Lots of cool creatures showed up as I made my way around this park's marshes and beaches. At least three Northern Flickers were flying around and chattering to each other in a group of trees near a marsh, and this scruffy fellow paused for a quick picture:
(I love these fancy birds.)
Near the flickers' trees, a Halloween Pennant dragonfly (Celithemis eponina) perched on a grass stem:
I don't think I've ever seen this type of dragonfly before, and I have to say, it's a pretty stunning creature. Those dark splotches and orange wings are awesome, of course, but my favorite part has to be the bright pink spots at its wingtips. You are so cool, little bug!
Four Ospreys were busy fishing offshore, and this one flew overhead with a very strange-looking catch! (Is that a flounder?)
I was surprised to see a Great Egret perched at the top of an old pole in the middle of one of the marshes:
It stayed up there for quite a while, preening its gloriously frilly feathers:
Are you showing off, bird? Well, I'm certainly impressed!
I'm glad I got to visit the shore again after a few weeks away. Also, hooray for fancy winged creatures!
Wonderful photos of birds and bugs, especially that gorgeous dragonfly with the bright pink stigmas. I've never seen that particular one before.
ReplyDeleteWow! What great shots - particularly the closeups of the dragonfly. I've never seen a predator bird with a fish in its claws before. What a sight!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! I've been seeing that species of dragonfly a lot this year but I don't recall seeing that much before, weird. Good job by that Osprey catching a fish that hides on the bottom of the water. So when can I drag you and Paul down for a nature hike/walk in north jersey? I found a great trail to walk, well actually I found out where a trail I've been on before ends by a lake.
ReplyDeleteGood point, I didn't think about that! Good job Osprey, indeed! :D
DeleteWonderful post with lovely pictures! awesome clicks.
ReplyDelete