I was going to a spot I knew of to see if the big birds were there, this was a picture day! On the way I saw egrets, herons and such flying in an out of an area I had never visited before, and it was not just a few birds, but a significant number of them. So, this could have been the opportunity I was looking for and then turned into the entrance that happened to be a very secluded path to a condominium complex. The Rookey was adjacent to the entrance, approximately 4.5 acres, and the sign said it was for sale! There were so many birds in this small plot of land that overcrowding was an issue. Another issue was bird doo. As I ventured inside everything was covered in the white doo, and there were wasted skeletons and bodies in various states of decomposition. Also, the smell of ammonia was pungent and at times almost overpowering. I was looking at the ground to see if there were creatures moving there as the Amazon documentaries describe the flowing jungle floor. Hey, this was in the middle of town! In any case I maxed out the 4 Gig Sandisk Ultra IV with Fine JPG in Standard mode, and listened as everything suddenly went quiet. I knew something was going to happen and looked around but nothing - then I heard the pucker sound and instantly the rubbery goo grazed the lens hood. Now it was time to leave in case others got the same idea.
Thanks Gerald, it was an incredible experience and in the middle of the city as well. I hope to go back with a wide brim hat to defend against the aerial assault. Also, it looks as if they are praparing nests, so there may be chicks later in the season. A truly great opprotunity, no need to travel far, but a good bird lens is now on my list.
Thanks for visiting Runamuck, now that I know where that rookery is I do feel fortunate. Also, I found it by looking at the flying birds - where they were going and coming from. I found the place by accident. Once I get the wide fedora for stopping the bird bombs then another trip to get more shots.
