Wise Old Bird by Weezilou

Wise Old Bird

I broke out of my self-imposed sequestration today to celebrate that I'd made three books for grandkid birthday gifts, and Ken and I joined 4 other members of 365 at Safari Park outside of San Diego. It was a fabulously uncrowded day, and I couldn't believe I was seeing so many animals I'd never seen before! A handler brought out this Tawny Frogmouth from Australia, and he was intriguing on so many levels! He's virtually unseen when he blends into the trunk of a tree! He just sits there with his yellow-lined mouth open and the insects fly into it! This gorgeous specimen is 27 years old, but because of his good care, he has a nice long life expectancy.

I won't even begin to get through all the photos I took, so I picked the first I came to that I liked! I may not reply for another day as I'll have some serious catching up to do. Thanks for all the nice comments you sent me as I left the room for a week. I was fully able to get so much done, but I've missed the sharing and conversations!

That;s why today with 365 photographers, Ron @stray_shooter, Maria @mariaostrowski, Anita @aglennc, and John was so fulfilling! Also, at the park was former member, Kristin, who is a cheetah handler. Excellent outing for us all!
Very nice photo!
March 22nd, 2017  
Wow Louise! I cannot believe how fast you are at three photo books! Sounds like such a fun outing with other 365ers. What a sweet worried look on this bird! Fun photo!
March 22nd, 2017  
Welcome back! So lovely to see you back here again as I have missed you! Sounds like a great meet up today especially seeing new animals! This bird is gorgeous- I love the way he is looking at you! Fav!
March 22nd, 2017  
@dllawson Thank you for the kind words!
@gardenfolk Some of the pages were duplicated in each book, so I had only about half that were specific to each boy. They were heaps of fun to do, but I put in a lot of hours! Glad to have that one behind me!
@pamknowler Thanks m'friend! I was amazed at how many new animals I'd never seen before! And there was a butterfly pavilion that was excellent! AND... Anita told me abut a zoo in Newfoundland! TaDa!
March 22nd, 2017  
@Weezilou sounds wonderful Louise! I wonder if they will have a polar bear? I would love to see one!
March 22nd, 2017  
@pamknowler No idea! Never got beyond thinking, "Moose"! I wouldn't get your hopes terribly high, but I've been known to be wrong!
March 22nd, 2017  
What an interesting bird. Nice that you got to see a lot of animals that you hadn't seen before.
March 22nd, 2017  
Imagine that. 27 years old. He doesn't look a day over 26. Ah, to be that young again... Safari Park sounds like a wonderful day out to take pictures with. I've been thinking about getting a longer telephoto sometime soon. Does one need one there to get relatively close shots of the animals. I don't remember. I don't think I've been there in decades. By the way, nice photo lovely detail. Great expression on our subject.
March 22nd, 2017  
Hello again! This is a fab shot of an amazing looking bird. Well done on the production line ... your grandkids will be delighted!
March 22nd, 2017  
You've been like this wise owl and now finished your 3 books! Well done and great photo :)
March 22nd, 2017  
Wonderful capture
March 22nd, 2017  
@pamknowler @Weezilou They have polar bears down at the zoo portion in San Diego Pam. They are amazing to watch. I thought I had posted some shots some time ago, but not sure where they are.
March 22nd, 2017  
Great capture of the Tawney Frogmouth Louise. I agree that it's a fascinating creature.
March 22nd, 2017  
@pamknowler @Weezilou Found it! https://365project.org/stray_shooter/photo-a-day-16/2016-02-06 Louise, we have to go down to the SD zoo and get the polar bears for Pam!
March 22nd, 2017  
Here, at night you can sometimes hear them call, but to see them during the day is so hard, they blend in so well. Great to see this image, fav
March 22nd, 2017  
@stray_shooter @weezou can I come too! Now that would be a good 365 meet up! Lol!
March 22nd, 2017  
What a lovely capture. I had no idea they would live so long
March 22nd, 2017  
sounds a wonderful time you had. Wonder if the Frogmouth was born there or migrated from Australia as a young bird :) They are amazing to see them sitting in a tree, they look as though they are part of it. Glad you got to see one
March 22nd, 2017  
Congrats on finishing the books in record time! This owl sure does look wise - great shot of him!
March 22nd, 2017  
that face! and great bokeh. what a superb picture Louise
March 22nd, 2017  
Sounds like a great day. Great capture
March 22nd, 2017  
Great photo, focus, bokeh...It sounds like you're a busy lady :).
March 22nd, 2017  
Lovely capture. Nice to "see" you! :-)
March 22nd, 2017  
He looks so grumpy to me!! Haha. This is a perfect shot of him!
March 22nd, 2017  
A beautiful portrait of this beautiful bird.
March 22nd, 2017  
super shot of this very cool bird... amazing how its feathers look textured just like a tree trunk. Sounds like a fun outing with 365 friends.
March 23rd, 2017  
Awesome expression on the little guy. Fun capture. What a great day we had yesterday.......
March 23rd, 2017  
Fabulous shot of this character, I love tawny-frogmouths. They're so ugly they're gorgeous.
March 23rd, 2017  
Fabulous capture of this incredible bird, Louise! So happy you completed your three books for your grandkids. It sounds like y'all had a fun time at the Safari Park. :-)
March 23rd, 2017  
Fabulous capture! Love those eyes.
March 23rd, 2017  
Sounds like you had a wonderful breakout day and this is already one amazing image. What a fun way to spend the day!
March 23rd, 2017  
He has a great expression on his face, I love him!
March 23rd, 2017  
Lovely shot! Love the look in his eyes and the vivid background colours.
March 23rd, 2017  
Just spectacular! And thanks so much for the awesome postcard - It was the highlight of my day (and I look forward to hearing the rest of the story!)
March 24th, 2017  
lovely, Louise! Im trying to get back in the routine. Thank you for following me again.
March 24th, 2017  
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