Winged Wednesday 2/12/2025

[Eric Gofreed]

My theme for this week's Winged Wednesday is Wet Birds—whether they're in the water or escaping from it. They might be hunting, bathing, or just drenched from a dive. This week, I’m excluding waterfowl but may feature them next time. As always, feel free to post anything with wings—birds, bats, an old Cadillac, or anything else with wings! And remember, my theme is just a suggestion—you’re welcome to share any winged wonder you like.

I’m also looking for ideas for Winged Wednesday! Should we focus on birds taking off or landing, bird reflections, birds with massive bills, desert birds, or something else entirely? Let me know your thoughts! Thanks for joining in. I can't wait to see what you post!

Splish, Splash, Up in a Flash! Freshly Bathed and Bound for the Sky: Crested Caracara Takes Flight

"Hey buddy, you’re not an osprey! Black-crowned Night Herons may be skilled hunters, but grasping a giant carp with those toes? That’s a bit ambitious!

White-crowned sparrow (dark-lored)

The osprey emerges from the depths, a rainbow trout in its grasp and a cascade of water in its wake—a master angler in action!

This photo is from the same sequence: the osprey clutching a Rainbow Trout

The Mighty Have Off Days – After the failed dive, this Bald Eagle seems to be contemplating where it all went wrong, while the coot is counting his blessings

After the failed dive, the coot paddles away unharmed. Perhaps, I should title this photo The Coot Evasion.

 

[ProCaliberTraveler]

I finally got myself a picture of a wood duck!

 

[Eric Gofreed]

The wood duck is no shrinking violet—evolution has ensured it stands out. And it certainly works! A stunning capture of these vibrant lovebirds! Kudos on getting the wood duck photo!

 

[AlanLichty]

My theme for this week's Winged Wednesday is Wet Birds—whether they're in the water or escaping from it. They might be hunting, bathing, or just drenched from a dive. This week, I’m excluding waterfowl but may feature them next time. As always, feel free to post anything with wings—birds, bats, an old Cadillac, or anything else with wings! And remember, my theme is just a suggestion—you’re welcome to share any winged wonder you like.

I’m also looking for ideas for Winged Wednesday! Should we focus on birds taking off or landing, bird reflections, birds with massive bills, desert birds, or something else entirely? Let me know your thoughts! Thanks for joining in. I can't wait to see what you post!

View attachment 79548
Splish, Splash, Up in a Flash! Freshly Bathed and Bound for the Sky: Crested Caracara Takes Flight

View attachment 79544
"Hey buddy, you’re not an osprey! Black-crowned Night Herons may be skilled hunters, but grasping a giant carp with those toes? That’s a bit ambitious!

View attachment 79547
White-crowned sparrow (dark-lored)

View attachment 79546
The osprey emerges from the depths, a rainbow trout in its grasp and a cascade of water in its wake—a master angler in action!

View attachment 79549
This photo is from the same sequence: the osprey clutching a Rainbow Trout

View attachment 79542
The Mighty Have Off Days – After the failed dive, this Bald Eagle seems to be contemplating where it all went wrong, while the coot is counting his blessings

View attachment 79543
After the failed dive, the coot paddles away unharmed. Perhaps, I should title this photo The Coot Evasion.

You have some pretty funny sequences in this set Eric. Especially the eagle and the coot. I can play along with the water theme but will have to do it with waterfowl. I will dig some up tonight.

 

[Beth]

a tern that dove into the water, came out in a different spot and turned.

 

[AlanLichty]

a tern that dove into the water, came out in a different spot and turned.

View attachment 79553

A turning tern

 

[Eric Gofreed]

A perfect display of nature’s artistry! The tern’s twirl echoed in every droplet—a breathtaking moment captured beautifully. Highest compliments, Beth.

 

[Trent Watts]

I'll stick to the wet bird theme for today's post. Back in May of 2021 I went out for a couple of hours walk in the drizzling rain to see what birds might be out. By the end, the birds and I were pretty drenched. The real winner was the female Mallard that just didn't get what all the fuss was about. Just preen those feathers with water proof oil and all is good.

An American Crow.

American Robin.

I think this is a Swainson's Hawk. Please let me know if not.

A Black-billed Magpie.

And the Mallard.

 

[Trent Watts]

A

a tern that dove into the water, came out in a different spot and turned.

View attachment 79553

A truly gorgeous and remarkable shot Beth.

 

[Trent Watts]

My theme for this week's Winged Wednesday is Wet Birds—whether they're in the water or escaping from it. They might be hunting, bathing, or just drenched from a dive. This week, I’m excluding waterfowl but may feature them next time. As always, feel free to post anything with wings—birds, bats, an old Cadillac, or anything else with wings! And remember, my theme is just a suggestion—you’re welcome to share any winged wonder you like.

