Piping Plover |
Bunche Beach |
Wilson's Plover |
Piping Plover stands alone on a sand bar |
Black Skimmer |
So I tried to push it more and headed to another birding spot on my list but as I did so, it just rained harder and harder. I parked in the middle of a forested parking lot alone still wet from the downpour on the beach. I love birds. The idea of returning back to my "other" life was difficult. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
I could do more. So much more. But financially I am still somewhat trapped paying for those student loans after all these years. I am itching to be free of those chains so that I can really fly and see more of the world. I am a child again playing in my neighborhood discovering amazing things. My mind is a sponge ready to absorb observation after observation of birds. Watching a Black Skimmer skim over the waters is truly amazing.
Or viewing the Semipalmated Plover among all the other birds on the beach makes me very happy. And I love sharing it with others who love nature. I love sharing it with Pat. I love the random road trips. The crazy birders. Visiting friends I haven't seen in years. And learning. Really really learning about myself, others and of course, the magnificent birds!
Plover love-Wilson's and Piping Plovers on top; middle-Black-bellied, Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover; bottom-Mountain and Snowy Plovers |
I feel from you the enthusiasm of a child in wonder, and love you for it. I felt that in the presence of elephants. Although I did see a couple of very nice plovers as well.
ReplyDeletebeautiful species....congratulations Chris.
ReplyDeletewww.serkanmutan.com
Chris, I love the Plovers too. They are wonderful shorebirds. The Black Skimmers are cool looking birds. Sounds like a wonderful outing, except for the bug bites..Happy Birding!
ReplyDeleteExcellent Post!!
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by the black skimmers since their beaks are 'upside down'...the shorter part in the upper unlike any other bird in the world if I remember correctly.
This is a great post Chris! The photos are wonderful!
ReplyDeletecute bird
ReplyDeleteNice! Plovers are plump little jewels indeed, and with the future of PIPL so uncertain, it's great you got 'em!
ReplyDeleteChris, I so wish that I had gone here when I was in FL. One more place to visit on my list now. I hope we can both go back to this area. I am so glad you went. It was worth the bites!
ReplyDeleteSo I can call you a "Plover Lover" now, huh???? ha.... I don't know anything much at all about sea birds--but when we go to the beach, I always see a bunch of them... From now on, I'll just call them PLOVERS... haha
ReplyDeleteI cannot STAND to get bitten --especially by the no-see-ems... One time we were at the beach and started walking... YIPES---those things were everywhere. I couldn't get outta there quick enough... YUK.....
Congrats on your new birds--even if you did get lots of bites.
Hugs,
Betsy
Great shots, Skimmers are fascinating birds.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shorebirds. I usually walk more in forest areas and I rarely see shorebirds like these.
ReplyDeleteadorable little plovers and funky skimmers, but i loved the light in the 2nd shot you posted. :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice post... your love of birds really shines through! Those Plovers all look the same to me, so impressive that you can identify the different species.
ReplyDeleteWonderful beach bird photos!
ReplyDeletethe shore birds are challenging to 'learn' and I LOVED the Black Skimmer. Your passion will take you where you want to go, as the opportunities prevail; you'll never lose out.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful, reflective post Chris - your love and enthusiasm for nature always shines through your posts.
ReplyDeleteI love the plovers - great photos. I saw my first Ringed Plover of the year last week recently returned :)
Hope the bites heal soon!
HI Chris I also love the Plovers and you got great shots of the little guys.Also great Skimmer shots. Now I think I will have to go to Florida to sea these birds for myself.
ReplyDeleteI so love all these wonderful water birds, Chris. Glad you found so many that you wanted to find! Love the shots! I know it had to be hard to head home.
ReplyDeleteTrapped between the rocks of desire and possibility. Its a hard place to be.
ReplyDeleteHope you find way between the two.
Great story.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Great shots and I am happy that you got to capture what you love. I know the feeling of wanting this life. My camera has totally changed the way I look at life! I hope that your dream can come true!
ReplyDeleteLovely place to go, full of shorebirds, my favourite is the Wilson's Plover, its fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYour prowess never ceases to amaze me, Chris. Another great post.
ReplyDeleteAs a late starter to birdwatching, I find it difficult to tell some species from similar birds, and I just can't store birdsong in my brain either. Shorebirds are confusing to me with their (often greatly) differing summer and winter plumages, and living far from the sea I don't get enough exposure to them. I love to watch them, however!
so glad you were able to find the plover and photograph it. sorry it rained though and all those bites. i can see you swatting off the bites and taking the picture at the same time... hope other endeavors are as lucky for you. have a great day~
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