On this particular morning, early when I left home, when I arrived at my trailhead I had planned on walking, the ground fog was thick. The air was heavy. But all was still and quiet. What broke the silence as I began my steps in the humid air, I heard a mockingbird; eventually seeing its silhouette in the brush ahead of me. The peace was broken a few times as other joggers and hikers passed me going the opposite direction back to the parking lot. Suddenly, off to my right, I saw another silhouette. A very distinctive profile!! I knew I 'stumbled' upon a bird that is not often seen or heard. You may say elusive. The morning light wasn't good for photography at all. And the mist in the air was a hindrance. I stopped and took photos anyway, just to record my sighting. I stood for some time watching. There were now three in the trees off the trail! Not a sound they made. 
Wikipedia and other websites tell me they are uncommon, but NOT rare. Their habitat extends from North West South America thru Old Mexico and just a fraction of the Coastal Bend of Texas in the USA as shown on the map I borrowed from the site. It's just more or less luck and being in the right place at the right time. After taking a few photos, I walked to the end of the trail. I turned around to finish. All in all about 3 miles only. I was beginning to suffer from the everlasting humidity since it wasn't burning off because of the cloud cover. I actually couldn't wait to get back to the car. As I neared the area where the elusive birds were seen, the sun was out and the air was somewhat clearer, but still hazy off in the distance where they were seen. I again stopped and got some BETTER photos of them...From the beginning, in the foggy air, to a return trip back to the car---
GROVE BILLED ANI
Habitat map: Ani
Linking tool is now closed 'til Saturday with new post
I think I saw one of those many years ago. I apologise for being unable to remember such a striking bird. Your pics really found the salient features Anni. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteGreat sighting of the Groove-billed Ani. I had a quick passing glimpse of one in Costa Rica, I wish I get a better sighting of one. Great photos. Thanks for hosting. Have a happy Halloween weekend.
omg i have never seen them or a photo or even heard the name, the first are great profiles but wow on the trip back in the sunshine. they are approriately named, Annie found her Ani's .. ha ha they knew you were coming
ReplyDeleteHello Anni,:=) So Sorry I'm late. It's my daughters birthday today, and it was my daughter in laws birthday a few days ago, so we decided to celebrate it together today.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased for you that the mist lifted and you were able to take these wonderful images of the Grove-Billed Ani, It's a distinctive looking bird, and your forth and fifth images are truly spectacular..
I recognized it at once as an ANI, SO exciting!!! you have never seen one before? and what a perfect bird for Halloween weekend! Your first photo with the flowers looks like a Monet painting.
ReplyDeleteAn Ani for Anni! How amazing! It sure has a distinctive bill! I know you were thrilled to see it and glad you got some clear photos when the fog lifted. I would love to see one of these. The photo of the two of them is great! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteSeems like an ani was an appropriate bird for you to meet up with, anni!
ReplyDeleteDear Anni,
ReplyDeleteI' ve never seen a groove billed ani before - and I'm very happy that you got these brilliant shots. I like the foggy photo very much, too, it looks so mystic. Today I can show you photos of a very funny tame magpie and of some geese and Chicks :-)
All the best from Austria and happy Halloween
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/10/italien-reisebericht-toskana-ankommen.html
A great encounter with your namesake 😀. A very interesting bird, I particularly like its peculiar bill. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteInteresting bird. Glad you got to photograph it.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! They have an intelligent look about them,
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
Wonderful photos. Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteOh Anni, with your wonderful photos and narration, I feel like I was right there beside you on your excursion this morning. Thank you so so much for sharing your world with the rest of us. Your tales and pictures bring such joy!! ~Andrea PS~ Happy Halloween to you and all those ghostly sculptures that share your home with you!! :-)
ReplyDeleteInteresting photos of a bird that I have never heard of before, thanks for enlightening me. Think it must have been named after you ;-) Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of them, but don't think I will forget seeing them. I would have been beyond thrilled to see such a bird.
ReplyDeleteThey are such weird-looking birds, as if assembled by a committee.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely AMAZING...you are my hero, Anni!!! I love your perseverance and fortitude!...jp
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeletethis one seem very curious
ReplyDelete