Ed’s Sunday Stllls Challenge this week, Is ‘Birds’, and I currently have such a lot of bird pics which I’ve taken at nature reserves close by, but I’ll save those for another post, and just show you the regulars in my back yard.
When we got back to Florida a month ago, Mr Great Blue Heron was the only bird around here, and had the place to himself. Here you see him surveying his territory.
It wasn’t long before his friend the Great Egret arrived back from his summer holidays up north, and started searching around the foliage for a few tasty tidbits.
He didn’t find anything worthwhile in our garden, so decided to try next door where there are more hiding places for frogs and lizards.
A not too frequent, but very welcome visitor, is this Wood Stork, who was just strutting over to start up a conversation with Mr Mottled Duck.
Suddenly out of nowhere, Mrs Duck arrived to tell hubby it was time to leave, and off they went, sailing across the water.
The other evening, a Common Gallinule was perched on the roof of our neighbours’ verandah. He was sitting so straight and still that he could have been mistaken for a weather vane.
Today, as I was typing this post, a merry band of Snowys arrived to try their luck in the neighbours shrubs. I had to sneak this pic through the window, as they are very timid. Maybe that’s why they tend to go around in groups…….. safety in numbers.
I’m not very good at photographing birds in flight, but I did manage to catch the Great Blue last night as it flew off across the water.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my back yard birds. To see more entries for Ed’s photo challenge, just click here.
Florida does have the most beautiful birds.At least, I think so. I see these magnificent birds quite a bit as I live in a nature preserve. the caged lanai affords me lots of good close views but not the best photos due to the screening.
Lovely shots …
Issy
Lucky you, Izzy. So, you’re “only a bird in a gilded cage?” That old song came to mind when I read your comment. π
Oh, I love that. I will be a Bird in a Gilded cage forever as I never tire looking at them. Music does pop in our head sometimes. This was a good one. ~~~~~ : – )
Just your backyard is pretty amazing to me π
Thanks, Inga, but I think you’d miss the mountains. Of course there are none here in Florida. π
Nice shots, like the Wood Stork, don’t see these birds around here.
Thanks so much. Yes, we are so lucky to have these beautiful visitors. π
Look at you getting all birdy on us this week ! Love each and everyone of them. Ditto on the Heron.
Thanks, Emily. I do have my birdy moments. π
This winter we shall be in Florida so will be sharing some of your little birdies with you.
How lovely for you, LuAnn. Which part of Florida?
We will be starting in the panhandle, heading down to the Keys and Everglades, with many stops in between. We plan to be there almost 3 months.
That sounds absolutely marvelous. I love the Keys, and the Everglades are spectacular. You must be so looking forward to your 3 months of adventure. π
Yes, we are. π
How lucky you are to have such beautiful birds in your backyard, not to mention the water!! π
Yes, I am, Di. I love watching them. π
Great bunch of neighbors you have there Sylvia!
That GBH looks like he is head heron in charge.
Thanks, Phil. Yes, he’s definitely Head Honcho around here. π
A back yard i can live with π
Yes, it’s quite delightful. π
I really enjoyed your post ! … And your text too … Your photos are just great ! // Maria π
Thanks so much, Maria. π
Color me green with envy. I’m still only getting the backsides of the birds flying off.
Hehehe. It seems that the birds here are very relaxed. They can stand like statues for ages, whilst I get them in focus. Very considerate of them. π
Splendid and the ‘weather vane is perfect π
Thanks, Gilly. I thought so too. π
I cannot imagine having these beauties just strolling around in my yard! The storks, egrets and the blue heron. Your photographs are very good. And, the heron in flight is superb. I really did enjoy seeing them, Sylvia! π
Thanks so much, George. That heron in flight photo was such a fluke. I was trying to take a photo of it on the bank, when it suddenly took off, so I lifted my camera and clicked, not expecting to even get it at all. π
What a lovely collection of shots! How wonderful to see them all on a regular basis.
Thanks so much, John, Yes I’m so spoilt here. π
Smashing images Sylvia! π
Thanks so much, Adrian. π
Love the third photo, that Great Egret certainly has character, just look at that pose.
