Poetic Shutterbug

Photo Taken At Lloyd Lake San Francisco The great blue heron is one of the largest birds in North America. They stand about four and a half to five and a half feet tall and have a beautiful five foot long wingspan. They can be found around lakes, ponds, coastal regions and rivers. The ultimately hunt alone but do nest in colonies within tall trees. Their diet varies in that they usually hunt for shrimp, crab and crawdads though they have been known to feed on mice and rodents. They feed their young ones by regurgitating their food into their mouths which is why they will consume four to five times what they would normally eat. There is a regular blue heron who roams our pond at the botanical gardens for food. They hunt so elegantly due to their slow stance and quick bite. They normally swallow their food whole. Due to them being in close proximity to well traveled ponds and lakes in our area they are used to humans and are not scared away by people getting too close to them....

White Crowned Sparrow Working at the garden was such a treat for me. I love immersing myself in nature and exploring everything the garden has to offer. As a young child we always had birds as pets. I learned so much just by observing their personalities and grew to love all bird life. The garden is home to many a bird species. We have red tailed hawks, red shouldered hawks, blue herons, white egrets, stellar jays, scrub jays, hummingbirds, white crowned sparrows, quail and so much more. A day does not go by that I don't see at least four to five different bird species. I've learned to recognize many just by hearing their unique songs. My favorite little bird is the white crowned sparrow. which is pictured above. They are native to North America and make their nests in shrubs and grasses. They mainly eat seeds and plants but also dine on insects. They are anywhere from 6 to eight inches long and can stay awake for two weeks while migrating. They would greet me each...

East African Crowned Crane Scarlet Ibis Visit Wild Bird Wednesday Visit the owls at the San Francisco Zoo on my Hubpages writing portfolio.

Taken in the Chilean garden at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. I found this little one posing for photos the other day in the gardens. I, however am unable to identify him so any help appreciated. Thanks. Visit Wild Bird Wednesday for more great birding photos.

Photos taken in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Visit Wild Bird Wednesday for more great birding photography.

Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Visit Wild Bird Wednesday for more great bird photography.

Visit World Bird Wednesday For More Great Bird Photography.

Eurasian Eagle Owl Photos Taken At The San Francisco Zoo Barn Owl Visit World Bird Wednesday For More Great Bird Photography

Taken at the San Francisco Zoo Visit World Bird Wednesday for more birding photography.

Photos taken at the San Francisco Zoo Visit World Bird Wednesday For More Great Bird Photography

Taken at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross, CA. Click Photo To Enlarge Click the above widget for more Camera Critters fun.

Photos taken by me @ San Francisco Botanical Gardens - Click photos to enlarge. Many of you know that I have been trying to get decent bird photos for years. The last one I took that was moderately acceptable was a couple of years ago when I happened on a bluebird perched on a bench with has back to me. You couldn't see the bird very well but it was an interesting shot. The other day, while at the gardens, I was on my way home when a bird in flight perched on top of a tree branch which I happened to be passing at that very same moment. He was a large bird, I don't know the species but luckily I had my camera in hand and was able to capture him. I was so excited! This is the very first time in years I've been able to capture a bird without him flying away as soon as I attempted to snap the picture. The lighting in the shot is not very good but you could still see him. Does anyone, Ratty? know what species he is? This shot made my day. I can't tell you how excite...