tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208393372024-03-23T14:13:14.188-04:00Drew's BirdsA description of encounters with birds and other wildlife during personal birding trips, Audubon fieldtrips, and banding days primarily in Florida but will include out of state finds when they happen.J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.comBlogger1090125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-20860948446509500862017-08-21T17:58:00.034-04:002023-12-08T14:07:18.597-05:00Solar EclipseStepped out to get some shots of the Solar Eclipse. We all went out to the parking lot to take a look. Our coverage was 86% here in Central Florida. <br /><br />
I don't have any special filters to take shots and you need something to act as solar glasses. For this one, I had one of my co-workers hold my solar glasses over the front of the lens as I snapped away. I think it came out pretty well. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/sky/082117_SolarEclipse_02w.jpg" alt="Solar Eclipse" width="550" hieght="413" title="Solar Eclipse"><br /><br />
Don't know if I will ever get a chance to see a full eclipse so I grab any partial I can.<br /><br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com04420 Metric Dr, Winter Park, FL 32792, USA28.6035716 -81.29256370.29333776382115317 -116.4488137 56.913805436178848 -46.1363137tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-73276875077822483472017-07-04T17:00:00.001-04:002023-12-01T18:03:41.517-05:00Mississippi KitesI had tried to find a Mississippi Kite for a long time and one of my banding volunteer reacheds out to me during the Summer to say they are nesting around his neighborhood. We managed to meet up so he could try to get me a view of them as they soared around his area.<br /><br />
We drove around to a couple of parks and looked for them and it did not take long to spot one gliding overhead.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/070417_MIKI_01.jpg" alt="Mississippi Kite" width="550" hieght="413" title="Mississippi Kite"><br /><br />
We followed their pattern of flight, weaving through different roads and I stepped out to take a shot or two along the way.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/070417_MIKI_02.jpg" alt="Mississippi Kite" width="550" hieght="413" title="Mississippi Kite"><br /><br />
These raptors glided on the wing in many areas and we ended up in a spot or two that were free of power wires for a clearer shot.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/070417_MIKI_03.jpg" alt="Mississippi Kite" width="550" hieght="413" title="Mississippi Kite"><br /><br />
A final shot before they drifted far away.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/070417_MIKI_04.jpg" alt="Mississippi Kite" width="550" hieght="413" title="Mississippi Kite"><br /><br />
It was a nice cruise to get a new Life Bird on a perfect morning to share with a good friend. What new bird will be up next?.<br /><br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Apopka, FL, USA28.6934076 -81.53221490.383173763821155 -116.6884649 57.003641436178846 -46.3759649tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-54456964981373241522017-05-13T18:34:00.030-04:002023-12-08T14:13:30.022-05:00Spotted SandpiperI like to take a 12 mile loop that covers all of the local lakes from my house toward the airport. This morning, as I rounded Lake Weldona, I spotted a small bird walking by the shore. It was a very cloudy morning so the view wasn't great.<br /><br />
I cound tell by its behavior while it was walking and feeding that it was a Spotted Sandpiper. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/shorebirds/051317_Spotted_Sandpiper_02.jpg" alt="Spotted Sandpiper" width="550" hieght="413" title="Spotted Sandpiper"><br /><br />
Nice to find even in the gloom. They only come through here briefly during migration.<br /><br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Lake Weldona, Orlando, FL 32806, USA28.5286211 -81.3626290999999920.21838726382115325 -116.51887909999999 56.838854936178848 -46.206379099999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-86841602895038530162017-03-11T18:27:00.021-05:002023-11-30T12:50:48.076-05:00Another Green-winged Teal VisitHad a nice surprise while touring the lakes. A pair of Green-winged Teal were visiting Lake Emerald. More of a pond just off the through street. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/031117_Green-winged_Teal_01.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
They were feeding right at the shoreline not far from the curb. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/031117_Green-winged_Teal_02.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
They didn't seem to mind me too much. They finished probing the mud and then just swam about in front of me. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/031117_Green-winged_Teal_03.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
I finally had the good fortune to have some awesome light. Usually, I find them when it is raining or super cloudy. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/031117_Green-winged_Teal_04.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
But even in poor light , I love to find them. They are so rare, especially in a downtown. environment.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/031117_Green-winged_Teal_05.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
The head feathers of the male always blow me away. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/031117_Green-winged_Teal_06.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
Took a quick run through the cemetary and the Bald Eagle chicks are now up on the edge of the nest. It won't be long before they start to 'branch'. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/031117_Bald_Eagle.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
TK<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Lake Emerald, Orlando, FL 32806, USA28.5300921 -81.36305709999999228.528348100000002 -81.365578599999992 28.5318361 -81.360535599999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-30190573510732551492017-02-20T18:30:00.007-05:002023-11-30T12:19:13.574-05:00Chicks Getting Larger
