Black-necked Stilt – M Hampton Photography

Picking up where we left of, we had just left the drive around Shoveler Pond and were beginning our trek deeper into Anahuac to see what else was there. In short order we left pavement and entered a dirt/gravel road. There were ditches on both sides of the road and every so often we could catch the sight of more gators. They seem to be everywhere in this place.

We also spotted this along the road, perched upon a fence post–a Common Nighthawk.

We drove all the way to the end of the road and saw a lot of people and families fishing in the various ditches and eventually the bay area at the south end of the reserve.

Along the way we spotted this Willet standing guard on a post. It was still there on our way back so I stopped and made a photo.

On our way back we stopped at a board walk where we saw some cows and this White Ibis taking off.

A little further down the road and we notice another guy pulled to the side of the road and getting low to the ground with a camera. Of course we had to stop and check it out.

I got out of the car with the 600mm and got down low to see what he was watching…

Hand-holding this thing is certainly not for extended periods of time, but I was able to manage it long enough to get this fairly close shot of this guy…

This was probably the closest that I got to one of these gators. He seemed content to stay in his little pool and showed no interest in coming after me. Good thing, because being on the ground with the 600mm lens, it might have taken me longer to get up and run that it would take him to close the distance between us. And in the short sprint, these guys are pretty quick. This is one of those instances where Karen had order to “get the shot” if it did come after me. LOL

In all actuality though, from what I’ve read, in the past 100+ years there has only been one fatal alligator attack recorded in Texas and that was due to a drunken “hey watch this” moment so I felt pretty safe.

The day was starting to wear on so we decided to take a few last circles around the pond area before heading back to the hotel and packing up.

This time around we spotted a White-faced Ibis foraging for food and showing off its wings.

I caught the Black-necked Stilt in flight…

And a Boat-tailed Grackle belting out the song of its people.

Now, everyone knows that Killdeer like to play wounded in order to draw threats away from its young, but I noticed this one just sitting right next the the road. I slowed to a stop as I approached because I didn’t want it to dart out in front of me. But when I stopped and looked out the window I saw this…

This crazy bird had built its nest about a foot from the side of the road. If you look close you will see at least 3 eggs under it. I moved away slowly as to not disturb the nesting nut.

A little further down the road we came across this Green Heron, hunting for food.

And I was able to catch this Glossy Ibis in flight against a cloud which I was pretty happy about.

A Red-winged Blackbird doing gymnastics…

And the immature Blue Heron with dinner.

As we were about to complete our final trip around the pond, we noticed a much smaller gator who had climbed up on the bank to enjoy the sun. This one was so cute I just wanted to go pet it… but I didn’t (duh!). But I did get out of the car to be a low and better angle for the shot.

All in all it was a fun two day get-away for us. We “social-distanced” with the best of them. We spent most of the time in the vehicle, shooting out the windows, and saw a lot of wildlife. I didn’t realize it until I started going through the photos, but there is a pretty wide variety of different birds here. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the gators and forget that fact.

We are really looking forward to this current societal crisis to be done and get back to normal so we can continue living our lives.

Until next time, enjoy life!

Michael & Karen

All words and photos copyright 2020 MHampton Photography
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses

Day 2: We decide to pick up where we left off yesterday and head back to Anahuac first thing in the morning to see if there are any different critters. We are also excited to check out the butterfly garden and trail at the entrance. I realize it is late in the year, but you never know what migratory birds are still hanging around. Not everyone is in a hurry to leave once they get to Texas.

Before we get to Anahuac’s main area, we stop at one of the annex areas which was on the way as there are supposed to be a few trails there. When we pull into the parking area and get out, I notice this ominous site in the trees. Were these Turkey Vultures trying to warn us about something?

We head into the trail after once again “Offing” ourselves. We don’t get far before we are getting swarmed by the same flying critters that were attacking us yesterday. We are farther away from the water, but they are still just as vicious. Was this the warning we failed to heed?

We head back for the car and drive to the entrance of the main Anahuac area where there is a butterfly garden and another trail. We exit the vehicle and begin walking the trail, only to be attacked by these flying demons again! I “document” photo one on Karen’s hat before we turned and ran in hopes we could ID this thing later. Any ideas on what it is? Whatever they are, they bite/sting and make for a miserable walk in the woods. And kudos for Karen standing still long enough for me to take the shot while these things were swarming us both.

We did see one small critter on the trail before we sounded retreat–a small bunny. At least it made us smile.

Back to the car to follow the motorized trail through the park again.

Once back on the drivable path, Karen spots this bird in the tall grass. At first, I thought it was an Eastern Kingbird, but the more I look at it, I think it is an Eastern Phoebe. What do you think?

Next stop, we ventured out onto a boardwalk/observation deck that they have set up there. It is a nice way to get out among the critters a little farther away from the roadway. However, Karen observed this site.

Upon seeing this photo, I had to hang my head and declare that Karen has been right all these years…I have no butt. And my pockets are nearly down to my knees! Maybe I should rethink the wearing of the “relaxed fit” jeans. But then again, at my age, comfort is a much higher priority that it once was.

While on the boardwalk, we were able to see several Black-bellied Whistling Ducks which were perched on the railing.

We also saw a Black-necked Stilt wading in the water looking for some breakfast.

And finally, as we were walking back to the vehicle, there was a Great Egret incoming for a landing.

Back on the trail, our attention turned to gators once again.

There’s one!

And another!

This one looks like it is smiling at me. Maybe it’s time to leave them alone for a while. We decide to take the road to the back side of Anahuac to see what else is in this preserve. As we are leaving the “Shoveler Pond” area, I notice this Neotropic Cormorant making with the bat-signal. There must be trouble nearby! And me without my cape. Even superheroes need vacations now and then.

We make our way to the exit of the pond area and head deeper into the area, but that will have to wait for part 4 as this is already getting long-winded.

Until then,

Michael & Karen

All words and photos copyright 2020 MHampton Photography
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses

M Hampton Photography

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Tag: Black-necked Stilt

A Trip to the Gulf – Part 4

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