open beak – Page 7

April 19, 2010January 14, 2013

American Avocet With Food (Photo of the week)

I photographed this american avocet at first light, just as the sun was peeking over the eastern horizon. Like most avocets this time of year, this one is in full breeding plumage, with reddish feathers all around its neck and head. In non-breeding plumage, its head and neck match the white of the rest of its body. This avocet had just snatched a food item from the shallow water. They feed either by dunking their entire head into the water, or by skimming their upturned beak across the surface of the water.

Early morning is a great time to photograph wetland birds as the water is usually very still, and the birds tend to be very active with morning feeding. Also, with the still water and low sun angle, reflection shots are possible.

Here are a few more photos from the same morning of this and other avocets.

American Avocet With Open Beak — An American Avocet opens its beak to call as it feeds in early morning

American Avocet With Grass — An American Avocet is reflected in a shallow pool, a blade of grass decends from its beak

February 1, 2010January 14, 2013

The Great Egret (Photo of the week)

A great egret calls out with an open beak

One of the largest, most majestic and ubiquitous birds around my house year round is the Great Egret. A short walk along the bay will usually yield at least one sighting, no matter the time of year. As captivating as this bird is because of its sheer size, it becomes even more interesting when observing its behavior. Whether fishing, preening, flying, or just poking around in the mud with its smaller Snowy Egret cousins, the Great Egret seems intent on whatever it is doing.

Both photos presented here are of the same egret on the same day. The shot below was taken just after a stiff wind had ruffled the bird’s feathers. To settle its feathers back in place, it began to shake its entire body back and forth like a wet dog. Captured mid-shake, it looks more like an overgrown chick than its usual stately self.

A great egret shakes its body, fluffing its feathers as it prepares to preen

December 29, 2009January 14, 2013

An Ornery Curlew (Photo of the week)

A long-billed curlew snaps at a gull, chasing it away

Most of the time, many different avian species coexist in relative harmony, going about their business while generally ignoring one another. However, as this week’s photo can attest, there is occasionally some friction. I’m not sure what caused this curlew to snap at the gull, but there was quite a flurry of activity before the gull was chased off. It wasn’t until I reviewed the photos later that I saw the curlew defending his territory.