Welcome to Week #28 of the Bird Weekly Photo Challenge. Week #28 challenge is Birds in or near the water or snow.
This is the last Bird Weekly Challenge of 2020. Can you believe it? Good riddance 2020! Week #29 will be on January 1, 2021. Please enjoy your holidays next week. I will do a round up for this challenge on Christmas Day so watch for that.
Hoping this challenge lends itself to everyone. If you are anywhere near a creek, river, pond, lake or ocean, you should have a bird to post this week. I’m fortunate because I live 23 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and only 5 minutes from the St. Johns River which runs northward or in my mind, uphill. The St. Johns River, located in Florida is a total of 310 miles long (500 km). At its widest point, it is 3 miles wide (5km). It is separated into three major basins and has two associated watersheds for Lake George and the Ocklawaha River. It is under major restoration due to pollution caused by a growing population of people. We spend a lot of time birding along this stretch of water, not just in Jacksonville, but throughout the state.
The feature image is an American Oystercatcher that I captured on January 2, 2020 at Fort Desoto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida near St. Petersburg. It was our last trip to Tampa Bay after Covid changed our lives. I haven’t been down there to see my kids or grandkids in almost a year.
Roseate Spoonbill
The Roseate Spoonbill in this photo was seen in the swampy area of Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Florida along the Hillsborough River. They are short distance migratory birds and are mostly seen in coastal areas. They will travel inland in parts of the U.S., South America and the Caribbean.
Double-crested Cormorant
Hanging with the Ducks taking the term literally. Ducking behind these trees…I can still see you!
Willet
This Willet was feeding in the surf at Little Talbot Island State Park this past summer on a very warm day with high southeast winds causing some great wave action and a rough rip current. The Willet managed quite well in the tough circumstances. He was managing just fine.
Osprey
Different day on Little Talbot Island State Park when we watched this Osprey pluck this fish from 6 inches of water. The scene went on for about 20 minutes while he caught it, dropped it on the sand, circled back, played with it a while and then finally took off when the fish was secured.
Anhinga
Talk about a fish catcher! This Anhinga caught this fish and spent about 30 minutes beating it on the dock. It is amazing how they can swallow a fish that size completely in tact and it go down that skinny little neck. This was taken on the St. Johns River.
Cinnamon Teal
While visiting Las Vegas a few years ago, we went birding at the Henderson Birding Preserve just southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. We saw approximately 40 of these beautiful cinnamon colored birds. Interesting fact is that the males will molt these colors soon after they breed and become more of the brown colors like the female. They look very similar to other teal species and make it hard to distinguish what you are actually seeing. The Cinnamon Teal has a longer and wider bill than other teals to tell them apart.
American Wigeon
The American Wigeon gets around. While this bird is prominent in North America, it will migrate into Asia, Europe and South America. Even though they are quite common in the United States and Canada, their numbers are in decline. The best time to see these wigeons in the lower 48 states is between August and April. We spotted this one at Sunset Park in Las Vegas in April, 2017 on our last day of our Honeymoon.
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks plus an American Coot photobombing the scene at Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, Florida. Thought it appropriate to let you know they celebrate in Christmas 365 days a year. They are noisy ducks with a distinguished pink bill. They live in Florida year round but they migrate from South America to North America. They have began expanding their range further north in the U.S.
Little Blue Heron & Ruddy Turnstone
Hanging out at the fishing pier at Reddie Point in Jacksonville, Florida along the St. Johns River. These 3 birds were hoping to get some dropped bait from the people fishing off the dock. The Little Blue Heron got tired of waiting while the patience of the Ruddy Turnstones maintained their stance.
Great Blue Heron
The majestic Great Blue Heron was patiently waiting while a Great Egret was indulging in someone’s bait bucket. I suppose trying to decide at what moment he would strike. Taken at Fort Desoto Park in Pinellas County near St. Petersburg, Florida. Fort Desoto is a must see if you are in the Tampa Bay area. Hot spot for birding.
Brown Pelican
Mr. Brown Pelican was hanging out under the bridge. I guess he forgot his sunscreen and needed to get into the shade. This is a juvenile so maybe he had been out trying to catch fish unsuccessfully. Either way, he was posed up beautifully for me to photograph.
Upcoming challenges can be found on my Bird Weekly Challenge Page.
Next time…Week #29 – Birds with Long Wingspans on January 1, 2021. Happy Holidays everyone!
Our Eyes Open 
Comments
85 responses to “Bird Weekly – Photo Challenge – Birds in or Near the Water or Snow”
These are great photos. I hope we can get down to Florida soon
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Thank you Alice! I hope you get to come down here soon too. I wanted to go to Merritt Island for New Years, but our B&B booked the only dog friendly room they have. We can’t leave our dog with anyone because she is almost 14 and having some issues. 🙂
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[…] For Bird Weekly challenge: birds in or near the water or snow. […]
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[…] Bird Weekly – Photo Challenge – Birds in or Near the Water or Snow […]
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Great set Lisa! I’m quick off the mark this week with my offerings
.https://blhphotoblog.wordpress.com/2020/12/18/bird-weekly-photo-challenge/
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Had a feeling you would be lurking, Mister B, just waiting to ”pounce”, And as If I can match your snow shots living down here in Johannesburg!
