My last 2023 visit to Huntington Beach State Park last week was much like all the others, this year and other years: Wonderfully predictable and unpredictable. Predictable in the generalities; unpredictable in the specifics.
Predictable: Seeing alligators. Unpredictable: Seeing so many (and this collage omits the six I could see basking on the near side of a small island in the pond).
Predictable: Seeing pelicans. Unpredictable: Seeing one sitting close to the walkway while going through its pretzel-bird grooming routine.
Digression – The grooming routine is best seen in motion.
End of digression.
Predictable: Seeing great blue herons. Unpredictable: Seeing one imitating a Major League Ball outfielder going for a catch.
The pattern continued when I arrived home (aka back at our rental apartment). Predictable: Seeing anoles scampering over the walls. Unpredictable: Catching sight of an anole’s dewlap for the first time…
… and seeing an anole catch sight of me.
Great images Isabel.
It’s the unpredictability that keeps people coming back to the same place.
Always nice to have some video in with the stills. (although one often misses some great still shots while shooting video and vice versa)
Jim R – Many thanks. I often struggle to choose between still and video — I want both!
Goodness, those are great pictures!
Tom
Tom – 🙂 Thank you. Glad you liked them.
Excellent evocation of the pond. I saw lots of pelicans in Tanzania, but none grooming in such an athletic way!
Judith – Many thanks. I’ve seen them doing these contortions before in the same location, and always struggled to get photos that captured the range of motion. Video works way better!
The predictable splendid photos. (Alligators still or in motion give me the creeps, willies, and rushes of adrenaline verging on terror.) Less predictable but much appreciated is your choice of music to the birds in motion. I have seen pelicans as close but holding firmly to their dignity. What fun to see a contortionist with its starched manners on hold!
Laurna – Hahaha. I know what you mean about “starched manners.” I have photos of them looking down their long nose at me. They can seem quite severe. This is a whole other side to their natures.
Pelicans can be extremely unappealing when they put their beaks up and over their own heads. What is that all about? We have them in Newport Beach, by the pier.
Barbara – LOL. I don’t know what it’s all about, and you’re right: it is unappealing.
And may I add that was a great choice of music for the vid. 😀
Barbara – Just a minute, let me check with the producer . . . Yes, you may so add. 🙂
Absolutely brilliant photos!
Mary – Well, I won’t argue with that! 🙂 Many thanks.