Category Archives: Morton National Wildlife Refuge

A Red-bellied Woodpecker and Some Musings Concerning Photo Procrastination

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Friday, April 19, 2019,

This is a pair of photographs of a Red-bellied Woodpecker. I took these pics last December and I just never got around to posting them. This happens much more often than you would think. Actually, it happens more than even I realize. This is a case in point. I was looking for another photograph – the one I used in the previous post – when I came across these two pics. I had forgotten all about them and I even had to check to see if I ever used them. I had not and that is the reason that you’re seeing them here today.

I take a lot of photographs and, sometimes, a few are actually in focus. Unfortunately, I often find it easier to take the photographs than finding something witty or informative to write about them. And sometimes I’m just too darn lazy. I don’t recall the reasons that I never posted these pics till today, whether it was brain freeze, laziness, or maybe even forgetfulness – I’m no Spring Chicken, after all – but time and chance have finally combined to give me something to say about these pics. There are no pearls of wisdom here, and certainly no information about Woodpeckers, but maybe, just maybe, you’ve gained some insight into the less than brilliant mind of a guy who takes too many pictures. JK

 

 

Belting Out A Tune

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Monday, April 8, 2019,

This is a male Cardinal singing his heart out. Two of the things that Cardinals sing for are love and to claim territory. Female Cardinals are also known to sing as well, so perhaps some Cardinals also sing for pleasure. Not just “I love you, be mine” and “This is where I live”, but maybe even “Hear my song, isn’t it beautiful?” And, yes, their songs are beautiful. I’m glad for their voices and for their songs, whatever they might be saying. JK

JK

A Blue Jay Striking Poses

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Thursday, April 4, 2019,

In the above photo is a Blue Jay in a typical pose. He – or she – is looking interesting and interested. He gives off an air of intelligence and command. He is, after all, a Corvid, a relative of both Crows and Ravens, birds that are known for their smarts and self awareness. So maybe he realizes just how handsome he truly is and decides to offer me a profile shot just so I can further bask in his beauty. Or maybe I’m reading way too much into this and he just decided to turn his head. 🙂  JK

JK

Lady Cardinal

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Wednesday, March 27, 2019,

Female birds often get short shrift when it comes to observations of avian beauty. While I am certain that all males find their counterparts beautiful, it seems that we human observers focus on the male birds and tend to ignore or disregard the females. Meanwhile, they are no less attractive.

Their subdued coloration is probably a genetic-borne defense to help them stay unnoticed by predators while they raise their young. Mother Nature is very wise in Her ways. However, even with “drabber” colors, those ladies are still a wonder to behold. Female Cardinals are amongst the prettiest birds that we get to see here on Long Island, even with their muted  coloration. Look at this bird. Do you really think that she is any less spectacular than her mate?  JK