The intricate plumage of the Wood Ducks make them “one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl.” (All About Birds). “Beautiful and unique, this duck of woodland ponds and river swamps has no close relatives, except for the Mandarin Duck of eastern Asia”, another ornate and highly attractive duck (Audubon.org). The only two members of […]
In the introduction to her marvelous new book, Exploring Perek Shira, Rebbetzin Shoshana Tugendhaft writes: “Nature on all its levels works in perfect harmony, each element vital in a delicately balanced ecosystem.” We are blessed to live near many beautiful natural areas, tranquil wetlands and marshes that illustrate this delicate balance and nourish the soul!
The Tri-colored Heron was having a field day in this quiet little pond, repeatedly flying over the water just above the surface, dipping in, catching a fish and then repeating the process over again, going in the opposite direction.
This is the time of year that the Fireflag plants are in full bloom. And no one enjoys those luscious purple blossoms more than the iridescent Purple Gallinules! I love to watch them balancing along the narrow Fireflag stems, as if on a tightrope . . . just to get at those yummy flowers.
The Great Egret hatchlings are getting bigger every day!! There are quite a few nests this year (yay!) so we’re seeing chicks at all different stages of growth, including the slightly older ones (top photos) and the more recently hatched (bottom photos).
Least Bittern females and juveniles are mostly pale and soft brown in color (like the Bittern featured here), while males have dark green crown and back feathers (All About Birds). This female Bittern was having quite a productive little fishing expedition one recent morning! Although we often see obvious size and/or color differences in male […]
It always seems odd that we call this delightfully masked male Warbler a Common Yellowthroat. Every time I’m lucky enough to spot this little bandit, he strikes me as un-commonly handsome! “Abundant and well-known, the Common Yellowthroat has succeeded by being a nonconformist. As the only one of our warblers that will nest in open […]
Birder's Journey 