An UIB (Unidentified Bird)

I was driving home tonight when I spotted a bird in a pond. The pond is on the north side of Tienken Road here in Rochester -- between Brewster and Livernois. I wish I could have stopped and taken a picture but traffic moves at a pretty good clip along Tienken.

I'm inclined to guess that it was a great egret. It was a wader (long legs), the plumage was all white, and it had a spearhead shaped yellow-orange beak. Unfortunately I couldn't see the color of the legs and I could see if there were any crest on the head so I can't be completely certain that it may not have been a heron way out of its normal territory.

The Kids Are All Right

It's my pleasure to work with some young pigeon fanciers as part of the Oakland 4-H Fliers 4-H club. A few of them entered birds at the Michigan State Fair and they did pretty well.

Danielle D. got a 1st and 2nd place Trumpeter (as well as having the best Trumpeter) , she got a 1st and 2nd on her Indian Fantails as well as best young bird, her Birmingham Roller got a 1st, her Show King placed 4th and her educational exhibit came in 3rd.

Jess M. got a 1st and 2nd place in the Lahores; 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Old German Owls, a 3rd place in Koromoner Tumblers and a 1st on her Swing Pouter.

I'm very proud to be associated with these two fine young ladies and I'm glad that I could help them a bit.