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| Shoebill |
Don't you love that bill? I wish I could say I was in a freshwater swamp in Africa photographing this bird but I saved a lot of money by seeing it at the San Diego Safari Park. This 5 ft tall bird is really impressive! It stood motionlessly while we watched it hunt for its next meal - fish, frog snake or perhaps, baby crocodile.
When we decided to go to the Safari Park, birding was the last thing on my mind so I left my binoculars at home. MISTAKE!
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| African Pygmy Goose |
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| Ross's Turaco |
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| White-headed Buffalo Weaver |
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| Fairy Bluebird |
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| Emerald Starling |
Walking through the aviary filled with huge plants and trees, I found myself pretending to be in an exotic location searching for birds. The park, itself, is a nature sanctuary. Native plants and trees line the paths between natural open habitats for the animals.
Huge African animals roam in inviting open landscapes. I quickly realized that resident and migrating birds must find this sanctuary appealing, too!
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| Northern Shoveler, Common Gallinule |
As I looked more closely, I started to see some familiar birds hanging out with birds and animals from distant lands! Trust me, I "kicked" myself more than once for leaving my binoculars at home! Next time, they will be around my neck where they belong!
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| American Wigeon |
I don't often travel to chase down a bird but the Eurasian Wigeon was "calling" me. We have plenty of beautiful American Wigeons that visit Lake Hemet but a visit from a Eurasian Wigeon is quite special! We traveled to San Elijo Lagoon in San Diego to find a lone Eurasian Wigeon amidst 100-200 American Wigeons. Of course, I was prepared. I had binoculars and camera. Luck was on our side. We spotted a beautiful male Eurasian Wigeon at the edge of the marsh grass but my camera would not take a photo! UGH!!! You can imagine my frustration as this beautiful "life" bird disappeared from sight!
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Eurasian Wigeon with American Wigeon
Eurasian Wigeon |
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So how do I have a photo? My friend, Hal spotted another rare Eurasian Wigeon near his desert home in Borrego Springs this week. Coincidentally, he sent me his photo without knowing that I couldn't document the one that we found. Thanks for sharing your photo, Hal!
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| Lewis's Woodpecker |
Finally, one of the best birding expeditions this past month was with my little birding buddy. We went to Lake Hemet to see the Lewis's Woodpecker. We found it and as he looked through the scope for a close look, he exclaimed "It is beautiful!" Priceless!!!
While writing this blog, I found a great article on the Shoebill on the national Audubon site. Check it out!
http://www.audubon.org/news/the-shoebill-or-most-terrifying-bird-world
Photos and content by Robin Roberts.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Finally, one of the best birding expeditions this past month was with my little birding buddy. We went to Lake Hemet to see the Lewis's Woodpecker. We found it and as he looked through the scope for a close look, he exclaimed "It is beautiful!" Priceless!!!
