New Photograph Finds

I have a life list for the wildlife I have seen, and I also have a life list for wildlife I have photographed.  Of course, I have seen way more than I have captured with a camera, so I get quite excited when I get something new photographically.

Today I biked from the Lock 22 and headed East past the feeder basin.  After I got to the feeder basin, I spotted eight double-crested cormorants!  I've never seen them on the canal before, so of course, I was quite excited!  The only shots I could get of them was as they were flying by after they spotted me.  These guys are hard to photograph (for me), as they are super skittish and very fast flyers.

Double-Crested Cormorant

On the way back, I spotted a little brown creeper on a tree.  I've seen these many times, but have never gotten a picture.  From what I've read about creepers, they lay their eggs behind loose bark at the base of trees.

Brown Creeper

Finally, right before I got back to the truck, I spotted the awesome little spotted sandpiper feeding around a semi-submerged log.  I couldn't decide which photo I liked best, so I'll just put them both here.

Spotted Sandpiper

I love the fact that I'm still seeing new birds along the canal.  Usually, the smaller birds just tick me off when trying to take pictures.  It seems that just as I get the shot lined up, they fly away!  Grrr!  Cardinals are the worst at this.