We were welcomed to the Refuge by Judy, a volunteer, who was personable, bubby even, and seemed to know much about the birds et al. She also carried her camera in case she got a moment to take photos of her charges. She gave us the requisite pamphlets and let us loose.
Birds of a different feather gathered at the Beach Park alongside the Refuge.
It must have been 85F out there today, so Im not sure how these folks can just sit and face the sun for hours. And yes, they were there for at least the two hours we were!
We were soon joined at the Refuge by other 'old' people, most of whom were from northern cold climes. One couple where Quebequoise (sp?)(from Montreal) and spoke to me in French. Fortunately it wasn't too complicated a conversation and I was able to reply in kind.
We walked alongside another couple escaping the snow and ice in Dallas, Tx...yes!!!! and they were not sure they wanted to return there next week, after Christmas.
Anyway, this is all about the gorgeous birds.
We have met this Yellow Crested Night Heron before. He is one of the birds we called The Night Stalkers, back in Houston. We used to watch him and the other night birds feeding under the bridge in the Marina there.
These are BIG birds!
The gorgeous Grey Heron...That too is a big (tall ) bird. What stunning plumage!
The American Kestrel
Love this little Barn Owl
...and this tiny Screech Owl. This one is called Luna. It will never be returned to the wild because it will be easy prey for larger predators, which is probably why it was tossed out of the nest in the first place. It is full sized now, and is approx. the size of two oranges.
This juvenile Frigate Bird was brought in two days ago, and was shaking like a leaf. Probably traumatized. It will lose much of it's white coloring as it ages.
I think these Pelican are so regal.
This poor crane was born with a brooked/crossed over beak, but it managed to feed itself just fine!
Another Grey Heron...sitting in a tree looking on at all the life below him.
The brown at the back of their necks is stunning. It looks like fur.
Great Snowy Egrets
This Grey Heron has two young in it's nest. One is larger than the other and quite a bully. Waz has photos of them on his camera, so I will have to post those when we download them. This is on a 50ft pole in the grounds of the refuge.
At the Refuge we met Carol. She approached us to ask if we were the 'Loopers'. I guess she had overhead us talking to Judy, earlier. Carol volunteers at the refuge.
We had quite a long conversation and heard all about her 'Loop' with her husband, how they sold their Grand Banks 41ft and are in the process of buying a 51ft Carver. Her hubby got tired of Trawlers and going slow, so they are now investing (I didn't say that, right?) in a faster boat. They are driving to Baltimore on Boxing Day to pick the boat up and bring her back down the ICW.
Carol has invited us (in advance) to have dinner with her and her husband when they return, so we can talk about boats and the Loop! We look forward to that.
Seriously, boating people really are the best! A bit like doggy people:)
Speaking of which...while on our tiki-tour of the houses today, I had to stop and greet a 4 month old black and tan Dachshund pup called Junior. She was SOOOO cute, I could have eaten her up. I had lots of licks and hugs and her owner told me where to get another one....NO!!!! I will not! Don't worry Mother, Im just enjoying everyone else's pups!:)
Her owner also said that I could come by any time and enjoy her!:) See...doggy people are the best!:)
Houses...
Well, not much to say, other than we found some lovely ones in canal lots...and lots of vacant ones too...and someone who told us his house would be on the market next year, and told us where to go and look at it. We did, but we like the vacant lot next door which is for sale for just over a million! aieeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Well, it is a corner lot with gorgeous views...and some resident palm trees. What more could you want? a Tent?
More on that tomorrow, with pics. My dear husband is snoring again...it seems that every time I go to write the blog, Waz lies down next to me and goes to sleep! hmmmm!:)
Well, Looks like I need to put this to bed for the night. We had our walk this evening, but it was a little chilly.
Ciao for now...more on houses tomorrow!
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