Tuesday, March 6, 2012

World Bird Wednesday - Feeding Frenzy


When I feel desolate, I need the open ocean to blow the cobwebs
away. All the city beaches are on the Gulf so we headed to Goolwa
and the Southern Ocean.

I love going there although it is a longish drive as it is quite near
the mouth of the Murray river. At Goolwa there are barrages
across the river and because of the recent rains, the river level
was up and quite a few sluice gates were open and the birds were
in a feeding frenzy as the fish rich water gushed out.


Masses of Cormorants, a few Pelicans and a number of adult
and juvenile Terns were involved in fast moving duck dives
and sudden up periscopes.


Flying back a bit and grazing the churning water against the
current.
The one below had just hit the water after a flight jockeying
for position.


Constantly on the move, this one I managed to catch in flight.


Seldom staying in one position for a good shot.


This Pelican seemed pleased with himself as he was constantly
smiling.


A quick dive, crowned with success.


Small wonder that he was pleased with himself until . . .


he ducked as


a tern flew overhead, he probably thought it was the axe
murderer.



There were terns aplenty, both adult and juvenile. They are such swift flyers
that it is not easy to get a clear shot at them.

38 comments:

  1. Wonderful post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  2. Eine fantastische Fotoserie...

    Grüsse aus der schweiz

    Hans-Peter

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  3. Lovely series (the pelican is so funny, they always make me smile) ... and I know what you mean about the therapeutic value of ocean breezes. Sometimes you just need to be on the beach.

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  4. Arija, what a wonder! I hope you are finding solace in nature. I am thinking of you and your trials. I hope you are healing slowly but surely as I know your trials have not yet ended. Sending hugs and prayers.

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  5. What lovely images.Found you c/o your comment on Jodi's "BloomingWriter" page.

    consider yourself HUGGED.

    Sybil
    Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia

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  6. Lovely! Love the captures of the birds in flight.

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  7. A great series of shots!
    That first shot of the pelican shows he has an eye on you or something. :)

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  8. Looks like a great place to blow the cobwebs away and allow nature to soothe your soul. Those pelicans are comical. Be well. Hugs!

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  9. Great shots! I love the pelican. I enjoyed your commentary too!

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  10. Wonderful action images of your beautiful birds Arija..
    Hugs from me..xx

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  11. I am glad that you have some places to turn to that will recharge your spirits....hugs..Michelle

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  12. You did so well Arija. I'm still in the practice stage of in flight shots. Love the Pelicans. They are so regal. I too love the serenity of the ocean, but we have only lakes within my reach.
    Take care my friend.
    B.

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  13. A wonderful post and beautiful birds! The beach is indeed a wonderful place to heal. Nature is the best medicine in the world!Sending hugs and good thoughts, Arija!

    Sylvia

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  14. I am so glad you have a place to go to be refreshed.These pictures are wonderful.

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  15. The sea will clear out the cobwebs nicely!

    Love the pelican shots. I have never seen a real one.

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  16. Wonderful outing, Arija! Cormorants were putting on a great show for you. And I love the Pelicans, they are one of my favorite birds. I enjoyed the post and your wonderful bird photos.

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  17. Oh what a wonderful display you brought to us. Thank you so much.

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  18. There's something awe inspiring and healing about the ocean, I agree.

    Your pelican made me smile. Such a little comedian.

    xoxo

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  19. Wonderful series! Your pelican shots are outstanding! I'm glad you were able to find solace at the beach and watching the birds. My prayers are with you.

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  20. Beautiful birds. It is worth the all the drive.

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  21. Hi there - I think your correct with Cormorant, and given the lack of any 'paleness' around the head I'd say Little Black Cormorant. (Darters have a much, much longer neck - almost like a heron)

    The tern is not a Caspian (have a look at my post for last week’s WBW for a Caspian). The dark front of wings is confusing me - but its probably a Crested Tern.

    Cheers - SM

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  22. Icould watch the birds all day. My Parents-in-law used to live in Sarasota and my family always visted. The children always loved the pelicans. They had a hospital for animals there and it was one of our favorite paces to visit.

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  23. A wonderful post Arija! Those Cormorants are very difficult to capture... they don't stay above the water for long!

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  24. Beautiful shots Arija - I hope that the visit did your soul good.

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  25. Hello Arija,
    Reading your posts, I learn that you are dealing with some Family health issues. I'm glad you could get this respite by the water. A change of scene sometimes does wonders for the spirit. I love those Pelican photos - what an expression it has!

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  26. Brilliant post. What a great move you made upping your camera equipment. It appears your are adapting beautifully because your pictures look great. I love seeing your Aussie pelicans, such beauties.
    You guessed it Arija, I am retired and a little wigged out with the process.
    I hope your heart is settling, and your peace returning.
    Take care!

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  27. The beach, the sun, doth make for better feeling when sadness has taken a toll. I must say...what did you pay that lovely Pelcian, to smile at you so willingly...I do like that chap a lot! Happier days love~

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  28. I know you are finding peace in the nature world,great photos, hugs & prayers are with you,phyllis

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  29. how lovely that you give yourself this gift. wonderful to see all these birds.... doing what they do.

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  30. A wonderful getaway for you Arija .... Those pelican shots are so gorgeous.... Thank for my USB and pics xx

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  31. Lovely pictures , loved the ducked pelican picture very much .....

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  32. Wow, love your pelican shots! Nicely done!

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  33. Nature has a way of calming our souls when we are troubled. Great shots of the sea birds and I'm glad there has been rain in your area.

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