A Journey into Birdland ..........

Following retirement, I began a hobby of bird photography with a goal to photograph as many birds as I could that reside or have visited in the state of Maryland. For the record, if I didn't photograph it, I didn't see it.

To date, my personal life documented photo gallery consists of 120+ birds. I have a long way to go but it provides me with an objective although probably out of reach. I don't want to turn a passion into work so I limit my time and travel somewhat. There are some serious birders out there so someone may want to start a thread specifically to reflect on one's individual life list, whether or not photographed. If only I was younger .... and rich. With over 8,500 birds in the world, wouldn't it be an overwhelming experience to have seen just half that many ?

Anyway, it's nothing wrong with dreaming ......... In the past week, I was able to photograph a few birds that I didn't have. To some, they may be common and in their "backyard". But, within my world, they were a first.

Here are some photographs taken within the past two weeks.

The first photograph is that of a Black-necked Stilt and a new one to my (photo) list. The location where I photographed it is one of only two nesting sites in the state of Maryland.

#2 is a photo of the Glossy Ibis. I saw quite a few flocks but, unfortunately, the sun was in front of me.

#3 is the Cattle Egret feasting on a frog. It seemed as though the flock was in a frog smorgasbord. This was also a new addition to my gallery.

#4 is the Purple Martin. As many Martin houses that I have seen, none ever had Purple Martins nesting in them. This, too, was a first. There were times when a little head was sticking out of each hole.

A fifth bird that I added to my gallery was the Laughing Gull. I may have two others to add but need positive identification. One is a 'Tern' and the other a 'Rail'.

In my recent travels and/or backyard, I also photographed a number of other birds already in my gallery.

#6 photo is the 'Baltimore Oriole'.

#7 photo is the 'Eastern Bluebird'.

#8 photo is the male 'Eastern Towhee', in my backyard.

This message was edited May 2, 2008 6:55 PM

Thanks, Resin, I will do that when I get finished adding my other photos.

#9 photo is that of the female 'Eastern Towhee', also in my backyard. I only got one photo off but it was a good one.

#10 photo is a 'Brown Thrasher' that was whistling away high up in a treetop.

#11 is my first-of-the-year 'Yellow Warbler'.

#12 is that of a 'Rose-breasted Grosbeak' that was one of two visiting my backyard yesterday.

#13 is the male 'Orchard Oriole' photographed at a local park, last Saturday.

#14 I liked because it is a photo of the 'Greater Yellowlegs' and the 'Lesser Yellowlegs' next to each other.

#15 is a photo of a nesting 'Osprey'.

#16 is a photo of the female (on the left) and the male 'Osprey'.

#17 is the 'Great Egret'.

#18 is the beautiful 'Snowy Egret'.

Lastly, #19, is that of the 'Green Heron'. I took quite a few photos of this Green Heron with different poses. He/she was very accommodating. I saw many more birds but these were the cream of the crop, for me.

Resin, as soon as I locate the other two unidentified photos, I will post them here.

Outstanding pics Linth!

Congratulations on all the new birds to your List.

This is my second try on a message - Is anyone else having trouble lately with postings?


All great shots - love the green heron.

Thanks pelle and sybil ...

Resin, here is a photo that I believe is a 'Rail', i.e. Clapper, King or Virginia.

Here are photos of a Tern taken at different locations.

2nd Tern photo, Resin .......... Thanks !!!

Beautiful Green Heron. They are always an elusive shot for me. It seems that every time I see one it is before sunup and I can't get a sharp pic.

That one's easier . . . Forster's Tern for both pics. Heavy bill with an extensive black tip, pure white underparts, and tail streamers longer than the wingtips count out Common, Arctic and Roseate Terns.

Resin

linthicum, I really enjoyed seeing all of your birds. Someday I hope to have time and money to take up this hoby.

Your Laughing Gull picture had me laughing. It looks like the one gull is laughing at the other one who is not amused. I am sure it is the power of suggestion at work in my brain because of the name but it made me smile.

Thanks, Resin, for your help in identification.

For you 'Green Heron' lovers, here is a close-up of the same Green Heron with his neck extended.

And one more .....

Linth...what an enjoyable journey looking at your photos! They are just great and my very best favorite is the Female Eastern Towhee..what a beauty!! Thanks for posting all of them!

I agree with rose! That photo is stunning!

Zanymuse, you are absolutely right, I was thinking of an appropriate caption for that photo.
The Laughing Gulls are colorful and comical birds. I also took a photo of a pair sitting atop the McDonald's big M .... waiting for handouts.

Thanks, rose and nanny ............. I was lucky with the female Towhee because they seldom stand still very long. And, I see 80% more males than females. I opened our patio door and shot quickly.

LOL!...I mean Ha Ha Ha!!!

I am curious about the name Laughing Gull. Do they make a laugh type noise by any chance?

Yes they do sound like their laughing. :-)

All the pics are excellent. I like the Stilt and the Cattle Egret as my favorites.

Wow! Amazing Photograph's! Oh how I wish I could take a picture of a bird. Well, today I finally was able to get a picture of a Mocker out in the yard but I'd be embarassed to post it on this forum. Such great photographer's here!

Lith, I think my favorite pic is of the Green Heron ... but really, it is hard to choose a favorite! They all are really wonderful!


Zany: Go here and you can hear the sound of the Laughing Gull: http://www.ocean.udel.edu/kiosk/gull.html

We have many laughing gulls in our area.

Thanks! That sound link is great.