Devereux, Sep 3-7, 2007
After a Labor Day weekend spent doing laborious tasks at home, I returned to bird photography on Monday evening through Friday evening at Devereux Slough. On Monday evening (September 3) the approximately 3,000 Red-necked Phalarope were still at Devereux Slough and were very vocal and active. Groups would fly over the walkway near the south pull-out and then fly back again; other groups would fly to different areas of the Slough. It seemed that the birds had stirred up sediment because the water was reddish-brown-blue in places. The large number of Red-necked Phalarope was a very impressive sight. On Tuesday morning, there were still very many birds, but on Wednesday all but a few remained. The large Red-necked Phalarope flock must have continued on their migration journey on Tuesday evening.
(Red-necked Phalarope, Egrets – Devereux Slough – September 03, 2007)
(Red-necked Phalarope – Devereux Slough – September 3, 2007)
(Red-necked Phalarope – Devereux Slough – September 3, 2007)
However, there are still many interesting birds at the Slough. A small flock of Wilson’s Phalarope fed in both the Slough and the vegetation along the east edge, frequently stabbing at flies. Recent new inhabitants of the Slough, Great-tailed Grackle were among other birds in the vegetation on the east edge of the Slough.
(Wilson’s Phalarope – Devereux Slough – September 6, 2007)
(Great-tailed Grackle – Devereux Slough – September 6, 2007)
(Dowitcher landing – Devereux Slough – September 3, 2007)
On Friday, four White-faced Ibis were the most noteworthy of the birds at the Slough (first seen on Thursday). These birds appear to be mostly dark brown, but when their feathers are illuminated at certain angles of sunlight, olive-green and red iridescent feathers become visible.
(White-faced Ibis – Devereux Slough – September 7, 2007)
(White-faced Ibis – Devereux Slough – September 7, 2007)
SLIDESHOWS
The photos in the text are just some of the photos taken. To see all of the photos, please click on the link below.
LINKS OF INTEREST
- Callie Bowdish – Coal Oil Point Reserve, Aug 24 thru Sep 2, 2007
- Santa Barbara County Yahoo Birding Group
Nice Ibis photos. It looks like that afternoon back lighting is still a challenge though.
September 8th, 2007 | #
Thanks – yes, I had set the aperture 1/3 stop down too much, and the birds were still mostly side-lit in partial shadow. Morning light would be best. I hope you get to see them with a decent background.
September 8th, 2007 | #
Just look at all those Phalaropes? As always you take such stunning photography and I am very jealous with the great birds you always find!
September 8th, 2007 | #
Once more, you have dazzled and amazed and informed me Lynn – thanks for the great shots of all the migrating and residents birds in our area!
September 8th, 2007 | #
Thanks Mo and mon@rch – I feel blessed to live in this area, near wonderful bird sites – and flora sites in the spring. It is not too difficult to find these sites. For some years on and off, I used to play golf with my son on the golf course abutting Devereux, and always wondered what was in and around the adjacent stretch of water. Now I have time to explore and find out.
September 8th, 2007 | #