Just about a month ago on a Sunday afternoon I went to Wharton Point to see what I could see. Among the many migrating birds I saw was a resident Herring Gull getting ready to dine. As the tide goes out the gulls dig in the mud flats for clams, then fly over a hard surface like a rock or a cement boat ramp and from a great height drop the clam and let it smash on the surface below. While I have seen this happen several times, this was one of my first chances to photograph it up close!
Notes from my nest: We’ve had a sudden downturn in temperatures here and for the first time this season I put on long pants and shoes and socks when I got up early this morning to meet a fellow birder over at the Mere Point Boat Launch. I met Dave White and his daughter, Laurie and while Dave photographed birds, I counted them! I was so pleased to meet his daughter as well, who turns out to be a leftie, jut like me! There are so many birds migrating through and we got good looks at American Redstarts, Black-throated Green Warblers, and half a dozen Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. I met Dave through the Facebook Group, Maine Birds, started by Robin Robinson. Dave is off to Florida soon, but will return with the migrating birds in the spring. I would be pleased to bird with him again any time! I am busy working on more blogposts but while you are waiting, here are a few links you can check out, including one to Cynthia’s Blog, a fellow birder I met once before through the group, Birder’s who Blog, Tweet and Chirp. She and I and went birding with a few days after I took these pictures. She is ahead of me and has already posted some of her photos from our day of birding together!
- Living in Brooklyn, Longing for Maine-Cynthia’s blog
- Birding Wharton Point-Cynthia’s Post
- The Moon is Calling Me-my newest poem
Great captures of the gull setting up his meal! Pretty smart of him/ her I'd say!!
ReplyDeleteSheila, when it comes to finding food, these birds are experts at it!
DeleteGreat captures, Kathie! I love to see how the gulls open up their clams..They are smart. Great post. Happy birding.
ReplyDeleteEileen, it is fun, isn't it! Thanks! Happy Birding to you too!
Delete