Monday, July 07, 2008

skeeter swamp

Two weeks ago, I set out to photograph egrets, and observed that they are amazingly shy. While trying to sneak up on these reclusive birds, I fed a horde of mosquitos. I'm still having nightmares about it. Braving those itchy memories, I fetched these pics for you.

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The first shot is their local hangout. This discovery was made after a fishing expedition at a bigger pond with walkable turf. I found that it has this appendage which is less accessible. I don't know the scientific name, and if there are any naturalists or park rangers reading this, forgive me. But I must describe this spot as dense mosquitoville. I was attempting to get a closer view of our bird, but even with all that tallgrass hiding my zoom lens, whitey flew the coop.

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The next frame is a different shot, zoomed and cropped to the max, so you can see the bird a little better. This is one of the most rewarding photos after trying for months to get a photo. They stand there so pretty, and when they fly, their wings are so big, they glide effortlessly. Their curved neck is their signature as they soar.

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While craning my own neck, trying to get pictures of the herons (egrets), some ducks flew past me. I tried to act fast, and this is what I got. Is there anything on this earth that looks clumsier than a duck landing? If you could translate duck language, what do you think their quacking is saying, as they drop into the water? "Get outta the way; I'm gonna crash!" or "GERONIMOOOO..."

10 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

These are wonderful. I enjoyed your story of trying to get to this majestic bird. My own love affair with nature has me feeling a little nervous when these things happen. Of course, the mosquitoes keep it real. Thanks for sharing this, and thanks for your kind comment on my blog.

Anonymous said...

good job...but,
i feel itchy just thinking about it.

Anonymous said...

HAHAA, funny to read! Being attacked by mosquitoes was worth it :)

Ted M. Gossard said...

Beatuiful photo of that Egret, Craver. Truly amazing, birds like that. Lovely to see in person. I've seen a bird like that, before, something similar, anyhow.

lime said...

you are most brave in your self sacrifice to bring us that one picture in particlar. now here is some anti itch cream. thanks:)

Craver Vii said...

Congratulations Sandy on being highlighted on the Sunday Roast. About your comment above, "nervous?" Why?

Speaking of "itchy" NaNcY, I get real paranoid about tiny bugs getting in my hair, so I never lay down on the grass without a blanket. And a few times after mowing the lawn, I had to come in and take a shower... mainly because I felt absolutely certain that all the tiny buggers launched themselves into my hair, and were having a field day. If I see someone else scratch their head, my own gets itchy. I'm such a goof like that.

Yes Anonymous, and not just mosquitoes, but all them hair-jumping things... real or imagined. Anyway, I'm glad I did it.

Ted (or should I say "Gramps"), I knew I wanted to take their picture the very first time I saw one fly overhead. I realize these ain't exactly National Geographic material, but it's gratifying to capture these photos anyway.

It's not working Lime. I ate the whole tube of anti-itch cream, and now my stomach AND skin are irritated.

Shammickite said...

You mean you don't use the word "whilst" in your everyday conversation???
I'm shocked.
For example: I tried to sneak up on the egret WHILST being eaten by mosquitoes.

L.L. Barkat said...

Egrets. So beautiful.

(So you are adding bird watching to fishing, as a pastime?)

Craver Vii said...

All the time, Shammy! I love using that word. I rarely write it, but it's fun to say, especially when punctuated with a stronger-than-usual enunciation. Yes, I'm weird that way... I know.

You know LL, I could easily imagine the Mrs. and me going out birdwatching, especially when our kids are grown. Right now, we're in the "These dishes aren't going to wash themselves," and "Didn't I tell you this would happen if you don't walk the dog" phase.

dot said...

You are so funny! Enjoyed the post.