Shhhh, I'm busy....hunting!


Very little activity a few weeks ago at the Port Aransas Birding Center [aka Leonabelle Turnbull Nature Center]. We haven't been there recently but want to make a return trip now that here in South Texas some migrants are being spotted sporadically. Never the less, some of the water birds were viewed through my viewfinder.  After taking notice of the Least Bittern, I was busy watching the great green hunter...the Green Heron as it stalked, caught, consumed and then dashed over into the reed.  Then, spotted a Royal Tern at the Marine Science Lab [University of Texas Marine Research] near the Port Jetty...


Least Bittern
Green Heron
Green Heron
Green Heron
"I used muscles I never knew I had...ouch!"
"Pilates...it's all about body balance."
Royal Tern

ROYAL TERN, little GREEN HERON, LEAST BITTERN
photos taken: Port Aransas Birding Center and Marine Research Lab - Port Aransas, Texas
habitat maps: Royal Tern, Green Heron, Least Bittern


Now, share your birding experiences:





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69 comments:

  1. Kenneth Cole SchneiderAugust 9, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    Golly, I can still remember my first sighting of a Least Bittern-- I just checked and was amazed to find that it was 65 years ago! I have seen them only infrequently since then, and still have not gotten a "knockout" photo of one. (Why is it now so important to take its picture when I can remember that first one so vividly?) Nice shots and interesting commentary!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:07 AM

      My poor attempt at humor?!! LOL

      Thanks for the compliment Ken...and enjoyed reading your memory of your first bittern also!!

      Delete
  2. ElaAugust 9, 2014 at 12:47 PM

    Wow ! Wonderful birds and great shots !
    Have a nice weekend :)

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  3. TexWisGirlAugust 9, 2014 at 12:50 PM

    have never seen a bittern. great shots of the green!

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  4. AnonymousAugust 9, 2014 at 1:09 PM

    Wow, Anni. These are incredible images. Thank you kindly for inviting me to link, although my photo is not very crisp/clear - I just grabbed the camera and shot before the chicks ran back thru the fence!
    I am honored that you would ask me to join.
    My college girlfriend grew up on a farm and collected eggs. We always loved to visit with her during college weekends. In fact, she and 3 other of my college friends will be visiting in a few weeks. It's been 6 years since our last reunion.
    Thanks again for you kindness and I wish you a great afternoon.

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:06 AM

      Sound like a fun, good time ahead. I bet you're getting excited. Thanks Mildred.

      Delete
  5. UnknownAugust 9, 2014 at 1:38 PM

    The heron is a very handsome bird. Have a great weekend, Anni!

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  6. Ginny HartzlerAugust 9, 2014 at 1:54 PM

    WOW!!! Your photo of the Green heron! The first photo is amazing! Up close, sharp and clear, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It has made my day. And look at the colors on that wing! It looks like mosaic.This photo could easily be in National Geographic! And the bittern...bitterns are so secretive and hidden, you did great detective work!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:10 AM

      You really made my day Ginny!! Thank you so much.

      Delete
  7. A Colorful WorldAugust 9, 2014 at 2:52 PM

    LOVE that first picture of the green heron, Anni! And the one of his hanging onto the edge of that stem! :-) Wow! great shots of these beautiful water birds!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:06 AM

      ...thanks. Glad you enjoyed the images I shared this week.

      Delete
  8. Adam JonesAugust 9, 2014 at 3:03 PM

    They're fantastic pictures. Beautiful closeups and such great colours!!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:05 AM

      ...thanks Adam...I appreciate your positive feedback.

      Delete
  9. Margaret Birding For PleasureAugust 9, 2014 at 3:07 PM

    WOW! those. Heron shots are superb and I love the Royal tern.

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  10. eileeninmdAugust 9, 2014 at 3:37 PM

    Awesome Green heron shots! They are one of my favorite herons.. Thanks for hosting, Anni! Happy weekend!

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  11. eileeninmdAugust 9, 2014 at 4:01 PM

    Anni, I had to stop back and say thanks for linking up to my critter party.. Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:02 AM

      ...thanks Eileen for allowing me to add my link!!!

      Delete
  12. photodougAugust 9, 2014 at 5:49 PM

    Terrific Green Heron photos. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. Carole M.August 9, 2014 at 6:20 PM

    wow, fantastic shots, especially love that green heron!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:01 AM

      ...thanks Carole...the green heron seems to be a favorite of all.

      Delete
  14. AnonymousAugust 9, 2014 at 6:33 PM

    Nice captures!

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  15. SusanAugust 9, 2014 at 6:36 PM

    Great shots...love the green heron!

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  16. StephanieAugust 9, 2014 at 6:57 PM

    I absolutely love the green heron shots. Beautiful captures! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know about the link up here. I will bookmark you if I happen to have more bird shots.

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 4:58 AM

      ...that'll be great Stephanie!! Your sharing is a great way to see the birds of the world...