Not to mention water where the sea is 600 kms away.
Maybe I can come up with something?
😉
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I see no competition here at all. LMAO! Loving it! 🙂
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Much of Brian’s photography is outstanding. He is so keen he often drives miles and miles to get a good photo, whereas I merely walk into my garden!
🙂
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We drive miles and miles to go birding and to get photos of birds too, but plenty of my song birds are taken right in my yard. We are helping the Audubon Society on the 27th with the annual count here so I’m pretty excited to get out and do some birding. 🙂
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Had to get in before you! Yes I see your problem there Ark. Not got any shots of birds by your pool?
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I may have a couple ….
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Yes you are and awesome gallery this week. I enjoyed the snow pics. 🙂
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Stunning selection of birds here!
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Thank you so much! This was the easiest challenge for me so far that I’ve set. I have so many birds around water. Might have to do this again in a few months. 🙂
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Wonderful!
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Excellent line up for this week, Lisa!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the family! xx
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Thanks Deborah. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family as well! We are staying home and my BFF & hubby are coming from Tampa. First time ever for the holidays. Looking forward to it. Not seeing my kids or grandkids. Shipping their stuff. They are too integrated with people for me to go down there. 🙂
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Sharing the holiday with your BFF for the first time sounds like fun! I hope it is fantastic and starts a new tradition with you all. 🥰
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It will probably be one of the only times. We usually spend Christmas at their house and then at my kid’s house after Christmas. We have always done Christmas here in Jacksonville with my BIL family. Not doing it this year so it sets up for a different fashion. We can do it because they work from home and don’t go anywhere or see anyone except to get necessities. Otherwise, we wouldn’t see them either. 🙂
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That’s why I can still see my kids and grandkids. It’s a blessing I’m so grateful for!
I’m sure your Christmas will be merry even though it’s different this year! I’m counting my blessings a lot more this year more than I have in the past. 😀
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Ditto to that! I’m thankful for being able to get through this year and still healthy. I’m so glad you get to spend times with your kids and grandkids. It’s really important! 🙂
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It is for us as much as them. 😀
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It certainly is! 🙂
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👏👏👏, nice article with bigger locals.
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Great captures all of them. Merry Christmas!
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Thank you! Merry Christmas, Maria!
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[…] For Lisa´s Bird Weekly. […]
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the oystercatcher is just stunning, as is the blue heron…
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Thanks Jim! That was the best series of oystercatchers I’ve ever gotten. Reminds me of being in Tampa, a freaking year ago. 🙂
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hopefully you get back there soon…
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Probably won’t be for another year. It won’t be until covid gets under control.
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all good things are worth waiting for…
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That’s right! 🙂
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[…] Bird Weekly Photo Challenge – Birds near or in the water or snow […]
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The oystercatcher pips it for me. Great shot.
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Is that a good thing? I’m learning new slang every day. 🙂
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Very good thing.
You’ve heard the saying ‘pipped at the post’, I’m sure?
I enjoyed all the photos but my favourite was the oystercatcher.
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Well, I learn something new everyday. Hadn’t heard that before so thank you for expanding my vocabulary. LOL! So glad you liked the oystercatcher. It really is one of my favorite photos ever. 🙂
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[…] Posted for BIRD WEEKLY – PHOTO CHALLENGE – BIRDS IN OR NEAR THE WATER OR SNOW […]
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Awesome captures! These are so lovely…Here’s mine- https://myheart2heart.blog/2020/12/18/birds-by-the-water/
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Thank you so much Rita! 🙂
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Lisa, Awesome pictures!
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Thank you so much! Hope you can join us one of these days. 🙂
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Lots of beautiful birds, Lisa! Florida certainly has its share. I hoped to have something in my archive to align with my SS theme this week. Hope all is well, and coming to you today from the cold north!
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Thanks Terri! Did you get moved? Guessing you did given the comment. It’s been chilly here for North Florida. We almost hit freezing yesterday morning. We didn’t have a fall. It went from extreme summer heat to cold. Hoping to start writing a little more. In the past week, I’ve only written for Bird Weekly. 🙂
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Yes, we did, Lisa, it’s plenty cold here! What you describe sounds like our climate in Sacramento. We had 80 plus temps in early November then a minute of Fall. By the day we drove away on Dec 13, the lows were in the 30s. Hope to see you for Sunday Stills. I know how a weekly post challenge can keep one busy!
