Filed Under Shorebirds, summer
Oystercatchers are on my list of favorite shorebirds. I find I really like the combination of black, white and orange/pink found in oystercatchers, skimmers and stilts. I find myself lingering at a site if any these birds are present. These oystercatchers were found recently on a sandy quiet-water beach and mud flat shortly after sunrise.
Filed Under Shorebirds, summer
Along the Mid-Atlantic coast Laughing Gulls are most often seen along boardwalks and beaches either begging for a handout or scouring the ground for left over morsels from people. Venturing into back bays and marshes you might just luck upon the more ‘natural’ habitat and food for these gulls. This flock was feasting on, I believe, horseshoe crab eggs. The size of the group was impressive. And not a single french fry!
Filed Under Wildflowers, summer
Wildflowers attract a wide variety of insects. Bees are frequent visitors and are seen commonly but the insect found in the second photo is one I don’t recall ever seeing before. Does anyone know what it is?
Jane suggested a certain moth, but in searching for her suggestion I found a picture of an Ailanthus Webworm Moth which I think is what I photographed. Thanks, Jane, for the tip.
Rising early to catch a summer sunrise on the marsh, I wasn’t disappointed. These Great Egrets took turns on a perch to watch the sun rise on a very hot and humid day at the coast.
Pelicans are still a little bit of a novelty in Delaware. Common thoughout the south and very tolerant of people, here they still attract stares as the glide by and are seldom seen up close. This morning a small group prepared for the day by loafing on a sand bar.
Filed Under Wildflowers, summer
These wildflowers are all native to Delaware. They add to the beauty of the landscape and provide food and habitat for a variety of species. The two last photos of the Swamp Rose show a bumble bee and an Augochlora Green Metallic Bee gathering pollen. Have you ever seen an Augochlora Green Metallic Bee before?
Butterfly Weed
Monkey Flower
Button Bush
Button Bush
Swamp Rose
Swamp Rose
Here are three more photographs of the juvenile Osprey taken two nights ago. There are three young birds on this nest and they will probably fledge this week. It is amazing how well the Osprey population has increased over the past few decades. In the Lewes, DE area they are nesting on almost every conceivable surface.
Osprey young are in the process of fledging now, so if you keep a sharp lookout you might see them perched on the edge of the nest contemplating that first jump. I was able to get close to a nest tonight with some soon-to-be fliers. Here are two from tonight with more to follow in a day or two.
Filed Under Wildflowers, summer
Trumpet Vines are found commonly throughout Sussex County. They stand out in a background of green with their bright orange blossoms. They are a favorite food source for hummingbirds and bird nests are sometimes found within the foliage.
Filed Under Shorebirds, summer
I went out this evening hoping to find something well lit before the next line of showers rolled in. Just as the sun went behind the clouds I found this Green Heron holding on tightly in the top of a cedar tree. He swayed back and forth for a few moments before jumping off to find a more stable perch. I left for home, with the sun gone for the day.
