I love seeing these colorful dragonflies!
Variegated Meadowhawks are a dragonfly species that we don't often see in our area. They are a "migrant species" for us...meaning that they pass through our area as they move to other areas for breeding.
These arrived over the last few days at the First Christian Church ponds.
While checking the First Christian Church ponds yesterday for dragonfly arrivals, I watched a flock of Pectoral Sandpipers circle and settle at the pond's edge.
The name "Pectoral" refers to the distinctive streaking pattern on their chests.
These sandpipers are long-distance migrants. They winter in South America and travel to North America for the breeding season.
Watching their synchronized flight is always amazing and I always think about how nature has enabled them to conduct minute turns and banking at top speed.
Some looks.....
We had a tip about a local Osprey nest, so we stopped by there today. They are still actively nest building, but eggs won't be far off. Some looks....
While hiking at Old Reid/Kirby Preserve today, I spotted this Wood Duck pair.
I've observed Wood Ducks in this location several times over the years, and I suspect that they nest nearby.
What gorgeous ducks!!
We made the short drive to Montgomery County to see and photograph a Great Horned Owl nest .
Remarkably, this nest is in the open and is easily viewable. Apparently, it's been the site of a GHO nest for about 8 years.
