By now you must realize I have a fascination with the birds here on the Gulf. They never seem to tire of providing a fun watch as they go about their day. This first picture is of an approaching flock of pelicans.
I would like to point out a couple of things. Notice the haze in the sky along with the clouds. ((Trust me it is there) This photo was taken on Tuesday this week and believe it or not the haze is from the burning of crop lands in Mexico and South America. The farmers do it each year as a method of pest control. The smoke flows over South Texas when the wind is from the South as it has been for a few days. The other thing I would like to point out is the haphazard way the Pelicans are in formation. Usually, they form the classic V formation much like geese. The winds are blowing at about 20 knots, so it is difficult for them to hold the position.
Here is an another look. I waited for them to get closer for this shot.
They still look all over the place. I’m sure their commanding officer will have a chat with them back at the perch.
I managed to catch a shot of the Pelicans in the water (Those black things at the water’s edge). The gulls were having a time with the wind as well.
So you will not think the haze is forever, here is a shot taken Wednesday morning after the winds shifted to coming out of the North. (Thank you, Yankees) What a difference a day makes.
This shot is a long beach view taken from about a half mile North of our walkway. (The dogs get a mile walk in the morning, and since the wind was coming out of the North, I started out heading into the wind. I just turned around to head back and took the photo) The haze will return today but it was a nice break.
Fiction Favorites 
A mile walk on the level? I’d love that. Monday was an on-target day; my Fitbit tells me we did 7km and climbed the equivalent of 40 floors (it ignores downward slopes). That’s a total of four hundred feet climbed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a rough way to exercise. Yes, Sea level is pretty level and I’ve learned to appreciate it as I get older.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is a modicum of envy permitted?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh John, that’s a shame about the haze (and the cause of it). The blue in that one shot is gorgeous. Anyhow, I think pelicans are cool birds.
Have a thriving Thursday. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Teagan. Have a beautiful day as well. More hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pictures. I always imagine it’s windy on the beach in spring. Feels that way here. Have to feel sorry for the birds that are trying to get around up there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The wind does seem stronger in the spring. Must be that lion and lamb thing. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was blustering most of March around here. More than we’re used to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it was stronger this year for some reason.
LikeLike
Really weird. Also a little worrisome since it was preceded by an oddly warm winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I noticed a lot of black helicopters around as well.
LikeLike
I think those were mutant dragonflies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could well be.
LikeLike
What a great way to begin your day, John. You’re right, what a difference…gorgeous sky!
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks Jill. I was amazed. Today is like Tuesday again. (wind out of the south)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely photos and it looks like you’ve had some great surfing waves too 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jan. I think the surfers were happy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great picture of the beach: it definitely conveys all “the beach” and “Port A” stand for whenever I think of being there.
Have a great day,
Pit
P.S.: I’m always fascinated of the birds there, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Pit. I’m working on getting a better camera. I need to do some nice tight closeups which I can’t do now. Like yesterday two gulls were having a territorial dispute and they were bumping chests. Would have liked that shot.(reminded me of a lot of people I know.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Which camera are you thinking of?
I keep thinking of a new one, too. My old Nikon D70s seems to have developed internal connection problems. Ever so often it doesn’t properly recognize the SD card in it any more. Simply tells me either I need to format it – which would of course result in losing all pictures saved there – or says “no card”. The way arounbd is to switch the camera off, get the card out, put it in again and then switch the camera on again. So far, that has always worked. But it’s tedious, especially if it happens – as it sometimes does – a few times a day.
I’m in 2 minds about a new camera. The Nikon D7200 would have the advantage over the Nikon D5200 or 5300 is the better/higher ISO range and the 2 wheels to separately adjust shutter speed and aperture in fully manual mode. The advantage of the D5200/5300 is the fully movable monitor screen. Plus, of course, the price.
I’ve just read that Nikon is planning a D7300 with that movable monitor screen. Maybe I’ll wait.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was trying to figure out what to do so I’m not sure. I think I will use your info as a start. Thanks
LikeLike
Let me know your ideas, please. That will certainly help me, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gotta divide all ideas by available cash
LikeLike
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
What a great way to start the day – for you and the dogs!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Teri. I must admit I do not take my beach walks for granted. There is something new each day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to be that close to the beach! Beautiful pics!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good pictures of the birds, John. It’s indeed a shame about the pollution from the south. Have a great rest of the week. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Suzanne. it is annoying at times.
LikeLike
Great photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t let Maddie see this post. She’ll want a mile long walk on the beach, and it’s about a 90 minute drive. I love the shot of the birds in flight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dan. I think Maddie would love a nice walk and what’s 90 miles?
LikeLiked by 1 person
White pelicans seem to be able to stay in formation better than the brown ones. Maybe it is the uniform. Yes, we are more connected than we realize when burning of fields in Mexico make an impact on us here in Texas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the whites but they stay in the bay. Seldom see them on the Gulf side. I think you are right about the uniform. I like your comment about a connection. Not a good one in this case. Thanks.
LikeLike
Pelicans are extremely disciplined in their flight patterns. I’ve never seen a broken line before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Odd right? That’s what I thought.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely captured, John.
I prefer them to a Flock of Seagulls…
LikeLiked by 1 person
me Too. They are very regal in the air.
LikeLike