My first trip to a rookery.........

[Markjay]

I found myself at a rookery for the first time yesterday. Trip did not start off well... there was a three car pileup on I-75 on the OTHER side of the highway and, ofcourse everyone on my side, had to look. Bumper to bumper traffic :uhoh
Not a good omen.

The rookery was not as active as I had expected it to be, might have been too nice a day for them to hang around a rookery, it was perfect weather!! Adding to my lack of success for the day, I didn't get out of bed till 10 am, I was hoping to get TO the rookery no later than 9 am. Oh well, next time!

I'll post just a few shots from the day.... I think I can do better next time.

http://winkphotoworks.smugmug.com/photos/21519815-M.jpg

http://winkphotoworks.smugmug.com/photos/21498847-M.jpg

And then, to top off my day, THIS guy (I've named him Jack) showed up at my doorstep to show he's there to protect the wildlife. The alligator was at the foot of the rookery clearance..... and stayed there most of the day.
I had to keep one eye in the viewfinder and one eye on him!!! This was no small matter / gator... estimated size at about 8-9 feet long.

http://winkphotoworks.smugmug.com/photos/21519977-M.jpg

[bfjr]

The signs were telling ya to go back to bed, but you hung in there. Didn't get in an accident, didn't get eaten by Mr. Gator and you got a rookery!! :clap

No kidding I haven't had any luck around here finding one if there is one?? :dunno

Every bird around here looks lonely, maybe since it's ya know "California" they live alternate life styles!! :lol4

Show us more when you get a chance :thumb

[ginger_55]

Not bad shots, considering your travails. And Jack, :rofl .

Maybe they are all in a different place nesting. It is my experience that all birds are nesting right now, or most.

That first shot is great!

g

[Harryb]

Hey Mark,

Whats this bull about "Mr. Sunrise" not getting out of bed until 10 AM?:huh
The best shots at a rookery are in the early AM or dusk. I'm shocked right down to my socks. :D

Birds like to nest by gators because the gators keep other predators away from their nests. The gators get rewarded with the occasional youngster falling or being pushed out of the nest.

Your shots were pretty good especially the heron shot. You have to get back there at a more opportune time.

[Markjay]

Hey, there ARE days my body likes to "sleep in" and, I guess it was one of those!

Whats this bull about "Mr. Sunrise" not getting out of bed until 10 AM?:huh
The best shots at a rookery are in the early AM or dusk. I'm shocked right down to my socks. :D

Duh! :):
You have to get back there at a more opportune time.[/QUOTE]