(or numbers 10 – 13)
My Year List is growing, have you noticed? On Sunday, we went to my mother-in-law’s for dinner as usual. I hadn’t taken my daily walk yet and so after we pulled her in her driveway, I grabbed my camera and headed off. My husband scoffed at my walk with a camera. Okay, it is a short walk to the ponds and I would be stopping and snapping shots a lot but still I walked and he didn’t. So there.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to find much although the ponds were my MIL lives are usually a winter birding haven. They have been mucking with the ponds, however, and I hadn’t seen many birds there as we’d drive by. What I learned is that there is a reason we don’t bird from cars while driving, though. Did you know that? It was news to me.
I had spotted the Snowy Egret as we drove by and that was what lured me to walk back there. Not much prettier in this world than a Snowy Egret. So, I walked back and was so glad I did. And not just because I got to add the Mallards that were keeping him (her?) company. As I snapped shot after gorgeous shot of the Egret, I heard a weird rattling, laughing call that totally drew my attention. Startled the Egret too; it very nearly flew off. Imagine my surprise as a Belted Kingfisher cruised in over the pond and landed across the pond from me, posing for shots.
As the battery warning light on my camera flashed red, I decided to walk up to the upper pond and see what was up there. The Kingfisher followed me up — they are like that, friendly, cooperative birds (cough, cough). There were more fun birds up there. A pair of Double-crested Cormorants were floating around the pond while a Black-crowned Night Heron lurked on the opposite shore. What fun!
On the way back to my MIL’s, I heard such a noisy bird in a tree over my head. It was brazen and bold and raspy. I thought it must be a chickadee but I could see nothing in the tree, despite it’s being completely bare of leaves. So, I stopped and really looked. Two Anna’s Hummingbirds were sitting on branches at the tippy top making so much noise.
This is my Sky Watch submission. A crisp, clear winter sky at nearly dusk.
A great Sunday walk.
For more bird-filled skies in your Friday, visit Sky Watch Friday!
mother. wife. friend. teacher. writer. reader. photographer. birder. quilter. blogger.
Liza Lee Miller 
What a great walk Liza. :c)
That does look like a perfect Sunday walk.
Great shots, sis! Especially the egret. Just gorgeous with the reflection. Love the kingfisher.
sounsd like a great walk, the egret photo is stunning.
I don’t drive but i love birdwatching from trains…
These photos are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
OMG Liza, you saw and captured so many cool birds!! I get the same comments, ‘walking with a camera isn’t walking,’ but at least I’m outside getting fresh air and yes, walking. . . some! LOL! Oh, you’re not supposed to bird with your car – LOL!!
That’s a wonderful walk!
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos.
That Snowy Egret is the prettiest bird. I’ve never seen one before and the Kingfisher; I’ve always wanted to see one of those. What a great walk.
The Sky watch is so delicate and serene, like a painting..
I would say you had a great walk. Wow. That snowy egret is beautiful. Great shots. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Liza, the egret’s reflection is so clear and it’s such a beautiful photo. Also, my daughter (Red) and I went to Elkhorn Slough Sunday afternoon, and we also saw a Belted Kingfisher (our first!). They sure do make weird sounds, don’t they?
Our skies are a bit gray around here today too, love the snowy egret, so graceful and serene:)
Lovely bird captures and the hummers in the tree was a neat sky shot.
Wonderful bird shots! I really like the egret and the kingfisher and the hummers…how neat!
Oh, I’m so jealous. Great walk, great birds, great sky.
Now that sort of Sunday walk is to be highly recommended! Superb shot of the Egret, really WoW!
This shot of the Snowy is even better. I really should get out to walk more. And your right, birding from cars, only gets you so far.
Liza, those Belted Kingfishers are just so cooperative :o) Your photos are marvelous.