As I type this up the corona-virus is still a threat nation-wide [globally, actually] so, as I go on the hunt for birds to photograph, I tend to stay in the car and shoot from the window, or try to go to a refuge before crowds arrive, leaving home before sunrise. With my life-style, not too much in the line of living has changed. [I don't even need to hoard toilet paper like the populace seems to be doing...I am civilized enough to use the shower!!!] Altho, if push comes to shove, I do have back-up photos in my archives [no, not to use at toilet wipes], but would prefer 'fresh' and new photos at this time of year when a lot of them are coming into breeding plumage. These are from quick walk-arounds in the parks recently:
AMERICAN AVOCETS [female and male]
photo taken: Indian Point Park
habitat map: Avocet
length: 18 inches
wingspan: 30-35 inches
OSPREY
photo taken: Portland, Texas
habitat map: Osprey
length: 20-24 inches
wingspan: 54-72 inches
RED BREASTED MERGANSER
photo taken: Sunset Lakes
habitat map: Merganser
length: 17-25 inches
wingspan: 30-36 inches
COMMON LOON
photo taken: North Bay
habitat map: Loon
length: 32 inches
wingspan: 54 inches
WHITE IBIS [breeding plumage]
photo taken: Lakeview Park
habitat map: Ibis
length: 24 inches
wingspan: 38 inches
MUSCOVY DUCK [domesticated?]
Note: Wild Muscovy Ducks have a plumage that is nearly all dark, except for brilliantly white feathers under the wings. Domesticated versions of the species may have a very wide array of plumages, but generally include more white or other colors than the all-dark wild Moscovy Ducks.
photo taken: City parkhabitat map: Duck
WILD: Found in Old Mexico
length: 26-30 inches
wingspan: 49-48 inches
Now share your birding experiences:
