This Ride is for the Birds - Ducati.ms

Bill_Anderson · Feb 3rd, 2009, 11:31 pm

Due to a combination of weather and family circumstances, my only ride last month was down to Sunset Ave. (total nine miles) to take some winter sunset photos. I probably did not ride many more miles in December for the same reasons.

That set the stage for today. We have an annual phenomena up here in the PNW where the weather will turn nice in late January-early February, raising everyone's hopes of an early Spring. These hopes are dashed by a return of winter weather a week or two later. Today was one of those spring-like days, with temps predicted to be near 60*F (don't laugh, that is warm even for summer up here) and no rain in the forecast.

After the frost burned off the roof tops, I headed north for Fir Island. Some of you may recall I rode there several times last year in search of eagles, trumpeter swans, and snow geese. This year I have a new weapon in my bird hunting arsenal: my Canon SLR with a telephoto zoom lens.

Unfortunately, you will not get to see those photos right now as I continue to have computer problems. I probably need a new computer, as mine is 103 years old in computer years, which are even shorter than doggie years.

Here are some shots I took with my p&s. I saw a lot of juvenile bald eagles this time out. It takes the juvies 3-4 years to develop the white head and tail feathers of their parents. There were two occasions when I was pacing behind one while it was flying over the road ahead of me.

Photos #1-2: A flock of thousands of snow geese living up to their name. The snowy peaks in the background are the Olympic Mtns. located across Puget Sound.

Photo #3: My bird stalking Duc with Mt. Baker in the backgound.

Photos #4-5: Trumpeter swans on the wing.

Bill_Anderson · Feb 3rd, 2009, 11:38 pm

Shots of eagles in the high trees behind the levee along Skagit City Road on Fir Island. Sorry for the crappy digital telephoto of my p&s. The shots from the telephoto zoom of my SLR should be much better when I am able to post them up.

Photos #1-3: Juveniles.

Photos #4 & 5: Adult pair.

Bill_Anderson · Feb 3rd, 2009, 11:41 pm

Here is another large flock of snow geese in a field beside Fir Island Rd. west of Conway. These flocks create many problems for the farmers.

Bill_Anderson · Feb 3rd, 2009, 11:51 pm

These last photos were taken in the Stillaquamish Valley southeast of Stanwood. This entire area was under water a few weeks ago.
http://www.heraldnet.com/apps/pbcs.d...arams=Itemnr=7

Winter in the PNW is not the time to push the performance envelope. My leisurely solo rides through the Stillaguamish and Skagit River Valleys with frequent stops to take bird photos are a nice change of pace from the more intense group rides in warmer weather. As you can see from the photos, the valleys are open and the roads are able to dry off, which is important up here in the winter.

pvflyer · Feb 4th, 2009, 12:00 am

Incredible love those shots, There is a real nice place.
Now I have a question about the eagles, Why are they called bald eagles?

Regards

Bill_Anderson · Feb 4th, 2009, 12:11 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by pvflyer

Incredible love those shots, There is a real nice place.
Now I have a question about the eagles, Why are they called bald eagles?

Regards

My guess would be that the white feathers of the adults make their heads look bald (?????????)

redpato · Feb 5th, 2009, 6:42 pm

Bill, that is indeed the answer. The white feathers give it the appearance of being bald compared to the brown body. Good shots for the camera you used, can hardly wait for the really good ones to come. Keep it up, you lucky guy.

"in God we trust"

rickmillertx · Feb 8th, 2009, 11:07 am

Thanks for the photos Bill. I have an eagle story. I was sitting on the edge of a lake in east Texas last month enjoying a beverage. Low and behold a bald eagle flew by. I have never seen any kind of eagle in Texas before.

And before you say it, I was on the first beverage so I'm sure of what I saw.

**Rainman** · Feb 9th, 2009, 9:32 am

Nice Bill!

Hey Rick, I am glad you qualified that with the "first beverage".....LOL

Bill_Anderson · Feb 9th, 2009, 12:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickmillertx

Thanks for the photos Bill. I have an eagle story. I was sitting on the edge of a lake in east Texas last month enjoying a beverage. Low and behold a bald eagle flew by. I have never seen any kind of eagle in Texas before.

And before you say it, I was on the first beverage so I'm sure of what I saw.

I read an article recently about a woman in Houston who claimed that an eagle swooped down and took off with her kitten while it was in her back yard.

I once saw saw an eagle perched on the top of one of the four large Douglas firs in my backyard. I was hoping that my cats were inside.