Trip To Blackpoint Wildlife Drive

[Second Hand Pat]

My photo buddy Susan invited me to go to Blackpoint Wildlife Drive which is a place with saltwater marches and lots of birds this time of year. I have not been out with a camera since I became my husband's caregiver back in July. So after checking with Tom and setting him up with breakfast and lunch off we went. We didn't leave until 7am and it's an hour ride and we were expecting a overcast day. Much to our surprise the sun graced us with a visit and it was filled with high clouds which filtered the light giving us some really pretty light for photography.

The morning was filled with mostly the white pelicans feeding but we also saw the normal cast of characters like spoonies, green herons, ducks and even a reddish egret. I will post pics as I process them. Here are a few samples

Feeding Session by Pat Husband, on Flickr

The spoonies are just coming into their breeding plumage

Spoonie Portrait by Pat Husband, on Flickr

The lighting was just perfect on this little green heron

Just Hanging by Pat Husband, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

Well at least you didn't Post this in our snow and Ice thread as a tease Pat!

I'm glad you got out and had good whether! Spoonbill is a gorgeous image!
AL

[brewmaster15]

Did you see any Avocets Pat?


al

[Second Hand Pat]

Well at least you didn't Post this in our snow and Ice thread as a tease Pat!

I'm glad you got out and had good whether! Spoonbill is a gorgeous image!
AL

Al, I didn't even think of that but you might want to not give me ideas I too especially like the spoonie image. That bird made me work for just the right pose.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Did you see any Avocets Pat?


al

I didn't Al but I know others are seen them. They are one of my favorites to photograph This is from 2020.

DSC_2571.jpg

[danotaylor]

Stunning Pat. I missed admiring your pictures the last 2 years!

[jeep]

Awesome! I'm glad you got the opportunity!!!

[Second Hand Pat]

What a beautiful place! And the pics are great!

Thank you Halic and it is a gorgeous place

Stunning Pat. I missed admiring your pictures the last 2 years!

Thank you Danny

Awesome! I'm glad you got the opportunity!!!

Thank you Brian

Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Al, any idea what this tern is?

DZ9_1997-Edit by Pat Husband, on Flickr

DZ9_2011-Edit by Pat Husband, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

Al, any idea what this tern is?

DZ9_1997-Edit by Pat Husband, on Flickr

DZ9_2011-Edit by Pat Husband, on Flickr

That looks like winter plummage Royal Tern. They are one of our larger terns.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/...lery/308468891

[Second Hand Pat]

That looks like winter plummage Royal Tern. They are one of our larger terns.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/...lery/308468891

Thanks Al, the link also indicates a non-breeding adult. We have plenty of royal terns in Fla. Most I see have a full black cap.
Pat

[brewmaster15]

Thanks Al, the link also indicates a non-breeding adult. We have plenty of royal terns in Fla. Most I see have a full black cap.
Pat

The term " winter plummage" in bird watcher terminology is synonymous with " Non-Breeding adults" The only time you have Non-Breeding Adults is when its not breeding season, aka winter. whats really confusing is fall and spring when birds transition in plummage.

al

[Second Hand Pat]

The term " winter plummage" in bird watcher terminology is synonymous with " Non-Breeding adults" The only time you have Non-Breeding Adults is when its not breeding season, aka winter. whats really confusing is fall and spring when birds transition in plummage.

al

I was also thinking these guys could be yearlings (if you will) which would also make them "Non-Breeding adults"
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Just to bore everyone here are more of the white pelicans

The Big Gulp by Pat Husband, on Flickr

I Dont See It by Pat Husband, on Flickr

Hey Bro, we are not here for the greens by Pat Husband, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

Pat,
You may find this article interesting.
https://www.birdzilla.com/birds/royal-tern/

Al

Ps. Beautiful pelicans!