DELIGHT
Punk Rockers of the Beach
Spiky hair, matching outfits and plenty of attitude.
These Royal Terns weren't simply walking the beach at Stone Harbor—they were strutting it. Side by side and looking entirely too pleased with themselves, they seemed to make one thing perfectly clear: this was their beach.
A LITTLE SHOW-OFF - With that rainbow of feathers and a look over its shoulder, this little Fischer's Lovebird seemed well aware of its appeal. I was happy to admire every color.
FEATHER BY FEATHER - Tucked among the leaves, this Goldfinch paused to fluff and fuss over its feathers. A little burst of sunshine, making sure everything was just so.
ONE EYE OPEN - Settled into the warm morning light, this young Black Skimmer looked wonderfully comfortable. Resting, perhaps—but still keeping an eye on the world.
ELEGANCE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Part dinosaur, part fuzzy alien, and somehow destined to become an elegant Great Egret. These three little characters make that transformation hard to imagine.
A SWIRL OF CAPPUCCINO - Balanced on the tiniest little stick, this Green Heron was perfectly at home among the greens and yellows. Those creamy swirls on its belly had me thinking of cappuccino foam art—apparently nature has a barista, too.
AN OLD SOUL - All fluff and wide eyes, this young Great Horned Owl already had a remarkably serious expression. Part curiosity, part old soul—that steady gaze stopped me every time.
THE COMEDIAN - When you’re the only one laughing at your joke—but you’re still certain it was comedy gold. The rest of the Black Skimmer colony remains…unconvinced.
ONE-FOOT WONDER - One foot tucked away, this little Dunlin balanced on the other beside the ice on a chilly New Jersey beach. Such a small bird, with remarkable poise.
UNFAZED - An adult Black Skimmer sweeps overhead while the youngster below seems completely unimpressed by all the commotion.
NATURE’S LITTLE BASKET MAKER - This Rufous-tailed Weaver was busy doing exactly what its name suggests, carefully weaving its nest one strand at a time. Nature’s little basket maker, hard at work.
BLINK AND YOU’D MISS IT - A quirky, long-billed “something” zipped low across my path and disappeared. I thought it had vanished into the brush, but there it was—an American Woodcock, tucked against the ground, perfectly camouflaged.
ROOFTOP ATTITUDE - This little Rufous-backed Wren strutted across the rooftop with its tail lifted and feathers ruffled. Small bird, wonderfully big attitude.