Awesome birds! very nice shots AD
Thanks so much. π
I wish I have this fun and exciting of a backyard. Nature so up close. Have a great weekend.
Thanks, IT. Yes, I’m very lucky here. π
They are just gorgeous Sylvia and you’ve captured them so well hon! Love them all and thanks for sharing hon. π *hugs*
Thanks, Sonel. Glad you enjoyed meeting them. π xx
Nice variety of birds in your backyard!
Thanks for sharing your feathered friends π
Thanks, RoSy. Glad you enjoyed seeing them. π
You have the nicest neighbours!!!
βThe reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.β
β J.M. Barrie, The Little White Bird
Yes I do. Lovely quote again, Rebecca. π
Let us take to the skies – I feel my wings are starting to grow stronger!
Well done at capturing fowl elegance.
Thanks, Frank. They are indeed an elegant bunch. π
Great shots!
Thanks so much, YC. π
Excellent shots, Florida is the best for birding pics..:-)
Thanks, Ed. Glad you enjoyed these. π
awesome photos AD…you are most fortunate to see so many in your area!
Thanks, Heather. Yes I am, very fortunate. π
Gosh there are so many varieties where you live. I really like that heron photo and I always love the little ducks. It must bring back my memories of picnics and barbeques and other fun times by the lakes here in Australia I think.
Thanks, Michelle. Glad you enjoyed my post. π
You took some great photos while you were there. Brought back many great memories for me. The castles in Germany are amazing.
Thanks so much, π
We are so lucky to have such creatures in our environs.
Sent from my iPad
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Yes, indeed we are. π
That is a cracking shot of the Heron AD.
Thanks, Ark. He’s a real poser. π
Wow Sylvia these are really good captures that first one is just outstanding so lucky to have them come to you instead of you having to go to them…
Thanks, bulldog. Glad you enjoyed seeing my neighbours. π
The Great Blue is very elegant! Great pics!
Yes he is. π Thanks, Dana.
Beautiful shots, Sylvia! Lovely neighbors of your backyard π
Thanks, Amy. π
Your birds there do have delusions of grandeur, with all these ‘Greats’. Or maybe they aren’t delusions … π
No, they aren’t delusions at all, Col. They’re really big. π
Fabulous birds , I enjoyed and loved your backyard birds,With love maxima
Thanks so much, Stefan. Have a great weekend. π
Birds are definitely a challenge – well for me at least! Great photos. I am still aspiring to get that great hummingbird photo. One day…..
Thanks, Joylene. Yes, they are a challenge, because you can’t ask them nicely to just stand still whilst you get your camera ready. π
This is true! Add to it my attempts to hand hold instead of using a tripod and there you go!
Fabulous birds you have there in your backyard. Herons and egrets? Be still my heart!
Yes, I guess I”m very fortunate to be able see this GBH almost every time I look out of my window. π
complimenti! hai molti vicini graziosi ed eleganti, ed a parte qualche piccolo canto, neppure molto invadenti!
bellissimo il tipo che fa da banderuola!
un grande abbraccio
Ventis
congratulations! you have a lot of neighbors pretty and elegant, and apart from some small singing, even very pushy!
beautiful type that acts as a weather vane!
a big hug
Thanks so much, Ventis. I love reading your comment first in Italian and then the English translation. Maybe I’m learning something new. π *hugs*
I love them, Sylvia. What a cool neighbourhood π
Thanks, Paula. It is indeed. π
ah.. what a peaceful day watching them all go along their day π
I wish that was all I had to do all day, Andy. π
Same here! perfect way to pass the time π
Sylvia, these are fantastic,
Thanks so much, Al. π
You’re welcome π
Wow! π
Thanks, Seyi. π
Gorgeous shots. I particularly like the the heron!! WOW!
Thanks so much, Cee. π
Sure dear AD, I enjoyed and loved your backyardigan birds… wonderful photographs you captured. Thank you, love, nia
Thanks so much, Nia. Glad you liked my bird pics. π