F/7.1, 1/800, ISO 200.
Northern Mockingbird
Why shouldn’t you fart in an Apple Store?
They don’t have Windows.
Interesting Fact: Northern mockingbirds tend to imitate other birds and sounds they hear. This bird is very territorial and will not hesitate to attack intruders. ( https://americanexpedition.us/northern-mockingbird-facts-photos-and-information )
F/5.6, 1/80, ISO 200.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Why did the computer break up with the internet?
There was no “Connection”.
Interesting Fact: The dive display of the Anna’s Hummingbird lasts about 12 seconds, and the male may fly to a height of 40 m (131 feet) during the display. He starts by hovering two to four meters (6-13 feet) in front of the display object (hummingbird or person), and then climbs in a wavering fashion straight up. He plummets in a near-vertical dive from the top of the climb and ends with an explosive squeak within half a meter of the display object. He then makes a circular arc back to the point where he began. On sunny days the dives are oriented so that the sun is reflected from the iridescent throat and crown directly at the object of the dive. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Annas_Hummingbird/lifehistory )
F/9.0, 1/125, ISO 100.
California Sea Lions
Why do seals swim in salt water?
Because pepper water makes them sneeze!
Interesting Fact: These pinnipeds live along the rocky Pacific Ocean coastlines of western North America. Huge colonies can be seen gathered on seaside rocks, and even on man-made structures, for breeding and for birthing. Males gather harems of females to their sides in competition to sire young pups, which are born on land. ( http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/c/california-sea-lion/ )
F/6.3, 1/640, ISO 240.
Canvasback
How does NASA organize a birthday party?
They planet!
Interesting Fact: Canvasbacks are diving ducks at home in the water, seldom going ashore to dry land. They sleep on the water with their bill tucked under the wing, and they nest on floating mats of vegetation. To get airborne Canvasbacks need a running start, but once in the air they are strong and fast fliers, clocking airspeeds of up to 56 miles per hour. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canvasback/lifehistory )
F/6.3, 1/160, ISO 100.
Turkey Vulture
As migration approached, two elderly vultures doubted they could make the trip south, so they decided to go by airplane.
When they checked their baggage, the attendant noticed that they were carrying two dead raccoons. “Do you wish to check the raccoons through as luggage?” she asked.
“No, thanks,” replied the vultures. “They’re carrion.”
Interesting Fact: Turkey Vultures, like other carrion birds, are protected from disease associated with decaying animals by a very sophisticated immune system. ( http://identify.whatbird.com/mwg/_/0/identify.whatbird.com/obj/117/overview/Turkey_Vulture.aspx )
F/6.3, 1/640, ISO 200.
Hooded Mergansers
How do you get a frog off the back window of your car?
Use the rear defrogger.
Interesting Fact: Hooded Mergansers are usually in pairs or small groups of up to 40 birds. They court in groups of one or more females and several males. The males raise their crests, expanding the white patch, often while shaking their heads. Their most elaborate display is head-throwing, in which they jerk their heads backwards to touch their backs, with crests raised, while giving a froglike croak. Females court by bobbing their heads and giving a hoarse gack. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hooded_Merganser/lifehistory )
F/7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640.
Mute Swan ice
Why are ghosts bad liars?
Because you can see right through them!
Interesting Fact: Before or during landing at a breeding site they’ll slap the water with their feet to announce their arrival and alert potential intruders. If another swan approaches members of the pair raise their wings and tuck their neck in a “busking” display to warn them off. Territorial defenses sometimes escalate to fights between males that can end with the dominant bird pushing its rival underwater. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mute_Swan/lifehistory )
F/7.1, 1/200, ISO 250.
Blue Jay
What did one wall say to the other wall?
Meet ya’ at the corner!
Interesting Facts: This common, large songbird is familiar to many people, with its perky crest; blue, white, gray, and black plumage; and noisy calls. Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and complex social systems, and have tight family bonds. They often mate for life, remaining with their social mate throughout the year. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_Jay/lifehistory )
F/7.1, 1/200, ISO 320.
Green-Winged Teal
Why do writers always feel cold?
Because they have lots of drafts in their office.
Interesting Facts: Green-winged Teal are fast, agile, buoyant flyers. They can take off straight from the water without running across the surface. Though they are dabbling ducks that usually tip up to feed, they occasionally dive for food and to avoid predators. In winter Green-winged Teal gather in roosting flocks of up to 50,000 birds. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/lifehistory )
F/6.3, 1/100, ISO 200.
White-Tailed Deer
What is the difference between beer nuts and deer nuts?
Beer nuts cost a buck twenty-five. Deer nuts are under a buck!
Interesting Fact: The male white tailed deer, buck, normally weighs about 130-300 pounds. The female, doe, weighs about 90-200 pounds. The average height is 3 feet. ( http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/48142.aspx )
Through Open Lens 