Rachelle Vance's photostream  

I spotted these on a chilly day in January @ Fort De Soto. There were only two and they stayed together and usually close to all the other shore birds there. I watched and waited for about an
hour and they never ventured away from the group. I was lucky to get these "action" shots, it sure seemed like for 55 minutes of the hour, they kept their bills tucked in and eyes closed. Only when a pass-er-by walked along the shoreline, did they move around a little.

Both species of dowitcher are easily recognized by virtue of their long straight bills, which they use to probe the mud and may immerse completely. Both pump their bills vertically up and down in the manner of a sewing machine. These gray, chunky, medium-sized waders possess yellowish-green legs and, in flight, display a prominent white patch on the back.

~as I made my way down the mountain on a recent trip to upstate NY, the temp was single digits, and the sun hadn't creeped up over the horizon yet. I pulled my car over just as the blue dawn sky was brightening up - it was pink and purple everywhere- just glowing against the light coat of snow. the view was fantastic! this is how i will remember the trip. I always say . . . i love to come here and I love to go. I do love to travel, and I do love coming back home.

~ There were quite a few Black-Crowned Night Herons out in the open @ the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, repair, and hopefully release of rehabilitated sick and injured wild birds. The birds that are not able to survive in the wild, after treatment, are given a permanent home here. The non-profit Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary was founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph Heath Jr. and is home to over 600 resident and recuperating wild birds.

18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL

www.suncoastseabirdsanctuary.com

Also, I have a friend who is new on flickr and new to photography ~ I recommended she join flickr for the friendship, inspiration, art and just plain fun of it! If you have a moment, check out her page and leave some love ♥♥
www.flickr.com/photos/74882919@N03/6738969989/