Turkey Day

 

Looking up and seeing this many Turkey Vultures overhead is quite disconcerting. Although this is a composite of two shots--this is what it felt like when you looked up and can see from horizon to horizon, Turkey Vultures everywhere. That is what parts of southern Florida in the Keys looked like last week. Maybe locals are used to these views, but for someone from Illinois, it was something to see. 

Caught breakfast....now what?

 

Well, that can be a problem. You caught breakfast. Now, you have to figure out how to eat it. Saw this double-crested cormorant come up with a catch, but couldn't get it off of its bill. After flipping it up and down to no avail, it eventually went underwater and presumably was able to rearrange it to finish breakfast. From Biscayne Bay National Park, my 31st national park. 

Snow Buntings are here!

 

Joined a group doing a bird hike this past weekend and I was able to see two lifers. This one, a Snow Bunting, was a long-sought-after target bird for the winter season.  Beautiful bird. If you want to find one, research their song first as you will likely hear them before you see them. The Ebird app will also point out where they have been seen near you in the past 7 days. They go as far south as maybe the Mason-Dixon line. Happy hunting. 

Coming in for a landing

 

Found a new birding spot that has become a hot spot for Illinois birders at Murihead Springs out in Elgin. These Sandhill Cranes put on a nice display with the watertower behind them. Caught two more lifers at this location but I will save those shots for another post. 

A little Halloween treat

 

I missed taking shots of Stephanie's kids but got a shot of Princess Noah in pink (and her school friend in blue), Fireman Graham and, in the shot below, raptor Eli. Hit about double the houses compared to last year as the kids are starting to get into it a bit more. The weather went from beautiful all fall to a bit of a chill yesterday for the first time this year. Lots of fun in the treating. 

Standing Guard

 

Was able to get up close and personal with a Bald Eagle on my last trip to Florida. Saw this as a silhouette with sunset happing behind the scene. Fun shot. 

London Eye

 

On our day trip around London, we did get the cloudy morning skies to break and give us a brief shot of nice blue skies. About a half hour before, we were briefly rained on but that went away quickly. The break in the clouds gave me a chance to get a nice shot of the London Eye. Never been up there. Maybe on another trip....