Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Wild Bird Wednesday - Shore Birds

I figured it was time to represent California in the shore birds category since I haven't paid them much attention until now.  I had to take most of these from quite a distance due to trails near breeding areas being blocked off so the quality isn't quite as good, but even a fuzzy photo of a baby bird is still cute!








A little bit closer...but I like the first shot with the reflection in it better.




The babies look like cotton balls on chopsticks!




There were two of them following the adults around and keeping right up with the feeding behavior.




American Avocet in the same pond.




The rusty head is breeding plumage.




These birds very actively plunge their entire beak into the water and then swing their heads from side to side like they are sweeping the floor and they move fast so I was lucky to get shots with their heads above water.




Looks like that breeding plumage is working - there's a nest going!








...felt like he needed a close-up.




American White Pelican grabbing a snack...




...GULP!




And a quick drink to wash it down.








Female Mallard Duck...teaching the baby to blow bubbles...




Looks like he's getting it right!




The perfect picture to end on...because who doesn't love a fuzzy baby duckling?!




KJ

14 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Awesome variety of shorebirds. I love the cute stilt chick. The baby birds are adorable. Great post. Enjoy your day!

TexWisGirl said...

wonderful stilt shots! so funny - i describe killdeer babies as 'striped cotton balls on toothpicks' so yours on chopsticks are spot on! :)

love the gbhs, too!

FAB said...

Fabulous series of shots.

mick said...

A great series of photos of the shorebirds. The young ones are so cute.

Adam Jones said...

The Stilts are fabulous

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Fantastic shots of the Stilts

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Love the stilts and especially the avocets! Great birding spot.

Phil Slade said...

I like all of those pictures but especially the skimmers in a line. We don't have skimmers here in the UK so it's good to see your pictures.

NatureFootstep said...

the stilt and the avocet are in my top ten favorite birds. I adore them. And such a cute little one :)

Lea said...

Beautiful adult birds, and the babies are so cute!

A Colorful World said...

Great shore bird photos! Loved them all, but seeing that baby stilt just made my day!!!

Janice said...

Love the shots and commentary, cotton balls on chop sticks. LOL

Neil said...

Great photos of the shorebirds.

EG CameraGirl said...

I especially like the stilts!!