Pape & Cosburn

This little urban sequence played out in our old T.O. 'hood last year. Corner of Pape & Cosburn avenue, Greektown. Old man in faded cords opens a bag of breadcrumbs to snack on, no big deal except for the creeping pigeon to his left.

Being an old man, he is often tired. He starts to nod off.

SWARM! SWARM!

He awakens and is delighted to have so much company.

Dead Goatsucker

European Nightjar (dead)

These cool birds are called Caprimulgidae or 'goatsuckers' which relates to their wide mouths and a superstition that they suckled goats.

European Roller

Reed Warbler

Rockin' Ronnie and a Lapwing

I found this old pic today. My buddy Ronnie (left) in full on rock mode. I'm not sure who the other lad is. I think this show was in Vancouver somewhere.

Red-Wattled Lapwing

Southern Grey Shrike

Grand Ol' Osprey

My buddy the Osprey showed up down at the beach again this weekend. Here he is perched on top of a tattered old Emirates flag. Shazam!

Common Myna

European Roller

Grey Francolin

These nervous little rascals are all over the hotel grounds.

European Roller

Blue Rock Thrush

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcqYwsFJl4k

Speaking of rock thrushes...member Thrush Hermit? F'ing East Coast Canadia Rock n' Roll, a humble tumble rock n' rumble tribute to vikings and comfortable animal skins. THIS JAM MAKES ME WANT TO PILLAGE! (the refrigerator) Plaskett!

Blue Rock Thrush (female)

Barn Swallows

More Barn Swallows

These little guys are difficult to photograph, what with all the dipping and diving and what not.

Wheatears

Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush

Greater Sand Plover

Northern Wheatear

Pied Wheatear

It was getting dark so this pic is a little grainy. Man, it's gettin' hot out here in the desert. A balmy 36 Degrees today, and climbing. Drove through a sand storm on the way home yesterday. Might rent a car and go to an oasis this weekend.

Low-Tide Birds...Osprey!

After work I took a walk along the gulf. It's a fine way to relax. It was low tide and storm clouds were gathering. I spotted a Western Osprey. My pants moved a little when I saw this majestic beast.

Eurasian Curlew

Common sandpiper

Grey Plover

European Bee Eater

Falconry and German Electronic Music

Bridget took this photo of her friend Edel holding a Peregrine falcon at a festival a few weeks back. When they're not 'working' the falcons must wear small leather helmets to keep them calm and, I assume, prevent them from shredding people's faces.

They sure do like falconry in the UAE. Reminds me of that ghastly SNL skit with Will Forte. You know, The Falconer, aka Ken Mortimer, the businessman-turned-hermit who lives with his beloved pet falcon Donald. By the way, ever notice Will Forte looks exactly like one of the guys from Kraftwerk. You be the judge.

European Bee Eater et al.

Olive Backed Pipit.

Marsh Warbler.

A pair of badass European Bee Eaters.

He eats bees for lunch.