Sunday, February 20, 2011

"Ring"-ing in the New Year

When: December 30 and 31st 2010
Where: Washington DC/ Alexandria, VA

Well, here's a tale to be told! We were nearing the last days of 2010...a year that went by as fast as a frightened Mourning Dove!

On the 30th, we went out to a state park (I'm sorry to say I do not remember the name...) where I saw my first Winter Wren. It was a really neat find; I was so excited! I had waited on the boardwalk (going through a small marsh) for a while, knowing that usually if you wait long enough in one spot, you're bound to find something. Suddenly, I heard a loud song and that tiny wren jumped onto the boardwalk, within feet of me! Didn't get a picture of that, but a few minutes later I got this parting shot:


Nothing much after that (the usual Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese, American Black Ducks, Chickadees...) but I did spot a few Bald Eagles waaay out on the ice. Overall it was a nice day, a beautiful sunset and great to get outside!

* * * * * * * *

Suddenly, it was the last day of the year. How time flew! (No pun intended, folks.) Anyways, by chance we found this great spot on the Potomac to watch the gulls... and when I say 'Great spot', I mean it. These guys were everywhere and really cooperative subjects! The lighting was beautiful and they were really active. Gulls are my favourite birds to photograph, hands down. They're charismatic, energetic, and "plain but beautiful". (Why yes, I am one of those crazy 'gull people'. Woo hoo! ) There were a few species: Ring-billed Gulls, Mallards, and Greater-black Backed Gulls. I think I also saw a Herring Gull or two. Now, enough talk...let's see some photos!

This immature Black-backed Gull looks needy...

An example of a beautiful Ring-billed Gull in this sunset lighting...

Look at the detail in this guy's eye!

Time to fly...

Is it Dracula, or a "Bat"-backed Gull? (Haha....)

Oh no! Where have your feet gone, good sir?

Pinecones are rather tasty! Or so this Ring-billed Gull thinks...

I absolutely love this photo...

Boys will be boys...

This is MY bread! Do you hear me??

Uh-oh, this adult Black-backed wants the bread...

MY BREAD!


Geez! The Black-backed's are angry tonight!


And it turns out, in the commotion, a little Ring-Billed Gull gets the bread...



Well, if that's not a great way to "ring" in the new year...than I don't know what is! :)

Peace always, **
** Kristina


**Remember to comment if you liked this post!
Thank you so much.**

2 comments:

Dave said...

That's a great series of shots Kristina! I'll make to sure mention that you're back from bloggers block this week!

Kristina said...

Thank you so much, Dave! :-)