Whos keeping an eye on me....

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Morrocoy - Venezuela

A day trip out from our mountain based holiday residence took us the 3 hours to Morrocoy National Park on the Northern Coast.

We tried our best to get at least a half day to relax on the beach and enjoy the sea but we were drawn to the wildlife that was around us so little time time to get the beach towl too wet! although it did rain.

Yes the sandy palm laiden beaches were picturesque  and would I swap work for just an hour there now..... of course I would




but the reason to come here was to see the birdlife.
We knew what species we would encounter but the expectation and excitment was still strong.

Of course we could see the Magnificant Frigatebirds as we drove along the coastal road but we had an added bonus of a boat ride to an island that took us along the edge of the breeding area.

100s of pairs noisly went about their business


Breeding male


and unfortunatly not all made it...
this looks like a juvenile that has proably fallen from its nest

Brown Boobie



In our quiet cove we had wonderful Osprey taking fish from the sea while Ruddy Turnstone and Semi-palmated Plover fed on this rocky outcrop



The big fellas joined in the action and landed close by
Brown Pelican


we drove to a few hotspots looking for waders and added yet more to the trip list including Bicolored Conebill, Blue Winged Teal, Greater Yellow legs, Short billed Dowitcher, Wilsons Plover and Gull Billed Tern, Whimbrel and Black Necked Stilt.

Juvenile Greater Flamingo


and the adults.... which were in their 1000s
while we have plenty more shorebirds to mention
Western Sandpiper

 Least Sandpiper

Tri-coloured Heron


Reddish Egret - (white phase)


19 comments:

NatureStop said...

Dave,great bird sightings and so many great shots...the Famingo, the brown Pelica,the tricoloured Heron are lovely. Have a great day!

Shantana

HansHB said...

Awesome to see, - great post!
Happy WBW!

TexWisGirl said...

a great variety of birds, but your brown pelican shot is stunning!

Unknown said...

Love these posts!! You get to watch them on the slide show and it's like you're there.Good job Dave. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Springman said...

What a patch!!! Excellent series Dave, you must have worn your SD cards out on this trip!

Phil Slade said...

Looks like a great trip Dave, even if those frigates look a bit scary.

Anni said...

Living in the coastal bend of Texas on the Gulf....brown pelicans have become one of my favorite birds to watch!!!!

Lovely array of stupendous birdin'!!!

mick said...

A great series of photos with a fantastic number and variety of birds. The Brown Pelicans are especially interesting.

Adam Jones said...

A great array of birds Dave. I love the Brown Boobie and the Sandpipers. All lovely shots.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Great photos. I especially like the flamingos.

Larry said...

Jeez Dave, you sure know how to make a guy jealous! What an incredible collection of birds. All super photos but I must tell you, my favorite shot is the Least Sandpiper. You really got down on that shot!

Carole M. said...

what stands out the most to me is the brown pelican - so different from ours here and therefore a real novelty. Also would love to be amongst the flamingos. You saw some wonderful bird life!

Vores have said...

Great pictures you show. Wishing you a good Wednesday. Hanne Bente

Liz said...

WOW!! What a wonderful selection of birds you have. All so very interesting and beautiful Your Brown Pelican is very different from our Australian Pelican which is white & black. Stunning shots, all of them.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

What a marvelous collection, my fav being the Brown Pelican. I only wish that they were a bit larger to view as I scrolled down~

Pat said...

Beautiful shots, Dave!

Nancy said...

I am impressed with the different species you captured -- love the pelican!

Tammy said...

What a great variety of birds Dave! The breeding Frigatebirds must be quite a stunning sight! Sad to to see the poor juvi that did not make it! Cheers.

Stewart M said...

Hi there - great set of birds!

Yes most people would probably like to see the Crimson Rosella. But it’s been a while since I've had Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal, Willow or Long Tailed on my year list! (And don’t mention Bearded - it’s my nightmare bird!)


Stewart M