Back to Greenwood Cemetery to check on the Bald Eagle nest. Chicks are doing great and you can now see their heads above the rim of it. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/022017_Bald_Eagle.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
TK<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com01603 Greenwood St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA28.5335337 -81.3598564000000123.0114991999999994 -122.66845040000001 54.055568199999996 -40.051262400000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-45145785694091533872017-02-13T18:32:00.000-05:002018-01-05T19:02:20.027-05:00Looking for BreakfastI head around the local lakes every chance I can to see what might be hanging out. Mainly looking for Wintering ducks but you never know. Today, I headed around and spotted a Great Blue Heron with a very interesting demeanor.<br /><br />
He was definitely on patrol and then I noticed that there were several Muscovy Duck males in defense mode closer to the road. I had to stop for some documenting photos.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/021317_Mucovy_01.jpg" alt="Muscovy Duck, Great Blue Heron" width="550" hieght="413" title="Muscovy Duck, Great Blue Heron"><br /><br />
Then I saw what the Heron was eyeing. Nestled next to an oak tree was a Mama Muscovy Duck blocking a clutch of ducklings.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/021317_Mucovy_02.jpg" alt="Muscovy Duck, Great Blue Heron" width="550" hieght="413" title="Muscovy Duck, Great Blue Heron"><br /><br />
Great Blue Herons will eat just about everything that moves if they can and this big boy was really interested in the duckling. The males did drive him off before I left but who knows what might happen later. They eat birds, fish, baby alligators, snakes, you name it.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/021317_Mucovy_03.jpg" alt="Muscovy Duck, Great Blue Heron" width="550" hieght="413" title="Muscovy Duck, Great Blue Heron"><br /><br />
I know that Muscovy Ducks are not natives but I hate to see predators in this scenario for some reason. Maybe they will make it, maybe not. Can't hang out all day. It is a jungle out there, even in your own backyard.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Lake Davis/Greenwood, Orlando, FL, USA28.5336379 -81.36331489999997828.519687899999997 -81.383484899999971 28.5475879 -81.343144899999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-71469573303343112552017-02-04T18:28:00.000-05:002018-01-05T18:45:15.164-05:00The Final Sparrow Drive?Several of the Wekiwa Basin Banding Station crew headed out for what will be the final Sparrow Drive done by Marianne Korosy after many years of research at the abandoned limestone quarries in the Weekie Wachee Preserve on Florida's west coast. Unlike the past couple of years, conditions were much drier which is more ideal for finding sparrows in the fields. Now we just had to hope that the winds would stay down,too.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Quarry.jpg" alt="Quarry" width="550" hieght="413" title="Quarry"><br /><br />
The mornings always start with an instructional course from Clay before we get to the activity of driving for sparrows on what will be involved.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Group_01.jpg" alt="Group" width="550" hieght="413" title="Group"><br /><br />
Once the instructions have been delivered, the group heads out to the first phase of walking through the scrub in hopes of moving birds into the nets.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Group_02.jpg" alt="Group" width="550" hieght="413" title="Group"><br /><br />
Our first bird of the day was a Savannah Sparrow.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Savannah_Sparrow_01.jpg" alt="Savannah Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Savannah Sparrow"><br /><br />
Kay and Becki collected the next batch of birds and delivered them to the truck for data collection.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Kay_Becki.jpg" alt="Kay and Becki" width="550" hieght="733" title="Kay and Becki"><br /><br />
One of the next birds was a sought after Grasshopper Sparrow and it was a new capture of a migrant species.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Grasshopper_Sparrow_01.jpg" alt="Grasshopper Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Grasshopper Sparrow"><br /><br />
Next up was a Swamp Sparrow.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Swamp_Sparrow_02.jpg" alt="Swamp Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Swamp Sparrow"><br /><br />
Lynn insists on trying to get a shot of Andrew on these days and so Andrew got one back at her.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Swamp_Sparrow_01.jpg" alt="Swamp Sparrow" width="550" hieght="773" title="Swamp Sparrow"><br /><br />
And here is Lynn's right back of the same bird.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Swamp_Sparrow_03.jpg" alt="Swamp Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Swamp Sparrow"><br /><br />
In between runs, Andrew ran to check on the nets. The wind had blown down the end of the nets and in the end was an Eastern (Yellow) Palm Warbler.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Palm_Warbler_01.jpg" alt="Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
Marianne processed the Palm Warbler back at the truck and there was a Western Palm Warbler caught at the same time.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Palm_Warbler_02.jpg" alt="Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
One of the visitors was allowed to release the Palm Warbler after banding.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Palm_Warbler_03.jpg" alt="Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
