Okay, I have about nine batches of photos in reserve, and that makes me nervous, so please send in your good wildlife pictures. First up is reader Steven Lawrence, who sent three bird photos:
“Fishing off the dock” (what species of kingfisher is this?):
“Guarding the nest”: great blue heron (Ardea herodias) (I think):
Snowy egret (Egretta thula):
Mark Sturtevant, who usually sends us insect photos, deviated from his usual subject. His notes:
When out with the camera I sometimes notice that birch and aspen trees have old branch scars that look like eyes. They sort of creep me out. Enjoy (?)
Nice pictures and very interesting trees. Megaceryle alcyon I believe for the belted kingfisher. Took some pictures last week I can send along.
Nice shots. The heron reminds me my local nesting area will be active soon.
I see a lot of egrets and blue herons here, but I have never seen a kingfisher of any species.
You’re missing a treat. If you ever find the time you might check eBird to see where & when they’re being reported near you. 🙂
Belted kingfisher: the kind that lives in our bog and fishes there. The herons. I think I’m the only one in the world that dislikes them. But the red-winged blackbirds that nest in the bog hate them more and will not allow them in the bog at all. They mob the herons and raise hell. One heron also tried to steal our chickens but thank goodness they ducked under the car and truck to be safe. I could’ve pulled that heron out of the air, that’s how close it was.
Thanks, Mark. I’ll never look at all our birch the same again! 😉
Sacred Kingfisher?
Nice birds and birch.
I can’t believe I’ve never noticed those birch/aspen eyes! Will certainly be on the lookout and suspect that once I do, I’ll never not see them. 🙂
Very nice shots of very nice birds, Steven!