Fledging of a Chick

This is the shot of the chick fledging!  I really couldn't believe it.  An amazing site to witness.  It reminded me of the time that I watched the egg hatch at Gatorland in Orlando.  Amazing that I happened to be standing there at the time, and amazing that I had my camera in position.  So glad I got this shot, it really made my day.

Watching the Woodpecker Nest - Addicting!

Another weekend is here, and yes, I had to go back and see if the woodpeckers were there.  Although the best guesses from last weekend were that they would be gone.  I was happy to see that they weren't!

By the time I got there, one chick had already fledged.  We thought there were two left at this point.  Today was fun because they kept poking their little heads out of the hole, so at least you could see them.

Once they fly out of the nest once, they do not come back.  The chances of witnessing this were slim to none and I wasn't counting on it.  I was just happy to get the little heads peeking out.  So cute!

Red Bellied Woodpecker

I did go back this morning, but the chicks did not make an appearance.  I am sure by next weekend they will be gone.  But I got a few more nice shots. 

This shot shows the red color on their belly - Red Bellied Woodpecker.

It's been a lot of fun to watch this nest. 

First Glimpse of a Chick!

I love this shot!   I thought I saw a glimpse of something and when I looked in my camera, sure enough, there was this little chick.  The hole is so far down that we have not seen the chicks yet, so this was a rare sighting.  It also means they are getting ready to leave the nest.  You know what this means, don't you?  Yes, I am going back again tomorrow to see if I can see the chicks again.

Red Bellied Woodpeckers - A Closer Look

As you may have guessed, I had to go back to Green Cay again to check on my woodpeckers.

This time there was a group of photographers gathered on the boardwalk, I guess the word had gotten out. But it's nice to hang with fellow photographers and people that drag themselves out of bed at sunrise to watch some woodpeckers.


I have so many shots now, I thought I'd post some close ups so you can see my feathered friends a little better.  I love their coloring.  And this little guy looked like he'd been through a lot just to bring in that worm.

They go in to drop off the berry or other tasty morsel, and fly back out in just a few seconds.

Addicted to Woodpeckers

If you've seen my earlier posts, you will have seen my Red Bellied Woodpeckers that I "stalked" for two days at Green Cay Wetlands.  How many woodpecker shots do you need?!  I don't care, I had so much fun shooting these colorful little birds.  On my way out Sunday morning, the thought came to me that I might just be...  addicted to woodpeckers.  So that's what I named my book.  I used colorful red and black backgrounds - page though and see if you, too, become...  addicted to woodpeckers.

Addicted to ... Woodpeckers by Nancy S. Wilkins

Make Your Own Book

Seeing Double

Seeing double?  It was fun to get this shot - I kept clicking hoping I wouldn't miss it.  I am not sure if I like the shot below or not, but to get two in one frame is still an accomplishment, so I'll take it.

Little Blue Heron - Comedic Relief

Cute Little Blue Heron at Green Cay Wetlands one Saturday morning. 

His antics provided a little comedic relief.  Some cute poses that would make for a great caption contest!

Red Bellied Woodpeckers

So much fun to photograph these Red Bellied Woodpeckers!

I thought saw them by accident one Saturday morning but I found out the next weekend that they actually had a nest in that hole, and they were flying and out on a regular basis. 

They were bringing in berries and other tasty morsels.  Then a few seconds later they'd fly back out.  It was a lot of fun to photograph them.  Soon, there was a line of photographers on the boardwalk - and I was right there with them.

They are so colorful.  I love their red heads and black and white pattern on their backs.  I can now easily tell the difference between the male and female - the male has a significantly larger and vibrant red cap area. 

Pretty sure I'll find myself back at Green Cay this next weekend to see if they are still there.

Waiting (Impatiently) for Breakfast!

These little Red-Winged Blackbird babies were waiting noisily for their breakfast!

I stumbled upon them quite by accident one morning at Green Cay Wetlands.  I happened to see the adult bird fly in to the weeds, and sure enough, there was a nest tucked in there. 

Cute little babies!

How many... ?

How many turtles can you fit on a log?

How many birds can you fit on a branch?

Red Bellied Woodpecker - lucky timing

Lucky timing on this one.  I was just deciding whether or not I should leave Green Cay and I saw this Red Bellied Woodpecker fly into this hole.  He didn't stay long, a minute later, he was gone.

Early Bird

The early bird gets the worm!

Skateboarding Fun

My nephew, having some fun with his skateboard.

He was always skateboarding as a kid.  Looks like he's still got it. 

 

Gone Fishin'

My nephew, my dad and I went out in the boat on an early Saturday morning.  Maybe a little too early for Jason?  Big yawn...  and then a quick smile.

Jumping off the Train Bridge, Park Rapids, MN

If you grew up in Park Rapids, Minnesota, you have likely done this at one time or another.

I saw these kids jumping off the train bridge so I asked if I could take their picture.  They were more than willing!  Having a great time.