Another visitor was allowed to release the second Palm Warbler soon afterward.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Palm_Warbler_04.jpg" alt="Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
In hopes of flushing out other birds from the far side of the net lanes, Lynn, Becki, and Andrew waded through the far grasses. Unfortunately, all of the sparrows decided to fly in the other direction.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Trek.jpg" alt="Trek" width="550" hieght="413" title="Trek"><br /><br />
The morning was calm until the Sun rose higher and the brought in the winds. The nets were soon billowing which decreases our chances of captures since birds can easily escape as the nets do not sit in their normal posture. If they are open like this the birds can simply fly back out.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Nets.jpg" alt="Nets" width="550" hieght="413" title="Nets"><br /><br />
Lynn was there when we did catch a Savannah Sparrow and we got a shot before it headed back for banding. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Savannah_Sparrow_02.jpg" alt="Savannah Sparrow" width="550" hieght="733" title="Savannah Sparrow"><br /><br />
The next good surprise was a Le Conte's Sparrow on the way back to the truck. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_LeContes_Sparrow.jpg" alt="Le Conte's Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Le Conte's Sparrow"><br /><br />
Le Conte's Sparrows are one of the usual sparrows in this area from year to year and a great bird to have visitors get to see. They are are usually very elusive in grassy fields and difficult to observe up close.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_LeContes_Sparrow_02.jpg" alt="Le Conte's Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Le Conte's Sparrow"><br /><br />
During the next net run, Andrew climbed a nearby hilltop to try and spot the oncoming volunteers as they headed toward the nets. Andrew points, "There they are!"<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Hilltop.jpg" alt="Hilltop" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hilltop"><br /><br />
Indeed they are! The crew crests the ridge and drives a few more birds towards the waiting nets.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Group_03.jpg" alt="Group" width="550" hieght="413" title="Group"><br /><br />
As we wrapped up the morning we got a couple more Savannah Sparrows down in the square of the nets.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Savannah_Sparrow_03.jpg" alt="Savannah Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Savannah Sparrow"><br /><br />
One of the main target birds has always been Grasshopper Sparrows and we ended up with a couple more before we ended the day.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Grasshopper_Sparrow_02.jpg" alt="Grasshopper Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Grasshopper Sparrow"><br /><br />
Marianne gave details of our last Grasshopper Sparrow of the day before we headed home for this fun season. Alas, this will be the last. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/020417_Sparrow_Drive/020417_Grasshopper_Sparrow_03.jpg" alt="Grasshopper Sparrow" width="550" hieght="733" title="Grasshopper Sparrow"><br /><br />
Congratulations to Marianne for a very successful banding project. We have known her for so many years and have been proud to be invited and to participate in her events over many, many years. Now, she moves on to new ventures and we return to the banding site at Lake Lotus. These Sparrow drives will be highly missed by all of us. <br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Spring Hill, FL, USA28.462930863479979 -82.630748748779328.45595086347998 -82.6408337487793 28.469910863479978 -82.6206637487793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-74778825739896357962017-01-28T18:28:00.000-05:002017-03-16T06:28:20.355-04:00We Have Chicks!It was a gloomy lake check today with not a lot of Wintering birds to be seen. Not many in all of mile 8 mile loop. Time to head by the cemetery before getting back home. I had yet to see much activity at the Bald Eagle nest but I only get a brief window to peek in at them these days. I didn't have a lot of expectation. It should just be another quick drive through. But...<br /><br />
We have chicks!<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/012817_Bald_Eagle_01.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
Mom was busy tearing off chunks of breakfast and handing it off to the new arrivals.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/012817_Bald_Eagle_02.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
I could only see one chick at first and it soon seemed to turn my way. Hi!<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/012817_Bald_Eagle_03.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
Then the second chick could be seen trying to stand right next to the first baby<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/012817_Bald_Eagle_04.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
"Enough play time! Eat your fish."<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/012817_Bald_Eagle_05.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
Nice to have new eaglets in the neighborhood after last year's bust. Now just have to sit back and watch them grow. It won't be long before they are flying off on their own. <br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis, FL 32726, USA28.850934 -81.66788400000001528.847457 -81.672926500000017 28.854411 -81.662841500000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-11147231350256685072017-01-23T18:26:00.000-05:002017-03-08T06:25:00.471-05:00Barber Park Gulls and SparrowsI headed over to Barber Park which is on the outer edge of my birding loop from home. There was rain earlier but I have never seen the soccer area filled with water before. Surrounding that water were many, many gulls resting on the grass.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/012317_Ring-billed_Gull_01.jpg" alt="Ring-billed Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Ring-billed Gull"><br /><br />
