LSSI - The Finale
Continuing from my most recent post - more from Norms Blind as the sun kept getting higher in the sky- the action and beauty never let up!
Great Egrets
Snowy Egret
Roseate Spoonbill - stunning breeding plumage!
As you soon as the spoonbill flew by I looked left just in time to capture these Wood Storks mating - what a gift to witness. So many birds touch beaks or bills during mating - it is very touching.
From even further left - this stunning Great Egret flew by carrying quite the branch to add to its nest on the other side of the pond.
Wood Stork flying in
I love seeing this angle of the Roseate Spoonbill’s bill - incredible.
Gorgeous Great Egrets mating
Anhingas performing part of their mating ritual
Another gorgeous Great Egret gracefully flying by - this one with a much smaller stick than the precious one. I would love to know how they pick each stick or twig -
During all of our visits to Norms I was trying to capture an entire flying loop from a Black-crowned Night Heron - I finally scored! What a thrill for me - he put on a show and I did my best to keep up with his speed and his route! :)
And then out of my sight -
My last photo from Norms - Wood Storks displaying mating behavior.
We were both tired - it had been a very full 3 days. But, we weren’t ready to pack it in yet. We decided to bike over to Goose Pond. Our legs were tired but we kept pedaling - we were so glad that we made the extra effort.
As soon as we arrived…. Whistling Ducks! :). I had so hoped we would see some during our trip and we finally did - at our last stop! I had never seen any before - it was so much fun listening to their very distinct whistling sounds. They are monogamous and generally form lifelong bonds with their mates. They certainly have very big personalities!
Four more flying in!
In the foreground is the one Grebe that we saw on our trip - they are very cute and very fast swimmers.
A flock of Whistling Ducks heading over to visit a Wood Stork
Immature White Ibis
For a few very quick moments we had Tree Swallows fly above us!
The following 3 photos are my last from this unforgettable trip. This is a pair of Whistling Ducks who flew right in front of us giving us a magnificent display of being in sync with one another. The one in the lead is another bird that has been banded. I am so thankful for all of the caring and hard working people who help to monitor and protect wildlife species and natural habitats. This trip touched our hearts deeply.
We have already booked our return trip for next year!