Getting out early

As much as I enjoy a leisurely mug of coffee while I catch up on the morning news and correspondence, I also like to photograph birds in soft early light. The switch to Daylight Savings Time has made it easier for us to get out at dawn. 

As the first day of spring approached, sunrise happened earlier and earlier, from 7:30 AM back in October to as early as 6:33 AM on March 12, the day before Daylight Savings Time "delayed" the Sun's arrival until 7:32 AM. Relentlessly, the sunrise will continue to creep up earlier until the first week of June, when it will occur at 6:29 AM despite the time change.   

Earlier in March, we encountered fog as we walked along the gravel road into the wetlands. The sun was trying to break through:

 

On the wetlands, the posture and habits of this Little Blue Heron made it identifiable from a distance as it fished on the opposite shore: 



I processed the above photo as an antique oil painting because I liked the way the fog gave depth to the colors and tones:



The day after the time change and before sunrise, a Great Egret posed nicely against the same background-- a bit nearer, but under similar atmospheric conditions:

 

Later that morning, in subdued light, a Great Egret flew in to roost on a Pond Cypress:





A second egret wanted to share the roost...



...but the occupant did not seem pleased:



The intruder moved on...



...and took a place next to an American Kestrel (Disclaimer-- I did not see the kestrel when I took this photo!):



The kestrel, probably the same one, did pose nearby in full view:



Now back-lighted in full sunlight, a Great Egret protested the presence of another white wader...



...an immature Little Blue Heron:



The two took their disagreement to another spot on the lake. The smaller heron twice "buzzed" the agitator:





The sun touched the wet prairie:



Under fair skies, butterflies and bees went about their chores, sipping nectar...



...and harvesting pollen:



Star Rush popped up in wet places:



Two Turkey Vultures watched me from the guard rail...



...dwarfing an Eastern Phoebe, a little bird on a big fence!:



A closer look at the little guy:



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Linking to Misty's  CAMERA CRITTERS,

Linking to Eileen's SATURDAY'S CRITTERS,

Linking to GOOD FENCES by Tex (Theresa). 

Linking to SKYWATCH FRIDAY by Yogi, Sylvia and Sandy

Linking to WEEKEND REFLECTIONS by James

Linking to BirdD'Pot by Anni

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday by Stewart

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Please visit the links to all these memes to see some excellent photos on display

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