When you find a whole bunch of gulls around it is important to scan through them in case any rare species might show up. The most common gull in Central Florida is the Ring-billed Gull and most of the birds here where of that variety. They ranged in age from adult...<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/012317_Ring-billed_Gull_02.jpg" alt="Ring-billed Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Ring-billed Gull"><br /><br />
...to juvenile. Some would pick around in the grasses and water but the majority of the birds were just trying to catch a nap.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/012317_Ring-billed_Gull_03.jpg" alt="Ring-billed Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Ring-billed Gull"><br /><br />
Standing alone near the edge of the ponding water was a Laughing Gull. They are found in large numbers on the coast so at least I got one stray in the flock.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/012317_Laughing_Gull.jpg" alt="Laughing Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Laughing Gull"><br /><br />
I was trying to get back in the car while the wind continued to howl around but I heard a small sound off to my right. Out of the cloudy skies, a small flock of Savannah Sparrow landed in a tree and then dropped to the ground.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/sparrows/012317_Savannah_Sparrow_01.jpg" alt="Savannah Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Savannah Sparrow"><br /><br />
Savannah Sparrows are not uncommon in brushy areas around the state in Winter but I have never seen them in my urban area before. They picked around at the ground for a couple of minutes right in the parking lot.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/sparrows/012317_Savannah_Sparrow_02.jpg" alt="Savannah Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Savannah Sparrow"><br /><br />
One of the birds took a look to the sky and, suddenly, they all took wing and headed out toward the lake.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/sparrows/012317_Savannah_Sparrow_03.jpg" alt="Savannah Sparrow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Savannah Sparrow"><br /><br />
This park can hold some interesting things from time to time. I definitely wasn't expecting this particular grouping of birds. Tired of the wind, I headed home. Not much else was enjoying this weather, either.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Barber Park, 3701 Gatlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32812, USA28.4968413 -81.3199996000000172.9748067999999996 -122.62859360000002 54.0188758 -40.011405600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-10686611111151644052017-01-22T18:25:00.000-05:002017-03-01T06:54:20.571-05:00Green-winged TealEarly in the season I found a few female Green-winged Teal in the lake but haven't noticed them lately. This I discovered from a Facebook friend that a male was now out there. I swung by and, sure enough, there he was. I tried for a couple of shots before a jogger flushed it and other teal to the other side of the lake. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/012217_Green-winged_Teal_01.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
For some reason I always thing that Blue-winged Teal and Green-winged Teal are the same size. Looking at this shot you can tell that Green-wings are much smaller. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/012217_Teals.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal"><br /><br />
The male headed up to shore to join a female. I am starting to see that I have damaged my lens somewhat, Any shots taken at the full 300 mm distance are definitely not in sharp focus any longer. Sigh.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/012217_Green-winged_Teal_02.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
Time for a little drink of water.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/012217_Green-winged_Teal_03.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
Here is a good example why Green-winged Teal are named that. The green really flashes when she turns to the light just right.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/012217_Green-winged_Teal_04.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
One last shot of the male as he picks through the leaf litter.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/012217_Green-winged_Teal_05.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
Despite my slightly crippled optics I finally got some pretty good shots of a male Green-winged Teal. All of my previous opportunities were shrouded in rain and clouds. I will have to check back in with this pair soon!<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Lake Davis, Orlando, FL, USA28.532506812621559 -81.36666229685056428.525531812621558 -81.376747296850567 28.53948181262156 -81.35657729685056tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-90907008448608383712017-01-16T18:23:00.000-05:002017-03-01T06:18:24.687-05:00Checking for ChicksI stopped by the nest site on the way home today. Hoping to see if there are any Bald Eagle chicks this year. I couldn't tell by just the drive by but Mom was at the nest while Dad was in the opposite tree. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/011617_Bald_Eagle.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
I will have to keep checking. One thing I do notice is that something is wrong with my camera after accidentally dragging it off of the banding table this morning. Always something...<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Orlando, FL, USA28.5383355 -81.3792364999999928.0917165 -82.0246835 28.984954499999997 -80.733789499999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-74738755399622041772017-01-09T18:32:00.000-05:002017-02-23T06:34:14.093-05:00Mead Botanical GardensIt was my first trip back to Mead Botanical Garden for the New Year and I was soon surrounded by the largest feeding flock of American Robins of the Winter. Problem was, they were all flying out of holly trees at waist level and quickly going into thickets across the path. I could not get a single bird out in the open for a photo. I could tell by the bird sounds all around me that they would be here for a while so I headed toward the Education Center for now.<br /><br />
