F/13.0, 1/640, ISO 400.
Merlin
Did you hear that Mr. Clean is in the hospital?
Yeah, he has ammonia.
Interesting Facts: Though it’s not much bigger than the more common American Kestrel, the Merlin is heavier and often appears considerably larger. As with most raptors, female Merlins are larger than males. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin )
F/11.0, 1/500, ISO 320.
Bald Eagle ( Juvenile )
Who won the race between two balls of string?
They we’re tied!
Interesting Facts: Bald Eagles are powerful fliers—soaring, gliding, and flapping over long distances. In one of several spectacular courtship displays, a male and female fly high into the sky, lock talons, and cartwheel downward together, breaking off at the last instant to avoid crashing to earth. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/lifehistory )
F/11.0, 1/500, ISO 200.
Brown pelican
What’s the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
Anyone can roast beef, but nobody can pee soup!
Interesting Fact: Pelicans usually forage during the day, but may feed at night during a full moon. Before swallowing their prey they drain the water from their pouches, while gulls or terns often try to steal fish right out of their beaks. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Pelican/lifehistory )
F/10.0, 1/400 ISO 320.
Sandhill Cranes
Did you hear the one about the roof?
Never mind, it’s over your head.
Interesting Fact: Sandhill Cranes mate for life, choosing their partners based on dancing displays. Displaying birds stretch their wings, pump their heads, bow, and leap into the air. Although each female usually lays two eggs, only one nestling typically survives to fledge. Mated pairs and their juvenile offspring stay together all through the winter, until the 9- to 10-month-old juveniles finally separate from their parents the following spring. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/lifehistory )
F/7.1, 1/200, ISO 800.
Belted Kingfisher
Why can’t you write with a broken pencil?
Because it’s pointless.
Interesting Fact: During breeding season the Belted Kingfisher pair defends a territory against other kingfishers. A territory along a stream includes just the streambed and the vegetation along it, and averages 0.6 mile long. The nest burrow is usually in a dirt bank near water. The tunnel slopes upward from the entrance, perhaps to keep water from entering the nest. Tunnel length ranges from 1 to 8 feet. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Belted_Kingfisher )
F/ 6.3, 1/640, ISO 200.
Snowy Egret
Did you here about the mathematician who was afraid of negative numbers?
He will stop at nothing to avoid them.
Interesting Fact: The oldest Snowy Egret on record was at least 17 years, 7 months old. It was banded in Colorado in 1970 and found in Mexico in 1988. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Egret )
F/10.0, 1/400, ISO 250.
Sandhill Cranes
What’s the secret to telling a good postman joke?
It’s all in the delivery
Interesting Fact: Sandhill Crane chicks can leave the nest within 8 hours of hatching, and are even capable of swimming. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane )
F/9.0, 1/320, ISO 200.
Sandhill Crane
Why was the Police officer standing on poop?
He was On-Duty.
Interesting Fact: Although each female usually lays two eggs, only one nestling typically survives to fledge. Mated pairs and their juvenile offspring stay together all through the winter, until the 9- to 10-month-old juveniles finally separate from their parents the following spring. During migration and winter the family units group together with other families and nonbreeders, forming loose roosting and feeding flocks—in some places numbering in the tens of thousands. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/lifehistory )
F/8.0, 1/250, ISO 320.
Snowy Egrets
How do leaves get from place to place?
With autumn-mobiles.
Interesting Fact: Snowy Egrets feed while standing, walking, running, or hopping, and they may vibrate their bills, sway their heads, or flick their wings as part of prey gathering. They even forage while hovering. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Egret/lifehistory )
F/11.0, 1/500, ISO 200.
Snowy Egret
Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?
They’ve got great food, but no atmosphere.
Interesting Fact: The Snowy Egret eats mostly aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, worms, crustaceans, and insects. It often uses its bright yellow feet to paddle in the water or probe in the mud, rounding up prey before striking with its bill. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Egret/lifehistory )
Through Open Lens 