It took two days for the bird activity in our yard and neighborhood to return to normal after Hurricane Hanna made landfall just a few miles from our house [Sunday July 26]. The morning before the storm came in to shore, I did notice all the grackles and seagulls heading in a easterly direction over-head from the Kingsville area. So, I knew that the storm was headed farther south...they were all getting to safe areas. At least that's what I think. You can tell by the bird activity what the weather is going to do. They are good predictors if you pay attention. [my opinion] I guess you can say I'm part of the "old wives" club.
Anyway, needless to say, I have not been out doing my birding for another week. Still a lot of flooding [one area north of us got a reported 19 inches of rain in a 24 hour time period]...no use trying to drive anywhere since all beaches are closed for cleanup and flooded [or soon to be muddied] parks, etc. That makes it three weeks in a row! But, I have gone out along the beaches to check out the damage. Some areas, heavy damage to structures and even erosion at the dunes while other nearby areas, minimal damage. It depends on the surge and the fact of which side [clock-wise or counter-clockwise] of the hurricane the wind was. Hanna did most damage with the SURGE before the 90MPH winds came in, I think. Twenty foot high surge is bound to rip down structures, etc.
So, more photos from my archives never published:
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE
photo taken: South Bay Park
habitat map: Shrike
Length: 9 inches
Wingspan: 13 inches
TREE SWALLOW
photo taken: Bazemore Park
habitat map: Swallow
Length: 6.5 inches
Wingspan: 12.5 inches
Fledged GOLDEN FRONTED WOODPECKER
photo taken: Bazemore Park
habitat map: Woodpecker
Length: 9.5 inches
Wingspan: 17 inches
YELLOW CROWNED NIGHT HERON [young]
photo taken: Lakeview Park
habitat map: Heron
Length: 25 inches
Wingspan: 45 inches
GREAT BLUE HERON
photo taken: Hans Suter Refuge
habitat map: Heron
Length: 48 inches
Wingspan: 50 inches
...and times when I am cooped up indoors, from boredom, I sketch. Sometimes I draw, freehand, birds. Results are not always accurate, but I try to get as close to 'real' and proportionate as I can:
A colored pencil sketch of a Hooded Merganser [male]
Participating blogs:
Linda
Birds in Europe and Africa
Christina
Rosyfinch Ramblings
Jidhu Jose
Arun
Sallie
Lea
Nature FootStep
Lavender Dreams
Eileen
Travels With Birds [never uses hyperlink!]
Phil
Jean