Perched over the creek was a Red-shouldered Hawk scanning the trees for a meal.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/0101917_Red-Shouldered_Hawk_01.jpg" alt="Red-shouldered Hawk" width="550" hieght="733" title="Red-shouldered Hawk"><br /><br />
As I approached the Cypress stand I noticed another Red-shouldered Hawk flying up into a tree. By the time I got in a good position for photos I could just make out that it was snacking on a frog.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/0101917_Red-Shouldered_Hawk_02.jpg" alt="Red-shouldered Hawk" width="550" hieght="413" title="Red-shouldered Hawk"><br /><br />
There was not too much action around the boardwalk so I headed back to the 'island'. American Robins were still there and I finally got one bird out in the light but still behind branches.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/owlsmimics/010917_American_Robin.jpg" alt="American Robin" width="550" hieght="413" title="American Robin"><br /><br />
On the back side of a Brazilian Pepper shrub I could finally make out a few Cedar Waxwings darting in for berries. When a shadow passed over all the birds froze to stay hidden. It was the only way I could focus on this bird.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/owlsmimics/010917_Cedar_Waxwing_01.jpg" alt="Cedar Waxwing" width="550" hieght="413" title="Cedar Waxwing"><br /><br />
Soon, they resumed feeding and then would fly back to an adjacent tree. There have not been that many Cedar Waxwings around this season.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/owlsmimics/010917_Cedar_Waxwing_02.jpg" alt="Cedar Waxwing" width="550" hieght="733" title="Cedar Waxwing"><br /><br />
Also in the pepper tree was a female Northern Cardinal looking out over the pond.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/grosbeaks/010917_Northern_Cardinal.jpg" alt="Northern Cardinal" width="550" hieght="733" title="Northern Cardinal"><br /><br />
I headed back to the car. Along the way, a Great Egret was prowling along the path and paid zero attention to me as I got a bunch of shots as I walked beside it. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/herons/010917_Great_Egret.jpg" alt="Great Egret" width="550" hieght="413" title="Great Egret"><br /><br />
Finally got a nice feeding flock of Robins. Perhaps there will be a couple more before they all head back North.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Mead Botanical Garden, 1500 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA28.5832724 -81.3607494000000323.0612378999999983 -122.66934340000003 54.1053069 -40.052155400000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-83350179112694623062017-01-01T18:30:00.000-05:002017-02-07T06:50:31.731-05:00New Year's HikeI have used New Year's Day a hiking day for the past several years. Usually I choose a place I haven't been to before but today I decided to go back to Clay Island since there was a report of a pair of Groove-billed Ani hanging out by an observation tower. Not sure which direction to head (there was only one tower I knew of from years ago) I headed West. I only found a flock of Tree Swallows in the air after walking the first 15 minutes.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/010117_ClayIsland/010117_Tree_Swallows.jpg" alt="Tree Swallow" width="550" hieght="413" title="Tree Swallow"><br /><br />
There were zero birds in the water. Not even a Common Gallinule. Just one American Alligator tucked back in the reeds.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/010117_ClayIsland/010117_American_Alligator.jpg" alt="American Alligator" width="550" hieght="413" title="American Alligator"><br /><br />
I eventually came upon an observation tower. A Red-shouldered Hawk was calling across the canal. A few Palm Warblers were scattered just past the tower. Nothing else was in view.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/010117_ClayIsland/010117_Tower.jpg" alt="Tower" width="550" hieght="413" title="Tower"><br /><br />
I got to the top of the tower and was soon at eye level with a single Turkey Vulture drifting by. The rest of the area was clear and still. I was getting bored. I also just realized that I should have gone to the next turn than the one I took. Now I couldn't get to the original tower which was across the canal. Sigh.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/010117_ClayIsland/010117_Turkey_Vulture.jpg" alt="Turkey Vulture" width="550" hieght="413" title="Turkey Vulture"><br /><br />
I follow the path in the only direction I could travel and eventually got to the observation tower where others had reported the Anis. They were a no-show for me. Really bored. I decided to head home. Up on the wires on the way back was a lone American Kestrel. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/010117_ClayIsland/010117_American_Kestrel.jpg" alt="American Kestrel" width="550" hieght="413" title="American Kestrel"><br /><br />
I climbed back into the car feeling defeated. These first of the year hikes are usually teaming with birds. I rounded the curve and had a Sandhill Crane feeding in a yard.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/010117_ClayIsland/010117_Sandhill_Crane.jpg" alt="Sandhill Crane" width="550" hieght="413" title="Sandhill Crane"><br /><br />
90 minutes of hiking. 4 bird photos. At least I know where some birds are. Back in my neighborhood. Happy New Year.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Orange County, FL, USA28.6546865534168 -81.688778087528.4317525534168 -82.011501587499993 28.877620553416797 -81.3660545875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-58727205634132683692016-12-26T19:30:00.000-05:002017-12-07T18:23:56.341-05:00Largo BirdingWhere to go the day after Christmas? I couldn't decide so I visited several spots all around Largo. First stop: War Veteran's Memorial Park where I have spent time during Christmas Bird Counts. It was not too birdy, but the Brown Pelicans feeding out in the channel.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/seabirds/122616_Brown_Pelican.jpg" alt="Brown Pelican" width="550" hieght="413" title="Brown Pelican"><br /><br />
