FINE FEATHERS (1): ABACO BIRD ‘PICS’ OF 2013
The Least Tern in the header image was a stroke of luck. I was watching plovers on the beach when it landed on the tideline with a small fish in its mouth. I just had time to point the camera and fire off 3 shots before it flew off again. This was the only usable image. I liked the fish, of course, and the way its little legs made a dent in the wet sand.
This Black-necked Stilt was attempting to distract me from a nearby nest, which I’d have known nothing about until it tried to distract me. It zig-zagged towards me, striding through the water while yelling, and then took off and flew at my head! Twice. I moved away…
An effortlessly elegant Red-winged Blackbird
A Reddish Egret (white morph) in the mangroves out on the Marls takes a call on its cellphone
A Bahama Mockingbird deep in the pine forest of the Abaco National Park
A baby West Indian Woodpecker takes a look at the wide world from its nest box. Within a week, it and 4 other chicks had flown. 
A Red-legged Thrush in full song
The Bahama Yellowthroat is one of 4 endemic species on Abaco. Only the males have the striking Zorro mask. They are shy birds, but also inquisitive. I learnt to imitate their call (not difficult) to bring them out of scrub and bushes. Once out, they liked to take a good look from a safe distance.
Great shots, love the Least Tern. 😀 at the egret on his mobile!
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Thank you Lucy. The Least Tern was a surprise bonus. Mobile? Cellphone? Whatever. I’m in Dorset right now – no signal on anything unless I stand in the field (though texts come through ok). RH
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I am most looking forward to have the magazine AUK Vol VIII, in 1981, where Charles B.Cory has compiled a list of the birds of Abaco.
Yours is a work that will remain in the history of the small islands of the Caribbean, because everyone can learn about the flora and fauna of those places. And the rider of Abaco is the most interesting because comes from the behavior of the other riders! Thank you.
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Thank you for your kind comments. You can find old editions of ‘The Auk’ to read free online. Auguri, RH
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I love the Tern at the top – we see lots of tern variations along the Moray coast – great set
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Thanks Scott. Lucky shot! BTW, have you ever tried photographing round Lochindorb? It can be very beautiful in the right conditions. RH
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Beautiful pics, especially the top one!
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Stroke of luck… if I’d been looking the other way, I wouldn’t even have seen the bird at all. I’m enjoying your new walking places… and good luck with getting to Bournemouth. I’m glad Dorset isn’t next on your list… RH
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Lovely shots, RH! Your images would make a nice calendar, we think!
Love, Dina
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There would be a few months missing – I’ll have to post part 2 soon to make up 12 months and a cover! RH
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