Went to the bank this morning, then took a side trip down to Palafox Pier.
Met this handsome youngster. It looks like he’s quite pleased with himself, as his breeding colors start to show. The yellow head and topknot will get darker, the red on his beak will brighten, and that magnificent hook at the end of his beak will become bright, bright chartreuse.
Hope he finds a cute girlfriend!
But these two Willets didn’t seem to mind. They were happy to be dabbling for whatever’s in the sand just as the waves receed. Still, sometimes … they do walk funny.
The Gulf waters are much clearer and prettier than they were six days ago – the last time I was out here.
… Great Blue Heron with an interesting pattern of shadows on his back. This young guy was just hanging out near the bike trail Monday.
It’s interesting that during this time of year the bird populations worth watching are the Pelicans and GBHs. The Great Blues are especially visible because they’re more out in the open. When the Ospreys return, they’ll be driven back into the trees that are deeper in the forest and away from the roads and trails.
After all that mess that came through yesterday, it was a perfect day today out at Fort Pickens. I sat on the beach for a while and just watched the waves. Then this guy came by, and soared over the foam before landing on the beach no more than 50 feet away.
Out cruisin’ around town on the bike. Beautiful day. The Brown Pelicans are beginning to show their breeding colors – like this guy I encountered at the foot of Palafox.
By the time I got to Turtle Bridge, I was sweating like it was the middle of summer. This weather is weird! But I’m going to enjoy it while I can.
Jim McDade, Photographer 