Just out of Reach

My birding day today could best be described by those words: Just out of Reach. It seemed as though every corner I cam around a Painting Bunting was singing from a treetop just out of the reach of my lens. Nevertheless, it was still fun to hear and WATCH them sing, as they staggered their songs in between those of the Northern Cardinals on either end.

Thankfully, I was just out of reach of the numerous large spiders enjoying the morning sun. I was so intent on looking for birds I almost walked into this guy.



This Banded Argiope is actually harmless, although at nearly 6" across it is still intimidating at first. They are in the Orb Weave family of spiders known for their intricate webs.

The birding was mostly less exciting than the insects, with the exception of the six wild turkeys I flushed in the early morning and the BOTD below.



Unfortunately, as I came around a bend in the creek this Louisiana Waterthrush flushed up into the tree between me and the sun. I grabbed a quick photo with hopes of backtracking for a shot in better lighting but he was not to be found again.