Family Thanksgiving in Slidell, Louisiana Part 4

One day Mike, Marguerite and I went to a local spot to see what we would find. These next few are Brown Pelicans.

When they spot a fish they go all in.

They don't actually disappear completely, usually.

I thought the silhouette was kind of cool. By the way, I wasn't even close on getting the spelling correct on silhouette. Had to look it up.

Again, a completely committed to getting that fish.

Marguerite found some pretty flowers to pick.

Mike took this picture of this Snowy Egret and Little Blue Heron as we drove down the road.

Latter in the day we drove into New Orleans and visited the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.

They had some birds there, also.

This is the infamous Lionfish, It is an invasive species in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and along the southeast coast of the U.S. The are voracious eaters and are harming coral reefs.

They had all sorts of insects in the insectarium but the butterflies were the prettiest and easiest to photograph.

 Earlier postings

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Family Thanksgiving in Slidell, Louisiana Part 3

There were several good places to look for birds near where we stayed. This was in lagoons behind The Harbor Center.

This is a Palm Warbler. This was a new-to-me bird.

The rest of these were along Carr Drive in the opposite direction from Eden Isles.

Great Blue Heron

This Osprey was having sushi for breakfast.

Little Blue Heron

Click any picture to enlarge.

 Great Egret

Actually, this one was at The Harbor Center.

Ring-necked Duck

Double-crested Cormorant

Anhinga

Previous posts in this series.

Part 1

Part 2

Family Thanksgiving in Slidell, Louisiana Part 2

 

We went on a Swamp Tour one afternoon. Here is a picture of the tour boat going under the  U.S. 90 bridge.

We went with Cajun Encounters. They are just a few miles from Lauren's house.

It was pretty cool outside so many of the larger alligators weren't active. We did see a couple. I think this guy is resting on a decayed tree stump.

For reference, the boat captain said the best time to visit is from about mid-March for the next 3 or 4 weeks to maximize wildlife viewing.

These turtles were looking for some warmth.

These raccoons were definitely on the payroll. They showed up at the sound of the boat and were looking for a handout. Our boat captain had come prepared.

Another shot.

This is part of the Indian Village community. You can only reach the places via boat. Link below.

Indian Village location

The U.S. 90 bridge is currently closed. It is scheduled to be rebuilt in a few years along with some sister bridges toward Mississippi.

Part 1

Family Thanksgiving in Slidell, Louisiana Part 1

We enjoyed Thanksgiving in the relative warmth of southern Louisiana. From left to right: Margot, Tom, Ben Bloss, Ed Elliott, Olivia Gross, Jackson Gross, Jeremy Gross,  Allison Elliott (back), Emily Bloss, Marguerite Savage (front), Lauren Savage Gross, Gianna Gross, Mike Savage, Isaac Elliott, Amy Elliott, Ed Elliott, Tom Savage.

We were pretty busy. We went to the zoo one day.

You are greeted by flamingos as you walk in.

This is some flavor of Orangutan.

This is Marguerite scaring her aunt and grandmother. The live oaks were a lot of fun to climb on. Dad's on the other side.

Marguerite in a tamer moment.

I snuck out a few times to take some pictures. This is at Northshore Beach on Debbie Drive southwest of  Slidell near where we stayed in Eden Isles.

Brown Pelicans and Laughing Gulls.

I didn't have to go far for this one. It was swimming in the canal behind our house. It is a feral Muscovy Duck.

I didn't know ducks had "teeth". Click to enlarge for a better view.

The are a male and female Mallard - also in the canal.