A bandit alert was issued for the morning and I was able to capture one of the little masked marauders searching the shoreline along Armand bayou. He didn’t stick around after he looked up and spotted me on the water. They’ll eat just about anything that they can get their muddy little paws on. Common Raccoon on the prowl in the wee hours of the morning.

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Tags:   WanaM3 Sony A7RV Sony A7RV Texas Pasadena Clear Lake City Armand Bayou bayou outdoors nature wildlife nature photography canoeing paddling animal varmint raccoon Procyon lotor

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This Is also referred to as a Common Moorhen or just a Moorhen. These birds are usually quite skittish and like to tun and head for cover long before I get close enough for a capture. I was concentrating on capturing an Osprey across the bayou and a Little Blue Heron perched nearby and paying little attention to anything else. I looked over my left shoulder and this Moorhen was dancing about in a small opening on the shore of the bayou. It pranced and danced and seemed very unconcerned by my presence and gave me a nice opportunity to take a few shots.

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An Anhinga perches atop an old, withered tree trunk along the banks of Horsepen Bayou. Photo taken in Alligator Alley.

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A busy weekend and I am late to the party with my comments. Some will likely yawn when they see this capture, but Cardinals are some of THE most skittish birds that I encounter on the bayou, and this is as close as I have ever been to one while canoeing on the bayou. Photo taken on Horsepen Bayou. No need to comment as it is merely a shot for the record.

Full frame and no crop.

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Not always the easiest bird to spot and fine in the reeds even though their light colors make them stand out. They are quite small, very keen on picking up movements when you try to approach. Least Bittern perched in the reeds along Horsepen Bayou checking out the clown in the canoe.

Gone for the winter months, but will return next spring.

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