Early evenings in August bring cool breezes on the gulf coast when skies turn dramatic hues of blue and afternoon rain showers of the tropics begin.
Shells are strewn across the beach but my eyes start to wander away from my seashell treasure hunt to the ever changing clouds that paint the perfect backdrop for my beach companions… the IBIS birds.
I was mesmerized at their beautiful back and forth strut with their beaks constantly sorting through the sand in the surf searching for their meal of MOLE CRABS (SAND FLEAS).
They are so peaceful to watch. Well, except these guys… The one on the right has “her” feathers all ruffled and looks like she is a little peeved at the other one like two siblings. “I told you! Stop getting in my space!”. The other one looks like he’s looking around going “Huh? Me? I didn’t do anything!” LOL
I hope you had a beautiful weekend (without any ruffled feathers). heehee
PS- I’m trying out Instagram to post more pics! The photo of the shells was one of my iPhone photos posted Saturday afternoon. If you have an Instagram account, look me up at Instagram.com/iLoveShelling.
Pam, those ibis photos look like paintings! AMAZING! I think I see new wallpaper for my computer in my future (if you don’t mind?). :-)
Florida chickens, they are ;)
Heehee
Really Beautiful pictures Pam !!!
Your Instagram shots are coming out great!! Love the clouds and sky in these photos but doubt I would’ve been able to take my eyes off the shells to appreciate it had I been there, so thanks for sharing. ;-)
Oh Pam such beautiful birds, I was once again looking at your shells from your Cuba visit. My goodness, there has to be some way to be able to get to that beach, all those shells you found were just magnificent, especially the cowrie and that black and white one and ………………..all of them, I need some!
Oh, I love the ibis, they are really amazing-looking creatures. (I am not surprised that the Egyptians venerated the ibis, there is something other-worldly about them.)
When I was on Sanibel last December I saw a pair where one ibis got ticked off with the other one because it was crowding him or her too much as they walked along the waterline — maybe that happens a lot (?) or perhaps it was even the same two birds! Ha!
Once again…your posts take me on a much needed miniescape/vacation!
These guys are beautiful. I loved your posts on the manatees close to shore last week….what blessings you experience everyday/
Love your pics and look forward to ur posts! Thank you!
Who me? I din’t do nuttin. So cute!
Does it show my age that I “get” your little Oh mighty Ibis (Isis) joke? I really wanted to be her back in the 70’s LOL!
Our zoo has an Ibis who began parenting the Spoon Bill chicks born in May.
She preened them and guarded them as parents collected chow !!
When they began to fledge, she flew back and forth from nest to trees to show the SPOONIES the way… Of course the keepers now call her Auntie Ibis. :)
I will share this beautiful post with the keepers who will no doubt become instant fans of iloveshelling :)
And what kind of camera are you using now? These are beautiful!
Hi Jane, Thank you! Im still using my panasonic lumix point and shoot camera. Ive been through lots of the different models but they all take about the same pics. Its light and easy! I edit them in iPhoto.
I had a Panasonic Lumix that I loved and it stopped working. The camera shop said it couldn’t be fixed, so I went out and bought a Fuji. I’m sorry I didn’t get another Lumix…..
Lisa, these cameras produce great photos for being such a travel friendly size…but they dont like the sand and salt air. Thats why I have to replace them often- expensive but whaddayagonnado. thats why Im trying to figure out how to turn some of these photos into prints or canvases to sell a little piece of Sanibel so I can afford to replace that camera! (since i cant stay away from sand or salty air- hahaha ). Even if that doesnt work, i think the panasonic is still worth it.
I agree, Pam. And where do you think I use my camera most often, hmmmmm? I think I’m just going to have to go get another Lumix and keep this Fuji for a back-up!
That sunset photo is breathtaking.
In Cayman, our shells are much smaller.
I love ibis!
What gorgeous photos you took!
Pam,
These pictures are just so beautiful! They would make a wonderful note card.
Thank you for sharing in your website. Your photos are always uplifting.
Would it be possible to get a copy of the ibis prints?
Oh Trina! How nice of you! I’ve been working on the best way to get my images produced and I just finished doing this one of the ibis. Check this out! Can I have your opinion?
For one notecard… http://members.cafepress.com/products/preview.aspx
Pack of 10… http://www.cafepress.com/iloveshellingshop.918663217