Black Skimmers on the Mud Flats

 

It was quite a treat to catch this large group of black skimmers hanging around on the mudflats. 

I love black skimmers!

I did not get to see their lovely synchronized flying today, but you can see some photos of them in flight by entering "black skimmers" in my search box. They are so lovely!

The Subtle Little Lady Cardinal

We all know those brightly-colored, male cardinals catch everyone's eye, but here's a beauty that is a little harder to spot - the lovely female cardinal. Who knows why male birds are often the more colorful and striking than the females? Some say that the males are more striking in order to be able to compete for mates and territory, whereas the females need to remain inconspicuous in order to care for their nests. 

Whatever the reason, the female cardinal has a simple beauty all its own, don't you agree?

Please say yes! Don't hurt the little lady's feelings. 

 

A Sweet Harbinger of the Coming Spring Migration

It's wonderful to be back for another spring migration!

One of the first of the migratory birds I spotted was this little black-and-white warbler at the Land Valley Trust on the Island. Dainty and sweet, I'm sure it is a lovely taste of what is to come. 

Those Amazing Black Skimmers!

I am always thrilled when I come upon even a few of the amazing black skimmers, so imagine my delight when I stopped at the mud flats and saw hordes of them! At first they might be mistaken for sea gulls, standing there with their beautiful red-striped beaks tucked under their wings. 

But as you get closer, they pull their beaks out so that they can investigate. 

And soon it's clear to see that they aren't going to hang around. 

And away they go! 

And go . . .

And go!  

!

And, oh! The noise they make! 

I will not get to see their beautiful, synchronized flying today. 

If you want to see more pics of these beauties, just enter "black skimmers" into the search box. 

It's a Sign

 

When you see a sign like this, it's a sign that you are living in or driving through a really cool place!

As you can tell by many of my previous posts, I love watching the pelicans. They have been a favorite of mine since I came down here a few years ago. I was very keen to find the places where the amazing brown pelicans could be found, which is just about anywhere near the water. 

Then, in South Dakota, I found the white pelicans in the lake areas. They show up down here in some places during the winter. Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge is a good place to find them on their winter vacation. 

If you want to see more of my pelican posts, just put the word "pelicans" in the search bar. 

More Pelican-Watching

 

Watching the pelicans is one of my favorite activities. It's especially fun to watch them when they go dive-bombing for fish.

I often watch them down by the Jetties.

I also love to watch them up north of the city, where it isn't as crowded.

The pelicans look especially striking with the waves as a backdrop. 

Here comes a nice pair. 

The smaller one is an adult...

The darker one is actually a younger pelican.

Sure looks like it's learning fast.

I'll be glad to come back and watch the pelicans another day.

It's always a treat!

Young Mr. Brown, Juvenile Pelican on SPI

 

I love pelicans! Especially brown pelicans. At first, I thought that these pelicans that are completely brown were possibly older, but I found out it's just the opposite - they are young pelicans! This one was hanging around a winter Texan fisherman, waiting for throw-backs. 

I just had to follow him around with my camera. He was not too happy about it at first, but eventually he gave in and even posed for me. 

But not for long.

He soon took to flight.

 

Goodbye, young Mr. Brown. I hope to see you again!