I was taken aback by the lack of other birds in the park. The only other fun bird of note was a male Black and White Warbler moving at high speed near the point. Very little other activity in all of my hiking this morning.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/122616_BlackandWhite_Warbler.jpg" alt="Black and White Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Black and White Warbler"><br /><br />
Since it was pretty quiet at that park I headed over to Largo Central Park Nature Preserve. Things were a bit more interesting here. I walked around the back side of the park and found a number of Black-hooded Parakeets up in the power station.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/parrots/122616_Black-hooded_Parakeet.jpg" alt="Black-hooded Parakeet" width="550" hieght="733" title="Black-hooded Parakeet"><br /><br />
I started through a recently cut portion leading back to the park and noticed some small birds darting into some brush. It took me a bit to nail it down but was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a House Finch.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/finches/122616_House_Finch.jpg" alt="House Finch" width="550" hieght="413" title="House Finch"><br /><br />
Down in the freshly cut grass and brush were several Western Palm Warblers hopping around and feeding.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/122616_Western_Palm_Warbler.jpg" alt="Western Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Western Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
Halfway along the boardwalk in the woods a Downy Woodpecker dropped next to me and began pounding away on a tree. I took many, many photos just wanting the bird to look my direction at least once but he would not cooperate so I ended up with most of the shots becoming blurry. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/woodpecker/122616_Downy_Woodpecker.jpg" alt="Downy Woodpecker" width="550" hieght="733" title="Downy Woodpecker"><br /><br />
One of my presents was a wide angle lens. It should be fun to play around with from time to time. Have to practice some exposure times, for sure.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/122516_Wide.jpg" alt="Wide angle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Wide angle"><br /><br />
Heading back to the parking lot I spotted a Pied-billed Grebe swimming down the creek toward me. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/122616_Pied-billed_Grebe.jpg" alt="Pied-billed Grebe" width="550" hieght="413" title="Pied-billed Grebe"><br /><br />
Just beyond that was a juvenile Little Blue Heron feeding so intently that it never paid attention to me as I took a couple dozen shots.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/herons/122616_Little_Blue_Heron.jpg" alt="Little Blue Heron" width="550" hieght="413" title="Little Blue Heron"><br /><br />
Just nearing the restrooms I saw a bird flash out and back to the trees. It was an Eastern Phoebe plucking insects from the air and returning to its perch.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/flycatchers/122616_Eastern_Phoebe.jpg" alt="Eastern Phoebe" width="550" hieght="733" title="Eastern Phoebe"><br /><br />
I turned toward the car and had a Northern Mockingbird pop up out of a bush. Who can resist that shot?<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/owlsmimics/122616_Northern_Mockingbird.jpg" alt="Northern Mockingbird" width="550" hieght="413" title="Northern Mockingbird"><br /><br />
I then headed over to John S. Taylor Park. It is a park that is hidden in plain sight, almost. It is surrounded by office buildings and homes but is fairly large and holds different birds than the other parks. Like Ring-billed Gulls which were relaxing all along the shoreline and atop signs. Which profile do you prefer? To the right...<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/122616_Ring-billed_Gull_01.jpg" alt="Ring-billed Gull" width="550" hieght="733" title="Ring-billed Gull"><br /><br />
...or to the left?<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/122616_Ring-billed_Gull_02.jpg" alt="Ring-billed Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Ring-billed Gull"><br /><br />
I love how this Common Gallinule looks like it was carved out of wax and the color scheme really works for me, too.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/122616_Common_Gallinule.jpg" alt="Common Gallinule" width="550" hieght="413" title="Common Gallinule"><br /><br />
Up in the pines was a lone Anhinga just relaxing.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/122616_Anhinga.jpg" alt="Anhinga" width="550" hieght="733" title="Anhinga"><br /><br />
There wasn't too much more to look find so I had to take more shots of the gulls on the way out. This one seems a little younger than the others around.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/122616_Ring-billed_Gull_03.jpg" alt="Ring-billed Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Ring-billed Gull"><br /><br />
This one is definitely an older bird<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/gullsetc/122616_Ring-billed_Gull_04.jpg" alt="Ring-billed Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Ring-billed Gull"><br /><br />