      Delete
  17. NoushkaAugust 10, 2014 at 1:36 AM

    Hi Anni,
    I have added my link as you asked.
    Your photos of the Green heron are really superb and very lively!
    Well done!
    Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 4:57 AM

      I appreciate you coming by and adding your link to your wonderful post.

      Delete
  18. orchid0324August 10, 2014 at 2:46 AM

    Wow!!! Least Bittern, Green Heron, SO beautiful and magnificent♡♡♡ I admire your camera skill as well!
    PS> So sorry for my belated linking; I had Soba-noodle guests and was busy today.

    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 4:57 AM

      Your adding your link anytime Miyako is good!!! Thanks.

      Delete
  19. Anni August 10, 2014 at 4:56 AM

    ...thanks Mildred...I viewed it...wonderful info and great photos!!

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  20. Phil SladeAugust 10, 2014 at 5:15 AM

    Anni, I'm really jealous of you seeing a Least Bittern so well and photographing it just sneaking through the reeds like that. Over here we have only the Bittern, in tiny numbers in the whole of the UK and so secretive that a glimpse is the best one can hope for.

    With luck I'll see a Little Bittern in Menorca in May but otherwise no little coloured herons for me. Think I'll have to pay a visit to Texas.

    Thanks for the birding party.

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 5:39 AM

      Just about anywhere in Texas is a good birding spot!!! Good luck in Menorca...hope you'll be able to spot one.

      Delete
  21. MontanagirlAugust 10, 2014 at 8:41 AM

    You took some wonderful shots of that Green Heron. He's so beautiful! Would love to see one sometime.

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 4:06 PM

      ...they are pretty!! Someday I'm vowing to get it when its crest is up.

      Delete
  22. PatAugust 10, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    Wonderful captures!

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  23. MersadAugust 10, 2014 at 9:45 AM

    Love your new blog layout. Happy Sunday!!

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  24. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)August 10, 2014 at 10:20 AM

    Stunning colors and contrast. Fabulous!

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  25. DebbieAugust 10, 2014 at 1:34 PM

    the images of the green heron are simply spectacular!!! the royal tern is a beauty as well!! many thanks for the invite, i never remember to link my birds here!!! sorry!!!!

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 4:13 PM

      ...thank YOU for adding your link this weekend Debbie.

      Delete
  26. NatureFootstepAugust 10, 2014 at 3:16 PM

    The green Heron is a gret bird. And I like it´s colors even if it hard to see them in dusk. As I tried to in Costa Rica. :)

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    1. Anni August 10, 2014 at 4:14 PM

      ...they are difficult to get good images unless the sun is out and on the bird. I have several I saw in a tree and can hardly tell what bird it is.

      Delete
  27. sunshineAugust 10, 2014 at 5:24 PM

    Stunning photos and great birds.

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  28. RoanAugust 10, 2014 at 7:07 PM

    Okay, so I commented. I know I did. Love the green heron and the tern!

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    1. Anni August 11, 2014 at 5:15 AM

      I've had the same problem lately....Blogger is playing tricks again.

      Delete
  29. Gail DixonAugust 11, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    Beautiful shots, Anni!! Loved the pilates reference and other funny captions. That tern is absolutely gorgeous.You did good, girl!

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  30. UnknownAugust 11, 2014 at 7:57 PM

    Loving the colours on the first Green heron shot in particular!
    Pete (Melbourne, Australia)

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  31. Betsy Banks AdamsAugust 12, 2014 at 1:40 PM

    Hi There, I try to switch out between your other blog and this wonderful Bird one. SO--today I am HERE.... I love the Royal Tern--but today, that first picture of the Green Heron is one of the best I've seen. I had never noticed such beautiful colors on them before. Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Anni August 12, 2014 at 3:28 PM

      ...thanks for stopping by and adding your wonderful positive feedback.

      Delete
  32. Coloring Outside the LinesAugust 12, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    Wow- the green heron is gorgeous...I have to put him on my list! Love all your shots of this beauty.

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    1. Anni August 12, 2014 at 3:30 PM

      ...thanks Terri. They can be a bit elusive, you have too look in the densest areas mostly. I lucked out and found one out in the open.

      Delete
  33. Anni August 13, 2014 at 4:47 AM

    ...it's 'wild' in a different sense....your roadrunner is fantastic Felicia.

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  34. BreathtakingAugust 13, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    Hello Anni!:) Wow! Fantastic shots! How amazing it would be to see any of these birds in the wild. Your Green Heron close up is stunning, love the colour.

    ReplyDelete
  35. HelmaAugust 14, 2014 at 1:14 PM

    Ohhhhhhhh .... great !!!!!!!!
    Especially your second picture vindik magnificent. What a beautiful bird and what a great color. Very Nice and here I am quite a bit jealous though.

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  36. Gail DixonAugust 14, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    Yikes, I almost forgot to link up! Thank you Anni!!!!

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    1. Anni August 15, 2014 at 12:04 PM

      ...we don't want you to forget!!! Your photos are so worth joining us with your link!!!

      Delete

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