Comments on: Before the Snow, There Was Rain

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:52:31 +0000

Tina, the trunk of my car is almost always carrying rubber boots, hiking boots, hats, jackets, tripod – you get the idea! You never know…

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:49:46 +0000

Hi Vickie!

I guess mice like “warm and cozy” places too.

I remember that day, watching the kingfisher bash that fish against the tree. That was such fascinating behavior to witness, though the fish was probably less enthusiastic about it.

By: Tina Gilson

Tina Gilson — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:49:36 +0000

Great photos! I really admire a woman who keeps mud boots and binoculars in their car just in case.

By: Vickie

Vickie — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:56:15 +0000

That looks like a lot of water. We’ve had lots of rain here too (not that much) and it seems to have driven a lot of mice into houses. I, for one, am not so happy about that! Love the gull image with the leaves!

Thanks for your comment on my Wood Stork post. And btw, I was researching Belted Kingfishers this morning for my next post and landed on your 2008 post about catching some images of a kingfisher with a fish. You were having the same kind of excitement I feel in these moments…fun surprises!

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:07:25 +0000

Another Holy Grail devotee! “Listen, strange women lyin’ in ponds distributin’ swords is no basis for a system of government.”

Glad to know we’re neighbors – OPPNP is one of my favorite places to explore.

By: Amber Coakley

Amber Coakley — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:51:48 +0000

Jason, I’m glad you can appreciate the difference in that creek. I looked for a “before” picture of the creek and just didn’t find one. Easily 8 ft difference!

I’m delighted to hear that gulls DO play. The few times I’ve watched gulls, they have usually been busy chasing other birds and each other to steal food! So THIS is their training ground.

The meadowlark picture is a happy accident – I didn’t know until I was looking at my pictures that this one was giving me attitude.

By: Joy K.

Joy K. — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:59:44 +0000

Next, the meadowlark stamped its foot and stormed off in a huff, I’m sure. I hope the seagull slunk away in embarrassment after its face-plant, with its friends laughing and pointing. Gull noises sound like laughter most of the time, anyway.

I didn’t realize until I read this that we’re apparently both in the same area. I wave in your general direction.

By: jason

jason — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:18:23 +0000

Wow! I recognized that bridge immediately, but the last time I walked over it the water was well below that. Impressive!

The gull behavior is usual. They do play, although I think it’s both play and learning. They pick up some object and fly into the air, drop it into the water, then dive for it. Then they repeat the process. I’ve watched them do it here at WRL and always find it entertaining. I’m sure it helps them become better dive hunters; I also believe they have a great deal of fun while doing it. A long time ago I decided not to research the behavior lest I ruin how delightful it is watching them do it.

And how right you are about the meadowlark image! That’s exactly what it looks like: a child holding their breath until they get what they want. Hysterical!