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I’m glad you are starting to get settled in. We had freezing temps this week, but today is in the 70’s. It’s actually supposed to be chilly for Christmas this year….whaaattt? I’m going to be able to do Sunday Stills this week. Probably in the next day or two. I’m excited to get back to blogging some. Missing everyone! 🙂
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[…] Bird Weekly […]
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[…] The Bird Weekly Photo Challenge: Birds in or near the water or snow […]
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Roseate Spoonbill would be on my must have list. My Whistling Ducks are prettier than yours 😀 😀
I love how it looks like the Heron has tripped over the Turnstone.
Great gallery of photos Lisa 🙂 🙂
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You will have to come to Florida to see the Spoonbill. I literally laughed out loud on the Whistling Duck comment. They are all pretty in their own way. LOL! The LBH gives a great illusion. I guess I could say my Oystercatcher is prettier than yours, but they pretty much look the same. hahaha!
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I think lots of the birds worldwide are similar Oystercatchers are the same for sure
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I think so too but until I was doing this challenge, I never knew they existed like so many birds you share. I’ve spent the last several years getting acquainted with US birds and now I’m excited about what is out in the world. 🙂
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[…] to Lisa once again for the […]
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[…] is my entry for Lisa’s from Our Eyes Open blog, Bird Weekly – Photo Challenge with the topic of Birds in or Near Water or […]
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As always, I adore your bird photography. 😀 😀
Here is my entry for the week.
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Thank you Cee! 🙂
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[…] did the time go, for this to be the last Bird Weekly challenge of the year? It’s been a wild ride, though not necessarily a fun one, and I […]
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[…] BirdWeekly:…Water-Birds […]
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Love these photos. Amazing capture of the Roseate Spoonbill. Here is my entry,
https://100countrytrek.com/2020/12/19/bird-weekly-photo-challenge-birds-in-nova-scotia-in-the-snow/
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Considering that we live in a river valley which isn’t far from the coast, have a lot of water bird pictures, a lot of BIRD pictures in all four seasons. BUT we had a BIG snow earlier this week and i took about 400 pictures. I’ve been processing relentlessly, but I’m losing to the sheer VOLUME of material, much of it better than I expected. Nothing world-class, but most of them sharp enough so if there’s something in the pictures, i can find a way to use it. Birds have been the best part of this whole year.
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That is so exciting! Content…content….content! Birds have been the best part of this year! Totally agree! I’m taking a week off to go birding after Christmas. So excited I can hardly stand it. 🙂
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[…] BIRDS IN OR NEAR THE WATER OR SNOW […]
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[…] Bird Weekly: Birds in or near the Water or Snow […]
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Beautiful images Lisa and such a variety of birds! Our contribution for this week comes from a river nearby: https://tranature.com/2020/12/20/silent-sunday-six-months-old/
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Good shot of the little blue heron leaving the turnstone in its dust. I always love seeing ospreys catching prey. And cinnamon teal add a pinch of spice to the scene whenever you see them.
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Thanks so much! You summed that up pretty well! Those Cinnamon Teals are incredible if you see them before they molt out! 🙂
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[…] BIRDS IN OR VERY NEAR SNOW (PART Deux) […]
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Great post!Thank you, Lisa.
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Thank you very much! Happy Holidays! 🙂
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[…] Bird Weekly Challenge: Week #28 Birds near water […]
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[…] Bird Weekly […]
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Wonderful water bird captures! Loved seeing them.
https://dailymusing57.com/2020/12/22/bird-weekly-birds-in-snow-or-water/
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Thank you so much! I don’t have snow so I couldn’t set the challenge just for birds in the snow. LOL! 🙂
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[…] Our Eyes Open Lisa’s bird weekly challenge is birds near/on water or snow […]
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Hello Lisa. I just found your blog via Brian (though I see Ark’s here too). Your photos (especially the spoonbill) are wonderful. My birds are rather distant – but they are near water!
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Brian and Ark just joined last week. So glad you joined us. We have a lot of fun. You can post every week or whenever you can. There are no posts this week. I will do a round-up tomorrow and resume next Friday with birds with large wingspans. Your birds were perfect! Hope to see you again when we return…plus squares is getting ready to start! 🙂
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Thank you for the warm greetings. I shall be back, Lisa. And yes ‘SQUARES’!
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Yay for squares! 🙂
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[…] The theme for this week’s Bird Weekly Challenge, hosted by Our Eyes Open, is Birds in or near Water or Snow […]
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[…] BirdWeekly:…Long-Wingspan-Birds […]
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[…] BirdWeekly:…Water-Birds […]
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[…] Birds Weekly: https://oureyesopen.blog/2020/12/18/bird-weekly-photo-challenge-birds-in-or-near-the-water-or-snow/ […]
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[…] Blogging took a backseat in December as I filled orders and tried to get ready for Christmas myself and continue to keep up with my orders. I did manage to keep up with Bird Weekly with the last one for 2020 ending on 12/18 with birds in or near the water or snow. […]
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[…] Bird Weekly Challenge: Week #46 Birds perched up on anything. […]
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