Vaux's Swifts

In September of each year the Vaux's Swifts (pronounced "Vauks") group together in large numbers preparing for their migratory flight to Central America and Venezula. In Northwest Portalnd, Oregon a school house chimney has become their nightly roost. I sat on a hill side with several other people watching thousands of Swifts circling, chirping loudly, and eating insects preparing for their dive into the chimney. Finally someone must signal it is time to descend and as group they funnel their way inside. There are many wonderful things to see and do in the beautiful Northwest this one is a must if you enjoy nature.

Great Egret

Pictured here is a Great Egret getting his feathers all ruffled which is very appropriate since it is breeding time. He adds a little green by the bill to his all white look. This guy looks pretty handsome and I am sure he has attracted his mate. This picture was also taken at Venice Rookery.

Great Blue Heron

During the time of courtship and mating, Great Blue Herons often gather in a "rookery" with several other heron pairs. They are the largest of all herons and are seen throughout the United States. Their main food is fish so their habitat must include a water source. The birds pictured here were found in Venice, Florida. Behind a Florida Highway Patrol office building is a small city pond which has an island of Brazilian Pepper bushes. Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Annhigas and other birds have selected this location to nest. The pictures show a male Great Blue Heron bringing in a stick to add to the nest. As part of the courtship, he hands the stick to the female. Also, my sharp eyed partner found this baby heron who was not only very cute but very noisy.

Sanibel 2010

For over twenty years, my wife and I have headed south to Sanibel Island, FL looking for warm weather and birds. Well we haven't found the warm weather yet but the birds are still here. This is a great place to see and photograph unusual birds. For whatever reason, they are more easily approached which makes taking pictures easier. The immature Bald Eagle was sitting in a tree less than a hundred feet from me and my camera. He perched there (Lighthouse Park at the east end of the island) for over an hour. The Roseate Spoonbill photo was captured at Ding Darling NWR. The bird was feeding and fortunately for me was again less than a hundred feet from me. The first bird pictured is a Limpkin which is a fairly rare bird and to catch it in flight was fun.