Hunting Egrets at Dawn

Absent WithOut Leave on some fur, feather, and fin trips unrelated to Baja, I am back on duty at Coyote Bay and thought I'd report in and share the moment with you.

After a brief cold spell, the weather has really turned the corner in sunny Conception Bay the last few days. The tranquil waters are like a mirror..great for snorkeling and swimming. The nights are now balmy with no need of down comforters, heaters, or spooning just for the body-heat.

This is sunrise on Monday, March 2nd, 2009.



Even in the shade, daytime temps are actually on the 'quite warm' side for me. As shown here on this hi-tech, never-wrong, sure-thing thermometer ..a lucky acquisiton from my latest off-road expedition to the Posada dump.



Another great pastime at this time of year are dawn-hunts for egrets, herons, and other longlegged beauties strolling near, and on, my seawall. My shooter of choice is a Model 4300 Nikon Coolpix. Stops them dead..I mean NAILS em...every time. (Doug - WHY is there no NRA redneck, tabaccy-spittin, gun-totin smiley?)

My sandhill crane decoy (painted white) has done it's job of attracting herons and egrets to the house shores.


My trusty egret-retriever is at the ready...I mean ALERT! Easy there, girl..easy now...don't spook 'em.




We are no longer just a 'Raven Project' ground, but could soon be a 'Longlegs Flyway Shoot.'

Hey..look there...right on the deck..wha?

INCOMING!! 10 O'CLOCK LOW!
LOCKED 'N LOADED!



...and life returns to normal in Coyote Bay..

Uhhhhhhhhh Pompano....it's about your choice of words here! 10 o'clock low would be about ankle/lower calf level on me! I'm pretty sure it's not open season on Longlegs!

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz 'Longlegs Flyway Shoot.' I'm pretty sure it's not open season on Longlegs!

Well, Longlegs, only you can be the judge on that particular ruling. Personally and generally, I would say that women are the wild life of a country: And morality corresponds to game laws.

To witness Mother Nature at her very best...The real Longlegs Flyway starts way Up North. Like this migrating flock.
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Morning Miguel,

You are so right about those longish crane drummies. Hell, in order to eat one properly you've got to hold the drumstick end about two feet to the side of your mouth. The
Baja bag limit is 0 birds daily, with a total possession of 0 birds, and they are out of season..except for camera buffs.
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Actual hunt. Sandies are a gamebird, not to be confused with egrets and herons. Up North a successful decoy spread for sandhill cranes near my hunting shack. Truly one of the wariest waterfowl to decoy. Stupendous Dinners!

We call this photo ..'The Crane Wreck.'
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Back to Baja.

Now if you want more great bird dinner ideas, read on:

Try some 'Plumped Paloma'

My secret is bushels of fermented lavender seeds in the bird feeders..they become addicted and fatten up in no time at all. Mmmm...these dove butterballs roast up soooo nicely.
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OR...
..if your tastes run to other treats, try some Giant Baja Bat..

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Perhaps some sea turtle?...shhhhhhhh...

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And lastly...this
Important rule: Don't hesitate to compliment your loved one.
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