Pelican

It should come as no surprise there are many fine photographers out there.  That I rely on them to provide quality pictures of the subjects of my blog is also apparent.  I am fortunate, and I know it.  I cannot match their skill, and I’ve tried. 

The above photograph is of a White Pelican by Dr. Spencer Moore.  You should visit his website.  You will undoubtedly find many excellent photographs and a variety of subjects.

Of the two species of pelicans in North America, the White Pelican is the farther ranging.  When you go to the coast, you expect to see Browns.  Yet, be ready; a White could grace your sky or water far inland.

I am fascinated by the difference in the feeding habits of the two species.  The Brown typically dives after its prey.  It is so light, its bones so hollow that it must dive to penetrate the surface of the water in pursuit of its prey.  However, the Whites feed by herding their food and dipping their gular sacs into the water in a bobbing fashion.  It strikes me as a more genteel approach to dining.

Equally fascinating to me is the wingspan of White Pelicans.  It is huge, 8 to 9 ½ feet.  Contrast that with the wingspan of a Bald Eagle which ranges from 7 to 8 feet.

King of the East

The Eastern Kingbird has long been a favorite of mine.  What would one expect?  After all, kingbird is part of the name of my company, although the Eastern Kingbird is not the logo bird. 

Yet, having said that, this species still captures my attention.  You will find it from the east coast into the Rockies.  Maybe, its name is a little misleading.  Or not.  Its cousin the Western Kingbird is expected from the Pacific coast to the middle of the country.  BTW, the Western kingbird is the logo bird.

Actually, flycatchers as a group are fascinating because of their behavior.  Typically, you will find them perched waiting.  All of the sudden, they dart out a short distance, capture some aerial insect and head right back where they were perched.

The Eastern has wonderful coloration for being black and white.  Noticeable is the tail which seems to be as if it were barely dipped in white paint.  Even more curious to me, at least, is the outer edge of its feathers.  It would appear as if someone took a small paintbrush and lined the edge with a small amount of white paint.

And if you are going to be a king, you need a crown, and this one has one, although you hardly ever see it.

High Island Highlights

We headed to High Island and Anahuac this past weekend.  It took all day to get this bird, our first warbler of the day—our only warbler of the day.  Don’t feel sorry for us; we had 109 species by the end of the day with everywhere we had been.  But when you get to Boy Scouts Woods and the drip you expect more.

This Prothonotary Warbler, like the rest of his species, is fond of water.  Find sluggish or stagnant water and you have found Prothonotary habitat.  Look low, close to the water.  You won’t get warbler neck with this one.  They are also cavity nesters.  That surprises me.  I did not know that until recently.

This bird has special significance for me as it was the first warbler to which I was introduced.  I’m guessing that this one may have cause many a beginning birder to really catch the birding spirit.

 

Hummer Happiness

Droll Yankees Window Hummer 3

Hummingbird migration has been ongoing for some time now.  However, it, as is all of spring migration, is at its peak.  Yet, I still have people asking when to put out feeders.  Or they are remarking that they've yet to do so.  No matter, it is still time, for the little dynamos are always looking for a feeding station.  So, go ahead and open your "restaurant".  You'll be happy you did! (So, will the birds.)

Kingbirdfeeders.com has four different selections of hummingbird feeders. Learn more.

Too Black and White to Ignore

Photograph by Bill Ravenscroft

Warblers are a sure sign of spring migration.  These will put a smile on your face or nothing will.  Enjoy but watch out for warbler neck.