I'd Rather B Birdin': 5 Minutes on Navigation Highway

On the back side of our port of call, between the ships' channel and the Nueces River, a highway meanders between. There is sometimes, depending on the time of year and the amount of water found in the ponds and playas [dried up flat wetlands] along the way, a lot of bird life. On this particular Sunday morning recently, we drove the eight mile stretch and stopped just short of the interstate junction. Different bird species were spotted in high numbers...great egret, snowy egret, white ibis, spoonbills, mottled ducks, fulvous tree ducks.

I won't talk much today...just showing a lot of photos - - - -

Stopping at the lake:

Mid summer to late summer, if you know where to go, Wood Storks are plentiful!

I spotted a Fulvous Tree Duck [aka Fulvous Whistling Duck] on the muddy banks, hidden partially by the cattail/reed grasses. They're a scarce breed, so I was kinda excited. Then to my amazement, a whole family appeared in the water! They swam so quickly, and soon to disappear behind the other side that is most always inaccessible, I didn't want to mess with my zoom, so the family of eight ducklings is seen only from a distance.

While I was following the duck family, I noticed an immature white ibis flying overhead! I changed the lens focus to above me, and snapped the photo while it soared silently and disappeared into the sunlight like the ending of an epic western movie....~~riding~~ flying off into the sunset "THE END"

STORK, EGRETS, IBIS, DUCKS
photos taken: Navigation Highway -Northeast of Corpus Christi, Texas
habitat maps: Wood Stork, White Ibis, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Fulvous Tree Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Mottled Duck

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39 comments:

Kristin_TexasAugust 22, 2015 at 12:22 PM
I love those snowy egrets. I see them around the neighbor's pond sometimes, and if I'm lucky I'll see one flying overhead.
RohrerbotAugust 22, 2015 at 12:46 PM
Fantastic photos Anni. You've got the right idea here. It's so bloody hot outside right now that stopping along the watering holes is a much better idea than suffering long walks. In fact, today we are going to sit in the shade and just watch birds. I do not like the summer temps so hopefully, they will get better as we close in on September:) Fantastic birds. The Fulvous is a beautiful duck.
Linda aka Crafty GardenerAugust 22, 2015 at 1:20 PM
Such variety of sightings this week, most are ones we don't see up here.
GayleAugust 22, 2015 at 1:24 PM
Love that you saw the Fulvous Ducks---such warm colors.
Phil SladeAugust 22, 2015 at 1:27 PM
Looks like you stopped in the right places Anni. For me all the herons. storks and egrets would keep me occupied and busy for hours. They are all so darned photogenic and to see dozens together would be just mind blowing. I'd use a full SD card I swear.

Sorry I can't send you any wagtails but I'll try and get you more pictures.

Have a great week Anni and Bud.
eileeninmdAugust 22, 2015 at 1:30 PM
Awesome post and photos, Anni! I love all the birds, especially the Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Thank you for hosting, enjoy your weekend!
TexWisGirlAugust 22, 2015 at 1:43 PM
awesome gatherings!
Anni August 22, 2015 at 3:03 PM
...and thank YOU for adding your link today Andy.
FABAugust 22, 2015 at 5:31 PM
Hi Anni. You picked the right spots to provide us with a plethora of birdlife. I'd love to spend time with that many Egrets etc.
UnknownAugust 22, 2015 at 6:33 PM
Very cool collection Anni. I love the wood storks and whistling ducks. What a lucky find. I hope you're doing well. :)
A Colorful WorldAugust 22, 2015 at 7:08 PM
Fantastic photos! A wonderland of birds!
jp@A Green RidgeAugust 23, 2015 at 5:34 AM
OMG! These sightings and photos are more than great!!!...:)JP
Inspired By JuneAugust 23, 2015 at 9:26 AM
Certainly eight miles worth meandering, Anni! Wonderful series of captures, I loved the Fulvous Tree Duck! Have a wonder-filled week!
NatureFootstepAugust 23, 2015 at 9:52 AM
wow, so many in that short period of time. I envy you!

Thanks for hosting!
Sharon WagnerAugust 23, 2015 at 1:41 PM
Wow! So many wood storks and spoonbills. I've only seen 1 spoonbill in the wild. And that was just a flash of pink.
RoseAugust 23, 2015 at 3:18 PM
Oh how I wish I could stop there!!! You sure hit the jackpot.
DeniseinVAAugust 23, 2015 at 7:27 PM
What a fantastic number of birds. I loved seeing the young ibis in flight. Have a great week Anni :)
Coloring Outside the LinesAugust 24, 2015 at 1:28 PM
Wow, these are awesome shots, Anni- looks like you had a lot of fun bird-watching!
Have a great week!
JaniceAugust 24, 2015 at 5:57 PM
Nice!!!!
Gail DixonAugust 24, 2015 at 6:40 PM
Anni, your photos are amazing. I love the one of the Wood Storks. I have yet to see one in real life. I see you still have a lot of egrets and ibises. A wonderful, varied collection! Sorry I have nothing to offer this week.
Margaret Birding For PleasureAugust 26, 2015 at 3:44 AM
these images areall stunning, some with great reflections as well.
HelmaAugust 27, 2015 at 2:11 PM
Hello Anni,

I'm back online after the bustle of my move.
You show again beautiful pictures of these herons and ducks.
I still find it a very strange face that pink spoonbills with you but I find them pracjtig to see.
Nancy's NotesAugust 29, 2015 at 6:05 AM
Good Morning Anni! I'm just sitting here in awe of your incredible photographs! Each one is amazing and theyall could make into a wonderful magazine spread! Oh my heavens, you got some stunning shots!!
Have a wonderful day!
Nancy

5 Minutes on Navigation Highway

39 comments:

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