first off, titling this post, I thought of Drew Barrymore years ago [when she was just a child actress], in the movie E.T. - "Alligators in the Sewer", a line from the movie that we quote often, is used. And, y'wanna know why? Well, I'll tellya....
When we go birding, we don't just see birds!!!.......
These two photos are taken over on Mustang Island at a local birding refuge. It's now the height of migrating season, and in and around town, along the islands and on the bays, and in the fresh water lakes, we're seeing a huge amount of many different species of ducks taking a bit of respite on their flight farther south later in the next few weeks. We've seen scaups [which I will show on my birding blog when I return to blogging from the holiday break], widgeons, mottled, mallards, redheads, and many many more. As you can see by these pictures, the lakes and bays are crowded. But, take a closer look at the 2nd photo...in the foreground, you can see another 'duck'...that is a Northern Shoveler which I've posted, again, on my birding blog. But wait...yet again, look closer to the same image...see the dark elongated object that resembles a log? Well, it's not a log....it is:
Boots....affectionately named by the refuge care-takers. Boots had a 'wife' for many many years, Bags, but she passed this last year [Boots and Bags ---as in alligator leather].
So, you see, we are not always just entertained with the prospect of birds only. In fact, just the other day, while walking along the bay's boardwalk and heading out to the observation deck, this cute little critter stopped and said "hello" as his furriness casts a faint shadow in front of him....
...then, at a lake in town, we always see a lot of these:
Oh, and we always seem to be interrupting the lifestyle and invading some very protected areas 'cause we're always being 'cussed out' by some here and there. I do know we do invade their territory...
....it's just not always about birds.
CONNECTING TO:
Hi Anni, cute critters. I love the bunny and the turtle. The gator is cool as long as it isn't too close. Great photos, have a happy weekend!
ReplyDelete...thanks Eileen, and have a great weekend yourself.
Deletea nice mix of critters - even boots. :)
ReplyDelete...I find myself hunting for Boots when we stop there. Odd, I suppose, but still...
DeleteFun series of critters, Anni. Loved the story of Boots and Bags! Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Critter Day!
ReplyDelete...you have a great Thanksgiving too. And thanks for the visit.
DeleteI'm not afraid of many things, but I must admit I AM afraid of gators. Love that photo of the turtle!
ReplyDelete...they don't normally scare me as much as snakes. Alligators are much more powerful, I guess, but move slower. Unless of course you're right up next to it. LOL
DeleteThey are lovely photos, but as animals i love most that turtle reaching for something or maybe yawning. I haven't seen a turtle at that stance!
ReplyDelete...that turtle photo is one of my favorites from our recent outings. Glad you liked it.
DeleteBeautiful photo series showing Anni.
ReplyDeleteWell we do not have crocodiles here in Denmark .....
Wish you a good weekend :)
Hanne Bente
...they're not so bad/dangerous, if you stay out of their territory. LOL
DeleteAwesome photos.
ReplyDelete...glad you enjoyed this post Denise.
DeleteYes, there are many great critters out there to photograph... Life is not all about BIRDS---at least to THOSE critters... ha
ReplyDeleteI love the turtle that is totally posing for the camera.
Hugs,
Betsy
...around here, birds take precedence tho. LOL
DeleteWhat great photos. I probably wouldn't have noticed the gator as you say it just looks like a log.
ReplyDelete...yep, it was so still, never moving all the time we were there...If Bud hadn't viewed it with the binoculars, we would have missed it completely.
DeleteA great series of nature photos Anni. I think I would be on the look out for Boots too if I went there. Such fascinating animals.
ReplyDelete...yes, fascinating [at a distance]
DeleteYikes! An alligator! He is cool from a distance.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
...exactly!!! And you and Shelby have a happy Thanksgiving also.
DeleteMy favourite here is the turtle... I don't think I knew they have claws?!
ReplyDelete...oh yes...some have HUGE claws.
DeleteGreat pictures of all the wildlife!
ReplyDelete...thanks Mari. BTW, hope your daughter had a super birthday yesterday.
DeleteLooks like the turtle ignores that the warm and sunny days are over. Ah wait, thats here and not at your neck of the wood....
ReplyDeleteThe bunny is so cute but the alligator is really thrilling! That could be you who gave them their names :-)
...lol, I don't think I would have the incite to come up with such clever names for them.
