gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

For the past few days we have had a super rare visitor for our area here in Southern, Ontario. A Roseate Spoonbill has been hanging around the Springwater Conservation Area which is close to Aylmer, Ontario. I made the one hour trek to try and see it on September 15th but was told it had flown off earlier in the day, but then last night I recieved a text message that it had shown back up at about 7:30pm, after making the short trek to the lake to most likely feed all day. So I was up real early, 2am to be exact and since it was a clear night, I once again fiddled around a bit with some astrophotography, but then made my way to the conservation area and walked the km from the road parking lot to the water and sat and waited. Over the next hour people started showing up and by the time the bird put in it's first appearance there were over 100 eager people waiting to see it. For me it was a fantastic opportunity, because of all my medical issues my chances of making another trip to the southern states will most likely not happen again in my lifetime because of the cost of travel insurance.

I used my Nikon z50 with the Sigma 100-400mm lens attached and was able to capture some great images and I even tried my hand at a couple of short videos, hmmm maybe start my own Youtube channel........nope to much like work and at this point in my life I try to make every day count for something because when your not sure what tomorrow will bring you best appreachiate the day that your in. There were some bigger and much better cameras and lenses there today, and it would be fantastic to try out one of the 600mm primes but I have learned that this hobby is not about the best of the best but instead the slowing down of your time with the camera to take in all that is around us daily.

Have a great week everyone.

Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret a Great Blue Heron and some Canada Geese in the background

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I am thinking the Great Egret is scratching his head because he missed the punch line.

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These two were either in quiet conversation or battling like an old married couple the entire time I was there.

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CCPhotoist Loc: Cape Cod

Beautiful pictures! I'm glad your quest was successful. Be well.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Well worth the effort.

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Thanks very much

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Thank you

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

That is going to be one surprised Spoonbill when it snows

srsincary Loc: Cary, NC

Great story and pics. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Lovely photographs. Well done.

Dennis

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

Hope he flies back our way before winter! Probably, like all the flamingos people have seen, it was blown off course by hurricanes that we keep having. Glad you got to see one of my favorite waterbirds!

BurghByrd Loc: Pittsburgh

Thanks for the photos and for your thoughts - you are absolutely right, every good day is a blessing.

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Well who knows maybe he will enjoy the break from the heat......lol

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Thank you

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Thank you

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Yes I am expecting to see a few sea birds this week that are normally only seen on the east coast with the hurricane that just came thru this weekend out there, but mostly I hope anyone that went thru it is safe and all their loved ones are as well

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Thank you