Into the Darkness

Of the many red nosed lies told, none--surely--were so bold as to deserve such a beak: so red, so prominent. The sideways monument to the Washington Monument is an ocean kayak that has made beach in a bird's head. All manner of absurdity abounds in the explanation. As we are free to be jealous of the gorgeous bird, so are we free to mockup its reason-for-being.

Maybe the beak is an anchor, meant to keep the Kingfisher grounded (all salt of the earth and such). Maybe the beak is simply a beacon that will soon activate--freeing animal kind from its bounds.

Taken: 03/11/2011 in Bharatpur National Park, India. This White Breasted Kingfisher was one of the day's last sights, as dusk was siphoning light from my lens. Crouching behind a bench and with the eager support  from the whole group to "get him" I did my best to capture the majestic little bird. The majesty, like with so many birds, is not wholly obvious to the creature itself. He posed long enough for us to shy onto him, confirm that we got a good picture, and discuss his coat. Then he was into the darkness, hoping his red beak would guide him.

On the Out

Swallow resume: Will fly for bugs; won't pose for photographs. Full stop... never.

Taken: 07/27/2011 in Park City, UT. Swallows were everywhere at the lake, but the only thing harder than ignoring their flits in and out was capturing their flits in and out. They are magnificent and fast. Not interchangeably.

Not Obsessed

The pelican patrols his domain. Aware and unaware of the awesome travails to come. Metaphor not met before. His pet troll tame 'neath the waters, not disturbing a soul. And he is hardy. Hardly flapping. Not flappable.

Taken: 07/12/2011 in Monterey Bay, CA. To and from the Aquarium the fellas kept me company. Sometimes one by one, sometimes in a string. It was impossible not to be awed by them. Even in their silent rauc, they were majestic.

Run Amuck

The sweeping birds of the ground have taken to the trees. These peafowl found their legs in the arms of the tree.

Taken: 03/12/11 at Sunrise in Keoladeo Ghana National Park. We had just gotten to the park with our guide and were still waiting for the bicycle shed to open up. But these peafowl were already up in the trees ready to clamor us along.

The Bread Belongs

"Remember, Crow sang his song and gave long into the hunger when Fox preyed upon his.... oh never mind, this is my breadcheese, shoo!"



Taken: 05/06/2010 in Brooklyn, NY. On a warm day these starlings, and some others, fought for this "grilled""cheese." I wonder if the fighting subsided after I whispered "saturated fats."

Existence in

Question.

Pondering the very varied versions of reality, a junco conjures confessing confusion.

Taken: 01/30/2011 in Wassaic, NY.

Known and Unkown

It is never known how events will unfold. It is not unknown, however, whether sunflowers ever unfold. One can always trust in the 5th law: sunflowers, when sickened by the sun yearn, prostrating, for the earth. Aid comes in the form of a shrill mock.

Taken: 10/31/2010 in Brooklyn, NY. This little mockingbird decided to visit our compost garden and keep us company while keeping a careful eye out for any slipups. Were we to attempt the uncompostable, it would let loose its barrage of insults and baloney.

In Search of

There is no I in DuckTeam.

Putting on a Show

Two geese warm up an audience that isn't afraid to get its feet wet. The real show, they promise, is just around the corner. Just beyond the curb. A curious passerby might wonder where they hide all the stage props. A smart one will just enjoy the show.

Taken: 04/03/2010 in Waltham, MA not too far from the old Watch Factory. While some learn their hand at their native tongue, others raucous about with their time. There were more fowl on the day, and even a turtle. This bench, was so asking to be photographed--even more than the geese.

Heron Gets What Heron Sees

The Heron Oversight Committee is here to make sure of everything, all the time, everywhere.


Taken: 09/03/2010 at Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY. The heron was about 100 yards away perched very carefully and gracefully on a branch. He paid us no mind and let us be.

Can't See

Swallows move swiftly through the raindrops hunting the little gnats and flies that soak the air above our heads. They dart quickly and effortlessly. I can't see what they're eating, but I can see that they're happy for the meal.

Taken: 08/23/2010 in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY. It was dusk and the swallows were out hunting for gnats and things. They were very quick and changed course without hesitation. This was my first shooting with the 70-200 2.8L and it proved itself immediately. Nothing else would have captured these little guys (well maybe an equally fast prime...).

Taking Flight

Starling on H

IMG_0278.jpg, originally uploaded by twelveicat.

Proud To Be An American!

I'm keepin' an Eye on things from up here.
These buds need a shepherd and I am that pig!
My bird brain has 'fused some metaphors.
--
We all live and die, but not all of us are starlings.

Pita Gull

Do you ever feel that life is getting away from you? This gull certainly did. Well it wasn't life, but it was a big chunk of pita. The pita kept getting away and the gull chased after it--lunging, lurching and hopping.

While the poetry of a bird chasing a Middle Eastern flatbread on a frozen lake completely escapes me, the efforts still need to be lauded.