Freeport, FL
November 22, 2013
The village is in the center of a 20 mile long stretch of 15 coastal dune lakes.
It was an overcast day...even though the weather report called for partly cloudy skies, we never saw the sun peek.
This little plover is one of the smallest shorebirds. They prefer to run...not fly away. It's always been one of my favorite birds to watch at the beach. I'm not sure about the orange on the legs...
Usually in a congregation of a dozen or fewer,
they feed at the waters edge...
and stay busy racing away from the surging water with their speedy, tiny legs.
But this day, the terns stole the show. Terns with orange bills, black bills and even a few with yellow-tipped black bills.
They are beautiful birds with their slender grey and white bodies, forked tails, and sharp beaks.
Joe and I couldn't help but laugh as the Royal Tern on the left was definitely trying to have a "conversation" with the one on the right.
And yes, these are the same two birds... we spent quite a few minutes watching and laughing! Of course Joe and I were putting words in "her" mouth.
I could not identify this bird. There was only one like it on the beach today.
Its been a great week here in Freeport. The weather has been perfect, but I think that's about to change. Rainy and cooler days are forecast for next week.
The weeks sure fly by! Cant believe its another week-end...
I have been practicing with my macro lens some this week as I walk in the campground. I am having a hard time with the focus. I sure want to be able to take some close-ups... really clear photos.
Well, until next time...take care and
enjoy your view!
Great photos. I love your header!
ReplyDeleteYour header picture is great! Love walking on empty beaches.
ReplyDeleteSteve and I have a few new roads for you and Joe to check out the next time you come to Vegas.
Just love the deserted beaches, so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteExcellent bird pics today too, thanks for sharing.
My guess is those colored leg bands on the little plovers could be for a study of the birds on their breeding grounds. That way they can tell individuals apart by the combination of the colors without having to capture them again.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful area. Glad the weather was decent for you. The beach is so pretty woth no one around.
ReplyDeleteThose terns were so pretty. Love that brilliant orange beak.
Delightful capture of the birds. We love those unspoiled powdered sugar beaches of Florida.....
ReplyDeleteI hope the rain and cold doesn't last long this week and you can get back out there.
Wow, your header is just fantastic! Great Shot.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I love watching those shorebirds especially the ones trying to have a conversation, very fascinating.
Great great shots.
Hope you have enjoyed the day. Love spending time relaxing.
ReplyDeleteGay, I love, love, love, your bird photos. I think your gull is a Ring-billed Gull, but I could be wrong. Gulls cab be tough to ID! The terns photos are fantastic! Aren't they just so much fun to watch? Wish I was there. I took some shots yesterday of a lone Great Egret! Have Fun!! What a nice area!! Does your camera have AF?
ReplyDeleteHope we can survive these cold nights for another month and we will be heading home to Florida ourselves. Always nice to wear short pants during the winter...still wearing them here in Sacramento although the days are in the mid-60's now. Looks like you are having a great time. --Dave (GoingRvWay.com)
ReplyDeleteLoved your pictures of Grayton Beach. We were there last week kayaking on West Lake in the State Park. Watched a heron for 20 minutes struggle to eat a fish larger than it could handle.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you about the beaches. For the second November in a row, we are staying nearby on Okaloosa Island to escape the weather of Canada. The only down side is no dogs on the beaches (but some excellent dog parks). The closest dog beach is past Panama City at Mexico Beach - a beautiful stretch of a couple of miles (kilometers) alongside the Air Force Base. If you get a chance, check it out.
I think you're doing an excellent job with the macro setting. The bird pics are awesome. Thank you for naming the Plover for me. I've seen this bird at the beach many times, enjoyed watching their antics but never knew what they were called. Oh, and the talking bird--must be a wife & the taciturn one its spouse. HaHa
ReplyDelete