Spring means mating season for many birds, and to be at their best their feathers change to more vivid colors, their breeding plumage in other words. Here are a few photos of this phenomenon taken at the Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge within the past two weeks.
As its name implies, the Black-bellied Plover displays a black belly in breeding colors. Normally its belly is white.
The Willet is of a gray dull color when it is not breeding, otherwise it is mottled brown and much more noticeable.
Incidentally, in the 19th century people used to eat Willet eggs and meat for food, just like chickens. That brought this bird almost to extinction until the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 stopped that practice. Now it is abundant again and very striking when it flies with blank and white stripes on its wings.
The Great Egret is always white, but during breeding season it shows some green color on its face and it sports long plumes of feathers. Those airgrettes used to adorn ladies’ hats in the 19th century. That fashion craze led to a serious decline in egret population until the fad was eventually banned.
Great images! Oh, I love especially the third image, the reflection is stunning!
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Thank you Indah!
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Wonderful photos. I especially like the reflection. So gorgeous.
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Thank you Sue!
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Incredible capture, Hien! What a treat to view these beautiful bird images.
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Thank you Amy. It’s the same birds every year, yet there is always something new about them.
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LOVE these images, Neihtn. Your bird pictures are right up there with Tiny’s. Just the thought of what I can do with up to a 600mm lens …. PALEEZE !!!! Thank you for this Gift of gorgeous birds today! Love, Amy ❤
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Amy, you should get a 600 mm or 150-600 mm lens. I am sure you will love using it.
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LOL That is the thing, Neihtn. I KNOW I would. Do you recommend Tamron brand with a Canon?
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I have begun using a Sigma 150-600 mm Contemporary lens and it has worked well. Have never used a Tamron, so I can’t tell you.
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A Sigma. Thank YOU, Neihtn. I see what this lens can do, so yes, this one is most definitely on my wish list. 🙂
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amazing pictures !!!! I love these where the bird is looking for his dinner 🙂 Fantastic !!!!!
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Glad you like these photos, Nancy!
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