Thursday, August 2, 2012

Just for Fun


Birding is such a fun pastime. While out on a birdwatching excursion there is always something beautiful, interesting or fascinating to see. Sometimes bird behavior can be quite comical and/or baffling. This post features various birds exhibiting behaviors that will hopefully bring a smile to your face.


While vacationing in Florida, I found this handsome Osprey perched atop a dead tree. I was thrilled when it began ruffling its feathers, which I thought would make for a more interesting photo. 


Not quite as interesting as I had hoped.


While photographing this serene scene of a Snowy Egret looking out over Sarasota Bay, a feisty Wood Stork entered the frame and goosed the unsuspecting egret.


This male Eastern Bluebird gets my vote for the Father of the Year Award. The attentive dad gathered up six or seven plump waxworms to feed to his five hungry nestlings.


A bit camera shy ~ Green Heron


Another bird who would rather not be photographed ~ Snowy Egret


Peek-a-boo! ~ Prothonotary Warbler


Those crunchy crab legs don't exactly slide down the throat ~ Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron


I snapped this photograph of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird just as it was about to fly off the feeder. At the moment I captured the departure, it had twisted its head right-side up, though not the rest of its body.


Oh dear ... I guess when you gotta go, you gotta go.


"You talkin' to me?" ~ Green Heron


A Snowy Egret playing ostrich.


I guess this Ospreys last meal was not quite sushi grade fish.


I came upon this American Robin with its wings splayed low against the forest floor. I've also seen Eastern Phoebes exhibit this interesting behavior. One explanation could be what is called "anting". The bird spreads its wings and lies in an area where ants are present. Ants are then rubbed onto the feathers. The ants' body fluids are thought to repel or kill parasites.


Perhaps Pepto-Bismol is in order ~ Green Heron


A very berry mush face ~ House Finch


Posted by Julie Gidwitz


17 comments:

  1. Fantastic series Julie, I always enjoy your superb photography. You caught some great poses.

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    1. Magnificas capturas al cual mejor,enhorabuena Julie.Saludos

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  2. What a fun and charming series of beautiful bird photographs. Great job Julie!!!

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  3. These pictures are fabulous Julie and your captions are very interesting too!! Loved this post!

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  4. Super post, Julie! It made my morning.

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  5. These are great Julie! Your photos always make it seem like you've discovered the secret on how to really get into the bird's world without them noticing. Your photos bring a marvelous closeness and intimacy with the birds. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. What a fun post Julie! You photos are all, of course, beautiful and quite entertaining! I have to say I got the biggest laugh out of the Wood Stork & Snowy Egret photo, too funny!

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  7. Great images, Julie. I very much enjoyed your post!

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  8. Another beautiful and fun post Julie. Your photos always do an excellent job of showing bird personalities, and I love the berry face on that finch!

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  9. Very special and beautiful. Thank you

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  10. A fun and entertaining post, Julie. Outstanding photos.

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  11. Hilarious and excellent!!!!

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  12. I love the humor in this post, wonderful images Julie! Each one brings a smile :)

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  13. Julie, birding is fun and I really enjoyed your photos and captions.

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  14. Awesome post Julie! The Green Heron shots are especially impressive as they are usually not very photographer friendly. My fave though, the Wood Stork goosing the Snowy Egret ;-)

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