Closing pictures for 2011

The Lionel Derouen Road area not far from Cameron-Prairie NWR is a great place for Sandhill Cranes. Their red foreheads and white cheeks were prominent as they foraged through the fields in incredible numbers. You couldn't miss hearing their loud, rattling call that carries far and wide.

Water sprayed in the air as the puddle ducks slapped the water with their wings launching themselves in the air at Pintail Loop.

A slender, agile Merlin was perched on a limb watching for a meal.

A striking Vermilion Flycatcher with his vivid red color and contrasting black eyestripe was perched on a limb watching for 'fly-bys' when he gave us a backward glance. This little 'Coal of Fire' is nothing less than spectacular to see and is certainly one of my all-time favorite birds.

A male American Kestrel was perched on the Cameron Prairie NWR sign at Pintail Loop clutching a freshly caught Savannah Sparrow in his talons. He grew nervous and after a minute and flew off with his catch to dine in privacy.

A Ross's Goose posed for a picture.

A majestic Brown Pelican, our state bird, is always a pleasure to see.

The Sandhill Cranes with their outstretched necks and long legs trailing behind them flew off as the day came to an end. It was if they were saying, "Goodbye 2011" and see you next year.

American Kestrel

Who likes the small colorful American Kestrel aka 'Sparrow Hawk'?

This little girl was hovering in the air by rapidly beating her wings while scanning the field below for prey.

Left-Click to Enlarge Images.

She dove down, plucked a grasshopper from the field, flew up and lit on a nearby utility wire.

She transferred the grasshopper to her left claw and inspected it closely. Are all Birds of Prey ambidextrous?

The two black spots on each side of the nape of her neck are interesting. It is theorized they serve as a false set of eyes to help serve as protection from potential attackers.

Down the hatch!

This cute little speedster also hunts by perching. She was interested in something below as she stretched out to get a better look.

It was delightful watching this American Kestrel go about her merry way. She remained on her elevated perch watching intently for prey below as I drove away. What a wonderful way to end the day!

Burrowing Owl

Hat's off to Devin Bosler and Justin Bosler for finding a rare, review list Burrowing Owl at Hackberry Ridge and for generously sharing their find for all Labirders to see! They are on a serious roll with Owls lately with the Long-Eared Owl, Burrowing and Short-Eared Owl.

This little guy with his big bright yellow eyes, white eyebrows and long legs is an amazing bird.

All this little guy needs is a clump of grass in order to blend in with his surroundings.

Left-Click to Enlarge Images

This stately small Owl is quite a sight to see.

He kept a sharp eye on the Hawks as they passed overhead.

He never once let them out of his sight.

Even if the Hawks flew directly overhead he was on them.

He kept an eye on us as well. It was cool the way his pupils dialated different sizes in accordance with the shade and the position to the sun.

This little fellow really knows how to use the surroundings to camouflage himself.

I hope you enjoyed viewing these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Thanks again Devin and Justin. :)

Say's Phoebe

I made a run to Pintail Loop at Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Saturday before the LSU / Georgia game for my third and fortunately final attempt to locate the Say's Phoebe. It was discovered on November 18, 2011 by Paul Suchanek.

I immediately spotted it sitting atop a tall clump of grass overlooking the dry marsh grass not far from the east end of the boardwalk It was exciting to finally see this rare vistior to Louisiana!

Left-Click to Enlarge Pictures

 

After a short while in the marsh grass area he flew west and landed on the boardwalk.

Assuming its elevated position, he periodically peered over the edge of the boardwalk looking for something to eat.

He quickly launched from the boardwalk in typical flycatcher fashion once he spotted prey below.

If he didn't manage to catch his prey in mid-air, he would either fly back to the boardwalk or land on the ground hoping to locate his quary.

It was a great day seeing this Review List bird and getting back home in time to watch LSU turn up the heat in the second half to beat Georgia and to continue their impressive, undefeated season. Go TIGERS!