Squirrel Feeder

In our backyard we have a squirrel feeder on the back fence that I keep well stocked with morsels the squirrels enjoy.  The lightweight top of the box is hinged so the squirrels can just push it up, reach in, and grab a snack.  In past seasons the squirrels would eat the contents down abut half-way, which was as far as they could reach, and wait for me to refill it.  However, today we witnessed a little guy who learned how to eat down all the way to the bottom.

JRT

Red-eared Slider

These guys are residents in every standing body of water around, and on a sunny day, this is what they do.  They are fairly cautious and generally will not let you get too close to them.  I spent a great deal of time trying to sneak up on them and catch one when I was younger, but never did.  At Brazos Bend State Park however there are so many people streaming through that they tolerate folks pretty well.

JRT

Gator

You may have thought from looking at my recent posts that I have really let my blog go to the birds, for they have certainly been my main focus lately.  (main focus, a little photo humor)  Well today I headed down to one of my favorite spots, Brazos Bend State Park, to shoot...birds.  I have never visited and been disappointed by the lack of photo opportunities, and today was no let down either. 

This gator looks menacing, but was in this gaping pose when I first saw her, and still in it twenty minutes later.  A cooling mechanism perhaps?

More birds soon.

JRT

Grackle

 

Meet the Grackle, the Common Grackle to be more precise, as there are Boat-tailed Grackles and Large-tailed Grackles.  This common variety is a real trouble maker around the backyard bird feeder.  They alight upon the feeder and scatter the food they don't like, taking only the best morsels for themselves.  The smaller song birds are wary of them and will not come to the feeder when the Grackles are plentiful.

On the other hand, these black beauties are resourceful, and the males are pretty in the springtime when the feathers around their necks are at their most iridescent in the sunlight.  Their large yellow eyes are spectacular.

I just wish they would eat in someone elses yard and not scare off the blue-jays and cardinals.

JRT

Black-bellied Whistling Duck

This is one of the reasons I feel good about always having a camera handy.  I thought at first when I arrived at home this afternoon that the neighbors had a new weather vane, but nobody on our street has weather vanes; so, it must be a Black-bellied Whistling Duck. 

This fine feather duck sat on the rooftop next door for about twenty minutes watching me unload the truck and shuffle in and out of the house and garage.  I scattered some grain in the backyard hoping to coax it down to no avail. It stayed perched, standing at times on one leg, and whistled.  Not just a little or every now and again, but continuously. Ultimately, another whistling duck flew over and off they went.

JRT

What Duck is This?

I saw this fine pair of quackers digging and splashing in puddles together.  They appear to be wearing their finest fuzzy hats -  maybe they are on a date?

An intensive internet search has not revealed the name of this type duck, although the one on the right looks a bit like a mallard.

If you know, please help!

JRT

Kite Festival

Today the Second Annual Kite Festival was held in Rosenberg, Texas.  We drove through torrential rains on the way to Seabourne Park and wondered if we were wasting our time.  The water did stop pouring down around 12:30, and although the skies continued to look ominous, the show did go on!

The Kite Festival is held to create awareness for the public of the child abuse and neglect that takes place in Fort Bend County.  Annually there are over 450 reported cases i Ft Bend of abuse or neglect that require children to be removed from their current living situation and be relocated.  This is an unpleasant problem that most of us think is just to horrific to be true; and it is difficult to think about this happening to children in our neighborhoods, because of what it implies regarding our neighbors.

Awareness is the first step in solving the horrors of child abuse and neglect.  The community needs to know about the problem, the resources that are available to help abused and neglected children and those that abuse and neglect them, and how to become involved.  The Kite Festival is one small part of this process.

The professionals and volunteers that have devoted their lives to helping these children are true heroes.

JRT

Marbles

For those of you who think I may have lost my marbles, rest easy, I found them in a drawer today.

Whew! Close one.

JRT

Eurasian Eagle Owl

This owl is only 12 months old and already HUGE! And stunningly beautiful!  Harry Potter wants one!

JRT

Rynchops niger

Meet the Black Skimmer.  These graceful birds are named appropriately as you can see in the photograph.  They can tilt their heads down while flying and skim their beaks along the water, scooping up what ever they scoop up (I never really saw what they were catching).  Sometimes they would fly in perfectly synchronized pairs in a wide arc as they skimmed.  This was the first time I have ever seen them, I do hope to see them again!

JRT

Calidris alba

This little guy is known as a Sanderling.  He (she?) is about the same size as a sparrow; however notice the longer beak for digging in the sand, and all three of his toes point forward.  Sanderlings chase the waves out, and run from them when they come in, all the while looking for food.  Because of the way their toes are configured they run in an odd manner, and they run all the time.  I had a really difficult time getting this one to pose.

JRT

Sandpiper

I know this is a Sandpiper, I just am not sure what kind.  It was on East Beach, on Galveston Island.  The bird stayed very busy going in and out with the waves, searching for morsels the water's rushing action uncovered.

JRT

Pelecanus occidentalis

I spent several days at the 8th annual Feather Fest held in Galveston, Texas.  Bird watchers and photographers gather to attend workshops, seminars, and field trips with expert naturalist and photographers.  Galveston and nearby areas are highly regarded as some of the best bird viewing areas anywhere. 

The Brown Pelican above was standing on a piling waiting for shrimp boats to come in with their catches.  It looks like he stands there often.

JRT

2nd Annual CTLTC Jump Photo

I have not even seen the First Annual CTLTC Jump Photo, but I was seen walking around with a fancy looking camera and one thing led to another... and I shot about 50 frames to capture the Second Annual CTLTC Jump Photo.  Not like it was a chore.  I am really glad I was not doing any of the jumping.

JRT

Allison

I spent some quality time outdoors this afternoon with Allison, who wanted some photos for a portfolio she is putting together.

We went to Oyster Creek Park and took advantage of the beautiful day, lush grass, and green trees.

It was a good opportunity for me to practice controlling bright overhead sun, and using off camera flash for fill.

JRT

CTLTC

My wife and I have spent a lot of hours preparing and working for the Central Texas Leadership Training for Christ convention.  So much so that I have had zero spare time for the camera.  I did grab a few shots today, but I am too exhausted to spend much time working with them.

Happy Easter everyone!

JRT