Pages

Saturday, July 17, 2010

More Than Fish

Fish weren’t the only exhibits at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. The Marsh Pavilion was a fascinating place complete with an outdoor aviary. And, the birds were easier to photograph too.
Notice the hooked (and sharp) beak tip of this cormorant.
cormorant (4)
cormorant close (1)






IMGP1515
great egret (1)







IMGP1524
IMGP1562






pelican (2)
pelican close (1)







pelican (4) great blue heron (2)







 owlex (7) owlex closeup (1)





One of the Aquarium’s most popular educational animals is Owlex, a great horned owl. Now 12 years old, Owlex came to live at the Aquarium when he was just six months old after being rescued by a rehabilitator in June 1998. Since then, he has visited schools, attended special events, and can often be seen with one of his handlers interacting with visitors at the Marsh Pavilion, which is where we “met” Owlex who was quite a handsome fellowowlex closeup (4)
It was a fun way to celebrate Grenville’s birthday.

6 comments:

Montanagirl said...

Wonderful series of photos! Isn't it nice to have willing subjects?

Lois Evensen said...

We have a beautiful statue of the Cormorant Fisherman in Cincinnati that is a gift from our sister city in Japan. Image is here if you're interested:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ktbugs/4563413247/

Your images are beautiful. Thanks for sharing. The owl shots are incredible.

Best,
Lois

HermitJim said...

Looks like a really fun day! Great pictures, as well!

Hope the birthday guy had a great day!

The cottage by the Cranelake said...

Great photo´s! I especially liked the ones with the owl! It´s so beautiful!
Christer.

Anvilcloud said...

Lots of fish and birds pics. You did a good job with both, but I am more drawn to birds than fish. Especially Owlet.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Hi Mona, yes it was nice to have both willing and captive subjects.

Thanks Lois for the link, I will check it out.

Thanks HermitJim, Grenville had a very excellent birthday. Marine science is his favorite topic and what he has his BS degree in that area. He's already talking about a return visit.

Owlex was a very good subject, Christer, and the feathers were so soft as everyone had a chance to touch him - with his handler there, of course.

AC, I too am fonder of birds than fish - easier subjects!