At no time in my travels have I met someone that has proclaimed to find it desirable to take photographs in foggy conditions.
The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
With wildlife at fairly close range, the mist can offer a favorable mood. On the morning of 28 January 2014 I made a return trip to Church Road to see the familiar and otherwise.
The Killdeer above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Killdeer above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Common Ground Dove above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
It was with great fortune that master birder Vince McGrath mutually made a visit to Church Road this day, and put me on to birds that I would have otherwise missed.
The Common Ground Dove above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Common Ground Dove above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers made their appearance early while favoring the wires. These birds disappeared for only a short while.
The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
Other species observed this day are presented in this article. Vince's keen observation skills offered Northern Towhee which he noted was a southern bird with its yellow eyes.
The Northern Rough-winged Swallow above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Lark Sparrow above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Vesper Sparrow above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
Additionally, a sparrow was pointed out by Vince noting the bird's strong white eye ring. With Vince in tune with the calls of the birds, a female Painted Bunting made an appearance.
The Vesper Sparrow above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The highlight of the morning was without doubt a pair of Lark Sparrow. Vince noted that he observes this species about once to twice a year, with the
LASP a lifer for me.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
The Eastern Towhee above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
Before the morning was over I would meet some wonderful people including Tim Willis who gave me and Vince a tour of his orange grove. Vince also introduced me to Lois and Leon White in Alva.
The Eastern Towhee above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
While I greatly miss beach observations, a return trip to Church Road and Alva will be sooner than later.
The Painted Bunting above was photographed along Church Road in January 2014.
On 13 February 2014, a low pressure system was off the coast of New Jersey with 49 of the 50 United States of America having snow on their ground, save Florida. I took breaks from image processing to ponder that the wicked winds would keep wildlife out of sight this day. However, Vince would report that a
Dicksiccel remained at his feeders (for a ninth day). Vince also hosted the very rare Luzuli Bunting in 2012, as did the White's in 2008.
I just feel the silence in the fog!
ReplyDeletewonderful atmosphere, beautiful photos
Bob, brilliant photos as always. I might be mistaken, but those Savannah Sparrows you have in this posting might actually be Vesper Sparrows! The big white eye-rings and white patch behind their checks/ears makes me thing they are Vespers. I might be mistaken though!
ReplyDeleteMuch thanks for your comments Maria and Dwayne.
DeleteDwayne, I have studied the sparrow images in my Sibley Guide to Birds and believe that you may be correct in identifying the sparrow presented as Vesper. What I believe is a telling sign may be in the median coverts. I would certainly like this bird to be a Vesper as it would be a lifer. Additional feedback and opinion would be greatly appreciated. The bird was unfortunately seen at about 60 feet.
Since no one bothered to reply, I sent a request to Steven Tucker, AKA Seagull Steve for additional confirmation of the Vesper Sparrow. Seagull Steve is certain the bird in question is Vesper Sparrow. Thank you Dwayne and Steve.
Delete