This is that time of year here in Mexico, where everything “birds” slows down to a crawl. We have hit our peak summer temperatures, at steady 100F plus or minus, with humidity’s hovering around 80%. I have no tours booked, and no migrant species have made it this far yet. As much as I suffer, I can’t help but think about what the combination does to the birds that live in this extreme desert environment. Therefore, much of my time is spent photographing birds that are close to some form of water. It is not really any cooler, and in fact the increase in humidity can really make it brutal, but just seeing the water still seems to make me feel better.
Summer time in this part of Mexico means lots of wading birds. We have resident populations of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and substantial numbers of Reddish Egrets. There are Great Blue Herons, an occasional Little Blue Heron, Tri-colored Herons, Green Herons, as well as Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. We also have White Ibis and White-faced Ibis.
The graceful movements of these beautiful birds, when captured on digital “film” quite often reminds me of the movements of a ballerina. Wings fully extended, tip-toeing thru the shallows, these colorful birds are remarkable to watch. Here are a few of my favorite images from the last few weeks.
As common as the Snowy Egrets are, their behavior out on the tide flats never fails to bring a smile to my face
This year, we seem to have more Reddish Egrets than I ever remember, this one was just a riot to photograph! Not sure what it was looking for?
No other bird seems to control the area like the Great Blue Herons, they just have a presence about them.
Landing every so lightly, this Great Egret looks to pirouette across the water.
This shot just goes to show, that backlighting can even work sometimes!
Here are a couple more fun Snowy Egret photos, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them.
Very, very beautiful.
Great shots as always Tom!
Jochen, and Pat, thanks for the note! Have a great weekend!
brilliant photos Tom! is this all la paz area? i wonder if you get over near puerto vallarta ever? i’ve heard there is some good birding in that ares but we haven’t ventured over yet. we’re in guadalajara with temps in the upper 70’s : ) Don’t think I could handle that heat. you’re a trooper!
Bird Man, Thanks for your nice comments. Yes, every one of these shots is virtually in the water front portion of town. I have not done any real birding in PV but have been to Guadalajara several times. We do quite a bit of photography work in Parque Bosque Coloma. I love chasing the Mot Mots there! There is a 50-50 chance that I will be there again next thrusday, but it all depends on the weather. In my realy job, the one that pays the bills I own a yacht management company and need to be here if there is any chance of hurricanes or nasty weather.
oh that’s really neat Tom. if you have time drop me an email and maybe i can join you at colomos. i also happen to have a small hotel we’d be delighted to host you. saludos!