We got out before sunrise. It was cool and still, in the low 70s. We found heavy fog on the wetlands next to our home.
Two White-tailed Deer, barely visible, strained to see us through the mist, and then bounded off.
.
Black Vultures on an old power pole were like ghosts,...
... and a Great Egret looked so soft against the diffuse background.
The fog began to lift a little after sunrise and the rays of sun pierced through. A westerly breeze dried the vegetation.
The fog had lifted by the time I got to the heron rookery, where three pairs of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were displaying in courtship and also to assert territorial rights between males. Last season we had eight pairs of Yellow-crowned plus three pairs of smaller Green Herons nesting here. The rookery occupies a narrow strip about 200 yards long on the right (east) side of this canal, in the back yards of several homes.
Road construction at the far (north) end of the rookery has caused concern they might abandon the area, but they have persisted despite the disturbance. Note the yellow containment float intended to keep construction debris from floating down the canal.
As I approached, I noticed a male Yellow-crowned Night-Heron standing next to the canal.
I did not witness any mating, but one male was already building a nest.
The bright red legs of the males indicate that they are in breeding condition.
The demure females looked on. Note their paler legs and less yellow in their crowns.
We saw five pairs of Night-Herons and two that were still in immature plumage. One of these stood alone.
Three pairs of Green Herons now have reoccupied territory at the south end of the rookery. The male of this species also develops blood-red legs.
Two venomous Cottonmouths cavorted in the canal, which was loaded with small fish. Spring is in the air!
As I approached, they sped off in opposite directions, as if illicit lovers caught in a tryst. Unlike the non-venomous water snakes, Cottonmouths swim with their heads held up above the surface.
On the way back home two shrikes had a friendly encounter.
Mockingbirds, cardinals, Carolina Wrens and Red-winged Blackbirds were singing. It quickly warmed into the mid-80s.
Northern Cardinal:
Red-winged Blackbird:
The vultures were no longer shrouded in fog. They dwarfed a single Red-winged Blackbird.
Great collection of birds, Ken! I love the YC Night Herons.
ReplyDeletejust great shots, once again! really loved the fog shots, too! the displays of the yellow-crowns are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed today's post, Ken! Splendid photography, as usual! Very timely, too, as I've been out and about early lately and have also encountered foggy mornings and lots of signs the birds are ready for Spring!
ReplyDeleteStunning photos of the birds the first few look like water colours they are so delicate!
ReplyDeleteHi Kenneth I love the photographs taken through the fog especially the Deer. Fantastic shots of the herons especially the one that is displaying. Thanks for information and hope you are having a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by to say thanks for linking up with Saturday's Critters. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe Night Heron shots are amazing. Really like the Shrike too though.
ReplyDeleteWow that was fun. The night herons all fluffed up and ready were amazing.... I didn't even know that about the color of the legs...now I'll watch for that. Most interesting. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your foggy shots Ken. That Yellow Crowned heron is totally awesome! Fabulous shots, wow, I had to call Hubbers to the computer to have a look!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of birds. I like yellow crowned heron.
ReplyDeleteWow, beautiful captures and sightings! Especially love the mating dance of the heron. The fog also lent a lovely, soft texture to your shots.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! The foggy scenery is beautiful and I love the herons.
ReplyDeleteTheir beautiful display was awesome!!! I'll take in all this, the fog, the stillness of the early morning, the deer....but the snakes?!----no way.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series of shots.
ReplyDeleteI like the foggy shots and their introspective feel.
Excellent portrait shots of the Night-Heron!
What amazing looking birds you have on your patch. I would have been happy to see any of them, but those Herons are magnificent. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteFantastic pics, all of them. You've got some great skills with a camera.
ReplyDeleteA great series of photos. The fog makes everything look magical and insubstantial. The birds are beautiful - especially the herons.
ReplyDeleteGreat Photos!
ReplyDeleteAll wonderful captures. Job well done. I hope to see one oe the Yellow Night Heron one day.
ReplyDeleteWondwerful series of lovley birds ,Nette
ReplyDeleteI can hear the trill of the Red-winged Blackbird.
ReplyDeleteThose foggy morn shots are just beautiful. The NIght Heron put on a splendid display for your lens.
Loved your series from shrouded with fog till enfolded by sunshine!
ReplyDeleteLove the feel of your first pictures. On my trip to Florida, I'll be looking for the Yellow-crowned Heron. Wonderful close ups on these birds:)
ReplyDelete