Road Less Traveled…Continued

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

As the flooding on Red River continues it creates plenty of new areas for large shore birds like the Great Egret to spend the day hunting.
These birds are a little smaller than the Herons…being pure white in color and easily spotted.
During breeding season they have a noticeable patch of lime green coloration from the eyes to the bill…later in the season this green will turn white once again.
We humans don’t appreciate the flooding but all the shore birds and waders certainly do and take advantage of their new found ponds.

Road Less Traveled

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

The purpose of the trip was Peregrine related…but needed to simple stop because the over land flooding continues.
Normally a busy section of road with vehicles traveling back and forth… Pelicans and a Great Blue Heron had replaced the traffic on this day.

I’m sure it will be some time before it’s again open.

Of course I managed to get closer to the Heron and Pelicans…but that’s for another day.

Unexpected Fly-By

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Another member of the Falcon Family…American Kestrel’s perhaps not as common as the larger Merlin’s.
They have two very noticeable black vertical stripes on the side of their faces. Unlike Merlin’s who use abandoned crows nest the Kestrel is a cavity nester and will use old Woodpecker holes or openings in manmade structures.
Kestrels are often seen along country roads…taking advantage of telephone/hydro lines to perch on and hunt from.
They tend to hover when hunting and take their prey on the ground…which consists of insects, mice and small birds.

So if you’re out for a drive in the country keep an eye for one of these small Falcons.