The Mating Game - OBX Series (multiple photos) /  by Dave Hileman

We were able to come up to the line where the Park Service had set an area aside for nesting. The terns, however, did not read the signs and were nesting on both sides of the lines. It was amazing to see all the activity swirling all around. The terns have an interesting mating ritual. The male goes fishing and then with a fish in it’s beak, tries to impress a female tern. She usually rebuffs a few attempts. Some scientists think the size of the fish correlates to how well the female expects the male to provide for her brood. Anyway, we watched this unfold with multiple pairs of terns. I managed to isolate one from the time he starts to woo his potential mate until she accepts the fish from him.

The male is on the right trying to get the attention of the female with the fish he is holding. This took several minutes before she landed.

She still feigned disinterest so he resorts to raising and lowering wings and trying to move in front of her.

More impressing

Not working well as she turns away.

He moves back in the field of view and she eyes the fish

He moves awaiting her decision

The lowering of her head indicates acceptance

He offers the fish to her and…

…she accepts. We will allow them some privacy now:)

There were many pairs of terns all around the beach.

Three in One - OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

I love to find reflections. Shadows are also high on my “like” list and if you have read more than a few of my posts, you will find a bird or two land on this site. Walking along the beach I hit the trifecta - a brilliant plover, his shadow and his reflection all three distinct in color and shape. Photo satisfaction.

Stand Tall- OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

Perhaps the more famous of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s lighthouses, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1868. This lighthouse was moved from a threatened site about 2900 feet inland to a more secure site. The moving of this 198 foot tall structure is as impressive as the lighthouse itself. It is the tallest brick lighthouse in the US and it is available at times to climb to the top.

Flying High - OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

I loved watchiing the terns at the OBX. Many places there are lots more gulls than terns but near Oregon Inlet the terns were everywhere. They had a large nesting area closed off as well. Terns are highly entertaining aerial acrobats and really fun to watch fishing as they drop from 15 or 25 feet. We also watched the mating ritual and will have some NC-17 photos later this week. Some of you may have to fill out permission forms:)

Memorial Day 2022 (3 photos) /  by Dave Hileman

My friend Tom Light was a stickler for the distinctions between Memorial Day, honoring those who died while on active service, Armed Forces Day, those, including reserves, on active duty and Veteran’s Day, those who have served in America’s military service. Today we honor those to whom we owe a huge debt, those men and women who sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom.

The nation’s military cemeteries are places to reflect on that sacrifice. These photos are from the Camp Nelson National Cemetery that is adjacent to one of the newest of the National Park Services units, Camp Nelson National Monument in Kentucky. The camp was a supply base for Union armies, a training center for African American soldiers and a place where thousands of horses and mules were rehabilitated and returned to service.

Proverbs 17 says, "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged." /  by Dave Hileman

And I would agree even more today than on my birthday at Busch Gardens the day this was shot. The little boy has now completed one year of college, his sister graduates in two weeks from high school - both Summa Cum Laude. And the youngest is not yet born when this was taken, another joy. Laura, their mom, always does a great job with all of them. It has been nothing but joy to watch them grow and delight in their accomplishments. And we still enjoy ice cream.

Any Minute Now - OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

The Great White Egret in the marsh pond near the Bodie Island Lighthouse. He was as still as a statue for four or five minutes, then moved about two feet and stopped again for the next couple of minutes just intently watching.

Spring Moon Rising - OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

The moon was one day past full and rose from the East at 10:16 PM one day we were at the beach campground. It was interesting as it first appeared as an orange smudge then rounder and fuller as it rose. I was not getting much of a reflection so I moved behind a small clump of sea grass and got much lower to the sand and shot the moon through the grasses. What I did not expect was that a few of the stars also appeared with the exposure. The experience was better than the photo and I hope to get another chance at this someday with a few changes that I may have learned.

Home Port Bound -- OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

Fishing is a difficult and dangerious occupation but I can see why if that is what you do you would not want to do anything else. This trawler is heading home after a night or a week at sea, nets are up but lots of work still remains once she docks. The “Big Dave” was captured just a short distance off shore entering the Oregon Inlet. That is a cormorant leading the way.

Always Ready — OBX Series /  by Dave Hileman

From 1874 to 1954 the Oregon Inlet Life Saving Service served the north end of Pea Island along the Oregon Inlet. I captured this image a few minutes after sunset with a bit of glow from the clouds shinning in the windows.

Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel /  by Dave Hileman

Billed as the world’s longest porch, the Grand Hotel as been serving guests since 1887. It is a spectacular place in a jewel of a setting. On our visit to the island we did not stay here - a bit out of our budget but we did enjoy a walk in the lobby and on the grounds and sat on the porch for a few minutes. That experiences will now cost you $10 as they now charge just to be on property. Of course it is free with your room and they start at $1000 plus per night. So I guess $10 is a bargain to sit on the porch.