Lately, I've had mittens on my mind.
I think this Shepherd's Bush kit is calling my name...
I hope you are bundled up and ready to continue our Wetland's Walk.
Egrets are such cool birds - lovely in flight...
..and painting-worthy on the ground.
The Delta Ponds appear to be a wonderful place for these large (39") fishermen.
Egrets are wading birds and are patient in their pursuit of a fishy dinner.
We were fortunate to be able to observe them in flight and on the ground.
This copse of yellow willow served to brighten our walk.
Here is a Bufflehead, a terrible name for an attractive small duck. This guy was the speed boat of the ducks - cruising along at a rapid speed, then diving for dinner.
And this is a Northern Shoveler. A duck only a mother could love! Smaller than the Mallards, it too is a dabbling duck.
The large broad bill is characteristic on both males and females.
A patch of Snowberries.
This bird has the worst name yet - an American Coot.
I think it is rather handsome with its charcoal gray body, black head, and ivory beak.
Some of the shrubs along the shore line were already budding.
I saved the best, or the biggest anyway for last.
Everywhere we turned there were Great Blue Herons.
They stand 4 feet tall and have a wing span of 6 feet!
While they are fishing birds, Herons will eat anything they can spear with their beak, including rodents.
As we returned to our car, this Heron patiently posed for us.
He allowed us to get closer...
..and closer still!
Thank you - you are well-named. You are a Great Blue Heron!
Love the mittens and the SB pattern. Been enjoying the walks too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful walk through the wetlands! Love that oh so cute mitten garland. I do believe you're right, I can hear that the Shepherd's Bush design calling "Beth, oh B-e-t-h, get your needle ready!"
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful walk...I sure enjoyed myself! I took a cruise in the Sacramento Delta last year with my sil...how wonderful it was to see all those large birds. We occasionally get an egret or two in the spring here...they are beautiful birds!That blue heron is awesome too! happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteI loved the walk! We are hoping to get out and see some birds this week-end. Sat. looks like it might work!
ReplyDeleteThe egrets and the Great Blue Herons--wow, just gorgeous. I remember it was a real treat to see the Herons back when I was growing up on Orcas Island. The weather has been good for walking of late, hasn't it? We've done some walks, too, and enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I loves me some mittens. :)
ReplyDeleteThat walk doesn't look too cold - from over here anyway.
Herons must be the most patient of birds.
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