Thursday, March 1, 2012

Springing Forward

It's been weird winter here in Phoenix. But now signs of spring, like this Avocet's rusting head, are starting to pop up over the valley, and I fear we may lose our winter visitors pretty soon.



The Green-Winged Teal seem to be amassing at the Gilbert Water Ranch. Maybe they're going to fly north in a big convoy, I know that's how I would do it.


The Long-Billed Dowitchers are also gathering into larger flocks, and are starting to pick up just a hint of their brown breeding plumage. Like the Flamingos that get their lovely pink pigmentation from their crustaceous diet, the Dowitchers switch to a strict regimen of mud, dirt, and gunk to get their brown coloration during breeding season. (not really)


The Anna's Hummingbirds are all over the place. You can hear their buzzing and chirping around most of the parks, and you'll find dozens of them at the Water Ranch and Desert Botanical Gardens. I entreated this handsome fellow: "Will you please turn you head just slightly and look at me without the branch in the way, so we can see that fully lit shield?"



Hmph. No.



What a tease.

10 comments:

  1. Great photos Laurence. Nice to read about the patterns you are seeing as the seasons change.

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    1. I hope you all are getting some spring sights and sound sup your way too.

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  2. Hey, does that Green-winged Teal have a mutant 3rd leg, right next to the other one? or am I seeing things?

    Great Anna's images, with nice feather detail.

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    1. Hey Robert,
      I'm not sure what that Teal's deal is; unfortunately this was the clearest shot I got. It does look like the left leg is bifurcated, or else the muddy water is playing tricks. Anyhow, if it's a new species of 3 Legged Teal, I shall name it after you in honor of your confirming observations. How does Annis Mortensen sound?

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  3. A wonderful post Laurence, I'm beginning to see some of our spring birds including the American Avocets. Yesterday we got some snow so I hope they are okay!

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    1. Yikes! Old Man Winter has one last trick up his sleeve. That would make for some very interesting photography though...Avocets in snow--not a common sight.

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    2. Avocets in snow would make for pretty photos!

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  4. It is always wonderful to observe the changes, big and small, that the seasons bring. It must be quite delightful to have an abundance Anna's Hummingbirds around.

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