Not a bad way to spend a long morning of birding. However, it will soon be time to head back to Orlando and home.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Largo, FL, USA27.9094665 -82.78732439999998927.797212000000002 -82.948685899999987 28.021721 -82.62596289999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-1972087930972999982016-12-19T15:10:00.000-05:002017-02-01T06:20:02.898-05:00Hooded Merganser JoyI always swing by a local retention pond after my bird banding to check if there are any Hooded Mergansers swimming about. They prefer a certain pond every year and sometimes they make good subjects. Sometimes they want nothing to do with me and retreat to the underside of a parking structure. Today they didn't mind my being there.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_01.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
In the past, my shots have been rather hit or miss. Could be raining. Could be getting there when the light is too harsh. A lot of times they are just constantly moving and my shots seem too soft for me. For whatever reason today my shots were spot on. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_02.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
I ended up with a ton of shots I liked and I had to just narrow down choices for this selection. I will probably go back to revisit the gallery again in a while but for now I needed to stop. The males were giving me a lot of nice poses I enjoy.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_03.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="733" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
The female Hooded Mergansers were cruising a little closer to me and would just stare after coming up from a dive for food.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_04.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
Then the light would strengthen just a bit more and light up their crest.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_05.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
Such a cute, coy looking lady.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_06.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
I always think the eyes on these birds ends up a little blurry. Drives me crazy. The rest of the shot is in focus.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_07.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
Now I wonder if since Hooded Mergansers are divers that perhaps it is a nictitating eyelid like sharks. It is "a transparent (or translucent) third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection". Would explain it to me. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_08.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
A final shot of two females drifting past.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/121816_Hooded_Merganser_09.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
I could sit with the Hooded Mergansers all day but I had other things to do. Like wash bug spray off of me. And bird poop. Happens when banding birds. <br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Maitland, FL, USA28.635255494859233 -81.39199973331295728.631771494859233 -81.397042233312959 28.638739494859234 -81.386957233312955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-50515937126511859952016-12-19T08:31:00.006-05:002023-11-29T12:13:48.935-05:002016 St. Pete CBC, Part 2Part 2 of the CBC post is going to be a bit more lengthy. I took so many more photos as the day went on and didn't expect to get many birds at the golf course. Settle in...<br /><br />
We headed back to Crescent Lake to look for our main target, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. We missed it the first two time. We were told where to look for the bird and as we got out of the car the first thing we found was a Red-bellied Woodpecker peeking out of a tree branch. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Red-bellied_Woodpecker_01.jpg" alt="Red-bellied Woodpecker" width="550" hieght="413" title="Red-bellied Woodpecker"><br /><br />
Gathered around the woodpecker were several European Starlings. They were all fussing at the woodpecker. Perhaps it use to be their nest site? Every now and then, one of the males would wave its wings about in protest.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Eurapean_Starling.jpg" alt="European Starling" width="550" hieght="733" title="European Starling"><br /><br />
It took a little while but Jim finally spotted our bird in the Sweet Gum tree between the parking lot and the lake. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is very well camouflaged against the tree bark. If you aren't looking at the right moment it is easy to miss them.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker.jpg" alt="Yellow-bellied Sapsucker" width="550" hieght="733" title="Yellow-bellied Sapsucker"><br /><br />
Now that it was later in the day we got a chance to get a better view of the Lesser Scaups and Ring-necked Ducks. The Scuap is in the center.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Divers.jpg" alt="Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck" width="550" hieght="413" title="Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck"><br /><br />
Among the Ring-necked Ducks was a leucistic female.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Luecistic.jpg" alt="Ring-necked Duck" width="550" hieght="733" title="Ring-necked Duck"><br /><br />
I love how grumpy this Lesser Scaup looks. Hur-umph!<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Lesser_Scaup_01.jpg" alt="Lesser Scaup" width="550" hieght="413" title="Lesser Scaup"><br /><br />
One of the domestic duck present was a Graylag Goose who took some time to bathe as we were walking past.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Graylag.jpg" alt="Graylag Goose" width="550" hieght="413" title="Graylag Goose"><br /><br />
Double-crested Cormorants were gathered along the shore. Great to have a chance to get a close look at those amazing eyes.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Double-crested_Corm_02.jpg" alt="Double-crested Cormorant" width="550" hieght="733" title="Double-crested Cormorant"><br /><br />
What I didn't know about Double-crested Cormorants is that the insides of their mouth can get that Robin-egg blue. Thanks for the yawn! <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_DCCO_Yawn.jpg" alt="Double-crested Cormorant" width="550" hieght="733" title="Double-crested Cormorant"><br /><br />
