Hosting often overlooked wonders with photography and writing

Gulls Loading up on Breakfast – 7 June 2021

A seven-mile causeway across the Great Salt Lake connects the mainland to Antelope Island. At 50 miles per hour (80 kph), the beauty of the salt marsh and its birds are unseen. You must pull over and get out of your vehicle. The Franklin’s gulls ((Leucophaeus pipixcan. High probability of accurate identification.)) have the black hoods while the California gulls ((Larus californicus. High probability of accurate identification, but knowing the age of these gulls and time since their last molt would increase certainty.)) are bare headed.

Black-necked Stilts ((Himantopus mexicanus)) and a Common Gallinule ((Gallinula chloropus. Moderate probability of accurate identification. Observing a red face shield would clinch certainty.)) – 7 June 2021

This scene is farther along the causeway and almost to the island itself. I like the variety of activity including the sleeping in the middle of the frame. The one gallinule, formerly called a common moorhen, to the left is a rare visitor to Utah. This is the first gallinule I have ever observed. In fact, I did not know they existed until this week. It is always a thrill to see a new species for the first time. This scene could be a New Yorker cartoon, but I cannot think of a caption. If you can, please tell us in the comments.

Black-necked Stilts – 7 June 2021

The bands of color and variety of textures attracted me to this composition. The stilts add to the scene. The reeds among the birds remind me of the old-fashioned TV antennas we had on the rooftops way back in the last century.

Your blog host,

Michael