DeleteI think I've watched way too much "Swamp People" because I saw "Boots" and wanted to yell "Shoooooooot, Shoooot it 'lizbeth". I have got to round out my television watching!
ReplyDelete....lol, ya, I guess so. Turn off the TV. lol
DeleteLove all your critters even the gator. Of course I do prefer the fuzzy variety better :)
ReplyDelete...ya, me too. I like FUZZY
DeleteAnni, your eye for nature is very good. I love the names for the gators!! I hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
ReplyDelete...thanks Chuck. Hope your holiday is super too.
DeleteYou have a large variety there in Texas. sandie
ReplyDelete'large variety'.....you do know that everything is BIGGER in Texas, right? LOL
DeleteI always look for alligators when we visit the beach ... but I make sure that I don't get too close. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think on the beaches here in the south and around the world, are crocodiles....not alligators. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Deleteso many critters around if we just look... you got a badass log there, heee heee heeee
ReplyDeleteOh, how I wish I had a place to go to look and the birds and other animals. These are such super critter shots. I think the bunny has to be my favorite. Enjoy your Sunday. genie
DeleteShadow: "Bad ass log"..........roflmao, I like that reference.
DeleteGenie: Thanks, hope you enjoy your Sunday also.
DeleteGreat series. Nice toee some critters. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Cannada.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary....my posts are nothing compared to your blogging style. I always enjoy what you share. Always.
Deleteterrific shots here!!
ReplyDelete...thanks Linda.
DeleteNice variety of subjects, and a fun narrative!
ReplyDelete...thanks Ken, glad you enjoyed my post this weekend.
Deleteit would appear that you do get more for your money during your birding outings!!! boots and bags...that is funny.
ReplyDeleteI thought so too, at first...then, I realized how clever their names were. LOL
DeleteOh that turtle is so adorable!
ReplyDeleteShadows in the kitchen
Have a blessed Sunday.
...it is, isn't it? Thanks for the visit Rose.
DeleteYou have a wonderful collection of wildlife here, Anni. I hope I never see a gator in the sewer!
ReplyDelete...they're not that bad....at least from a distance.
DeleteBoots and Bags...hahaha! Visiting here is always a delight!
ReplyDeleteGolden Lace Shadows
...and you delight me with your positive feedback MMT!!!
DeleteIt's about seeing all kinds of interesting wildlife!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post, Anni. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
...glad you stopped by Patti, thanks!!!!
DeleteThat turtle photo rocks! Looks like he is posing for you. You can keep the gators tho!
ReplyDeleteI find myself looking for Boots when we end up at this refuge. If we don't see him, I'm a bit disappointed. ;o)
DeleteOh how very sweet! Happy Thanksgiving! See you next week! :)
ReplyDelete...thank you Janet. That means a lot coming from an Aussie friend!!!! ;o)
DeleteAnni your pictures are always gorgeous and your writing inspiring...you could write professionally....well you do in a way for all of us. today's post is excellent!!
ReplyDeletehugs Madi and Mom
Awwww, shucks. Thanks you two!!! And Happy Thanksgiving M&M!!!
DeleteWishing you a nice holiday..PJ
ReplyDelete...thanks P J.....wish I had your email. I would like to wish you the same!!!
DeleteI did enjoy those photos.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you have a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that your family time is wonderful also.
Hugs
...thank you Sharon.
DeleteSuch a fun post! Love it so much! The little rabbit is adorable! But I think my favourite is the bold turtle pose!
ReplyDelete....I thought the turtle pose was really cool too. :o)
DeleteHAPPY THANKSGIVING, ANNIE, BUD AND ENJOY YOUR VISIT WITH ERIK....
ReplyDeleteHUGS MADI AND MOM
...thanks M&M
DeleteFabulous shots!
ReplyDelete...thanks Janice
DeleteI can't even fathom having alligators swimming around in our lakes! lol Have they ever bothered people on land? When you took that picture, I wonder if the duck knew there was a gator behind it! Yikes!! You certainly do see a lot of different critters when you and Bud go birding. Of course, I'd want to bring the bunny home:-)
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you are tremendously enjoying having Eric there...have an extra slice of turkey for me!!! xoxo
...ya, he volunteered to do some driving. LOL
DeleteAnni, beautiful photos. So long since I've stopped in. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying your time with Erik.
ReplyDeleteIf you have drop over to the Writing Nook to find out the latest around here. As usual, lots of drama.
Blessings,
Mary
...hope things will improve Mary.
Delete