturday morning at Springbrook.

As I left around sunrise, I was greeted by this Chipping Sparrow in my driveway.

I stayed only a short time for two reasons: (1) fierce mosquitoes (& no repellent), (2) dark storm clouds coming in from the West. Consequently, I only got a few decent shots of this Great Egret.

What looks like a blue sky is in reality a darkening storm cloud. I like the blue grays and the glint in the egret's eye. Click your mouse on the picture to get an enlarged image.

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Brown Thrasher at Carlos Avery

I won't have much time for editing or posting today, so I thought I'd share just one of the many photos I took this morning at Carlos Avery. The mosquitoes were almost as big as the Thrasher.

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breakfast at Springbrook

Green Heron waiting for breakfast

"Got it!!"

"Now what do I do with it? Stop wiggling!"

"You're heavy!!"

"Now I've got you!" And with that the Heron struggled into the brush with the frog.
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reclusive Gray Catbird at Springbrook

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Springbrook Muskrats

Everything (and more) that you wanted to know about Muskrats.

napping?

What's he pointing at?

Some kind of ulcer?

hind claw

Great tail!

Their fur seems to dry quickly.

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colors & texture

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nature

He who finds a thought that enables him to obtain a slightly deeper glimpse into the eternal secrets of nature has been given great grace.
-- Albert Einstein

Red-winged Blackbird

bringing food to the nest

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early morning at Springbrook

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