I’m also looking for ideas for Winged Wednesday! Should we focus on birds taking off or landing, bird reflections, birds with massive bills, desert birds, or something else entirely? Let me know your thoughts! Thanks for joining in. I can't wait to see what you post!

View attachment 79548
Splish, Splash, Up in a Flash! Freshly Bathed and Bound for the Sky: Crested Caracara Takes Flight

View attachment 79544
"Hey buddy, you’re not an osprey! Black-crowned Night Herons may be skilled hunters, but grasping a giant carp with those toes? That’s a bit ambitious!

View attachment 79547
White-crowned sparrow (dark-lored)

View attachment 79546
The osprey emerges from the depths, a rainbow trout in its grasp and a cascade of water in its wake—a master angler in action!

View attachment 79549
This photo is from the same sequence: the osprey clutching a Rainbow Trout

View attachment 79542
The Mighty Have Off Days – After the failed dive, this Bald Eagle seems to be contemplating where it all went wrong, while the coot is counting his blessings

View attachment 79543
After the failed dive, the coot paddles away unharmed. Perhaps, I should title this photo The Coot Evasion.

Such a great story in every shot Eric. Beautiful.

 

[Trent Watts]

I finally got myself a picture of a wood duck!
View attachment 79550

Love the chest bump. Great shot of these beauties.

 

[Eric Gofreed]

I'll stick to the wet bird theme for today's post. Back in May of 2021 I went out for a couple of hours walk in the drizzling rain to see what birds might be out. By the end, the birds and I were pretty drenched. The real winner was the female Mallard that just didn't get what all the fuss was about. Just preen those feathers with water proof oil and all is good.

An American Crow.

View attachment 79557

American Robin.
View attachment 79558

I think this is a Swainson's Hawk. Please let me know if not.
View attachment 79559

A Black-billed Magpie.
View attachment 79560

And the Mallard.
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Interesting set of photos, Trent! The hawk, crow, and magpie were soaked to the bone, yet the mallard seemed unfazed—something about water off a duck’s back! It’s fascinating to see how different birds handle the rain. Most seek shelter from heavy downpours, but their response varies by species. Small songbirds hide in dense foliage, under branches, or in tree cavities to stay dry and conserve energy. Larger birds like hawks and crows may endure light rain but seek cover in storms. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese remain in the water, relying on their waterproof feathers. Some birds, especially in warm climates, bathe in the rain to clean their feathers. Your photos capture an intriguing mix!

 

[AlanLichty]

My wet wings for today feature birds that hang out in the water in the first place.

A couple of weeks ago I posted some shots of Canada Geese chasing some pintails away from a spot they wanted. Here are a couple more shots from that sequence starting with the first goose starting its charge at the pintails. I'm pretty sure the goal was to splash as much water around as possible and make lots of noise.

Towards the end of the charge the lead goose got slightly airborne while its companions were still running and splashing behind. Some of the pintails can be seen scattering from the desired spot. At close to 100 yards away (shooting at 1000mm) I couldn't really see exactly what was going on through my viewfinder and stopped shooting just before they finished their finale but it looked like the lead goose more or less did a belly flop to finish off the charge just as I had lifted my finger on the shutter.

At the other end of the spectrum is an Egret landing in the water. I posted a shot of this bird just before it hit the water but this is the next shot in that sequence showing it barely even making a ripple as its feet enter the pond. More adaptive for a bird that doesn't want to scare away lunch like the geese above trying to get some ducks to move out of their spot on the pond.

 

[Trent Watts]

Great sequence showing Canada geese behaviour Alan. The clarity is fantastic. I love the reflection in the Egret image. It really stuck the landing....Like an Olympic diver.

 

[Alan Milnes]

These are all lovely images. Thanks for sharing everyone!

 

[Alan Milnes]

Chinstrap penguins fishing

King Penquins spending a day at the beach

 

[murali]

Have been AWOL for a few months due to too many conflicts. Was in the Everglades last week chasing birds, alligators and crocs. Saw a few birds trying to swallow fish. They all had a tough time. I saw this GBH for over 5 minutes trying to get the job done but it didn't succeed. It went away into the swamp with the fish still hanging from its bills.

 

[Trent Watts]

Chinstrap penguins fishing

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King Penquins spending a day at the beach

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Interesting shots Alan. Love that last one of the Penguin making a wave.

 

[Trent Watts]

Have been AWOL for a few months due to too many conflicts. Was in the Everglades last week chasing birds, alligators and crocs. Saw a few birds trying to swallow fish. They all had a tough time. I saw this GBH for over 5 minutes trying to get the job done but it didn't succeed. It went away into the swamp with the fish still hanging from its bills.

View attachment 79575

This is a great action shot.

 

[murali]

a tern that dove into the water, came out in a different spot and turned.

View attachment 79553

wow. brilliant capture including the water droplets.