Late March, made a few Mallard nest tubes. Was able to set up one nest tube. Harder than I thought it would be. Had to hold off a day or so, before putting up 2 remaining tubes. Watch my Nest Tube Video at the link on the bottom of the page.
While hunting the Slough during the early waterfowl season. I told myself that I better return between the end of early waterfowl and the duck season closing. The 2nd of October, I returned to catch a few of those "Slough Gills". After a couple hours, on my knees, preying, I had a nice mess of tasty "Slough Gills" ( Willow Slough Bluegills ).
Well, storm clouds appeared in the west, a cold hard wind began to howl and I've got no rain gear. So I assume the "lazy boyee" position ( my canoe has oar locks and the paddles are oars ) for the 2 mile row off the lake. The threat of rain passes making for a very comfortable canoe ride.
Willow Slough is a major, natural migratory bird resting area. I was ducking birds left and right. In the end I happen by a Bald Eagle on a cattail raft having dinner.
I hope you enjoy my little trip "October Slough Gills" as much as I did bringing it to you. Please like and subscribe. Thanks, Garnie.
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First, I'd like to thank all my viewers, I believe the site has a view from every country on Earth. I'm surprised, never thought it would happen, so thanks again and please visit again .
Duck Hunt In Hell
Been a long winter here, record cold and snow, got 4 inches / 10 cm of snow on the "Blood Moon", this years first full moon of Spring, but let's go back to September of 2013.
Here's a duck hunt video filmed on the hottest September 10th in recorded history. 96 degrees is now the current record for this day. The temperature in the Bayous of Lasalle Fish and Wildlife Area had to be +100 with 100% humidity and no wind.
The ditch I had to canoe was a mile and a half mud hole, beaver dams and food stores blocked the ditch every 30 yards, forcing me to get out and drag the canoe across knee deep muck. When this ditch is at normal fall water levels I can canoe the mile+ to the Waterfowl Resting Area in 15 min, on this day it took every bit of 2 hours. One thing for sure, I love me some duck hunting.
This video is a little long, about 25 minutes, so grab a snack, your favorite beverage and a smoke( if its ok with mama), and get a laugh with this duck hunting fool on his "Duck Hunt In Hell".
All likes and comments will be truly appreciated. Don't forget to Subscribe to my channel, Thanks Garnie.
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The Cooper's Hawk are still hunting the block. I think I know where their nest is. I'll stop taking photos of them until the chicks grow large enough fly, should be a couple months.
The hawks are a good watch but I've got enough photos of them as it is. No, I will not tie little animals to a stake in the ground, for hawk attack photos and you shouldn't either, keep it wild.
Lone Canada Goose flying over Caddie marsh, lots of northern birds in the marsh, resting before the flight to Canada.
The only area of the marsh holding water, migrating ducks are using the flooded dead cottonwood grove as a resting area.
Here a hen Mallard Duck is locked in to her landing spot in the wood.
Another encounter with the local Cooper's Hawks. On a bright sunny day, I heard the Cooper's Hawks calling. Two hawks were active in the trees around me.
Cooper's Hawk ( Accipter cooperii )
On an oak branch, I saw one perched, took a quick shot. The image was way over-exposed.
Hawk on perch
I adjusted the aperture, returned to where the hawk was and got this shot as it launched from it's perched.
The deep breath
Following the bird, it was obvious that it was in an attack dive.
The plunge
About six feet above the ground it hovered briefly then dropped behind my fence. I lost sight of it.
The death blow
The hawk flew up into a high oak and perched next to his mate. He had caught a Garter Snake and offered it to her. She did not appear interested. The female hawk is on the left, next to her tale is the snake.
Female and Male Cooper's Hawk
The female Cooper Hawks are larger than the males. Here she sits on her perch while the male flies to a near by tree to eat the snake.
Larger female Cooper's Hawk
Upon his return, she vocalizes the mating call and the start of a new clutch of Cooper Hawks begins.
Cooper's Hawks bonded pair
New to bird watching and need a little help identifying the birds you encountered in your journeys? Well, here is a good book to carry with you where ever you may find yourself, Peterson Books Eastern Birds.
The American Robin ( Turdus migratorius ) is a sign of the coming spring to many in the northern United States. Late February and early March sees large flocks of Robins searching for berries, worms and insects during the late winter thaw. One of the earliest birds to nest and lay eggs, with many having more than one clutch of eggs in a season.