Not a lot of American Coots around but a few. Simply stunning in black and white.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Common_Gallinule.jpg" alt="American Coot" width="550" hieght="413" title="American Coot"><br /><br />
Couldn't resist a shot of a feather resting on the lawn.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Feather.jpg" alt="Feather" width="550" hieght="413" title="Feather"><br /><br />
Laughing Gulls were gathered at the North end of the lake.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Laughing_Gull.jpg" alt="Laughing Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Laughing Gull"><br /><br />
We were told that White-winged Doves could be found at the Dairy Inn. Nope. Just wanted to prove that we did check.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Dairy_Inn.jpg" alt="Sign" width="550" hieght="733" title="Sign"><br /><br />
We did find another dove on the way back to the lake. A Eurasian Collared Dove.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Eurasion_Collared_Dove.jpg" alt="Eurasian Collared Dove" width="550" hieght="413" title="Eurasian Collared Dove"><br /><br />
Just past the tennis courts were a pair of Yellow-shafted Flickers.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Sapsucker.jpg" alt="Yellow-shafted Flicker" width="550" hieght="733" title="Yellow-shafted Flicker"><br /><br />
We came back to the water tower and could here Monk Parakeets everywhere. Closer inspection revealed many nest wedged in the stairs and railings.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Monk_Nest_01.jpg" alt="Monk Parakeet" width="550" hieght="413" title="Monk Parakeet"><br /><br />
A lot of the Monk Parakeets would fly down to the oaks and chew on some acorns.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Monk_04.jpg" alt="Monk Parakeet" width="550" hieght="733" title="Monk Parakeet"><br /><br />
We stopped along a creek in search of more birds. Our leader, Jim McGinity, was trying to get a shot of the only House Wren we found today.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_JimMcG.jpg" alt="Jim McGinity" width="550" hieght="733" title="Jim McGinity"><br /><br />
We were not thrilled to head to the golf course. We just figured there would not be that many species to be found out there. It was our final stop of the day. We loaded into carts and began our tour. If I hadn't have turned toward the practice range I would have missed our only raptor hiding in the shade. A Red-shouldered Hawk.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Red-shouldered_Hawk.jpg" alt="Red-shouldered Hawk" width="550" hieght="733" title="Red-shouldered Hawk"><br /><br />
Jim and Killian were just ahead of me and seemed excited as they climbed out of their cart by a small pond. It was full of a couple dozen Northern Shovelers. I got my best shots of these birds ever today.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_NOSH_01.jpg" alt="Northern Shoveler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Northern Shoveler"><br /><br />
They were enthralled with the ducks but I spied something else across the pond. A Spotted Sandpiper!<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Spotted_Sandpiper.jpg" alt="Spotted Sandpiper" width="550" hieght="413" title="Spotted Sandpiper"><br /><br />
The soon setting Sun lit up a female Northern Shoveler resting on shore.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_NOSH_02.jpg" alt="Northern Shoveler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Northern Shoveler"><br /><br />
Just in front of her were our only Mottled Ducks of the day.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Mottled_Duck.jpg" alt="Mottled Duck" width="550" hieght="733" title="Mottled Duck"><br /><br />
Feeling a bit more bouyed by these unexpected finds, we made the turn toward the next fairway and came upon a small flock of Blue-winged Teal.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Blue-winged_Teal.jpg" alt="Blue-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Blue-winged Teal"><br /><br />
Behind them was a pair of Mallard. This is the best I could get of the green feathers.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Mallard.jpg" alt="Mallard" width="550" hieght="413" title="Mallard"><br /><br />
Lurking along the shoreline was a feeding Roseate Spoonbill trying to stay hidden. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Roseate_Spoonbill_01.jpg" alt="Roseate Spoonbill" width="550" hieght="413" title="Roseate Spoonbill"><br /><br />
You can try to hide, Roseate Spoonbill. You can try...<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Roseate_Spoonbill_02.jpg" alt="Roseate Spoonbill" width="550" hieght="733" title="Roseate Spoonbill"><br /><br />
Ospreys were busy diving for fish in all of the ponds. Just couldn't get those houses out of the way.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Osprey.jpg" alt="Osprey" width="550" hieght="413" title="Osprey"><br /><br />
My final shot of the day was a Loggerhead Shrike perched as we were exiting the course. We then turned in the carts and totaled our birds before heading home.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Loggerhead_Shrike.jpg" alt="Loggerhead Shrike" width="550" hieght="413" title="Loggerhead Shrike"><br /><br />
Ten news species were gathered at the golf course. Who would have thunk it? Not a bad day but I was hoping for more species in total. But, we were in very urban environments so I guess we did alright. The final total for the St. Pete CBC ended up being 163 species which was a tie for the 3rd best count ever. I was there for all the top counts. Can't wait for next year.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Old Southeast, St. Petersburg, FL, USA27.750973911335969 -82.6366710662841827.747460911335967 -82.641713566284182 27.75448691133597 -82.631628566284178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-35821464961869335482016-12-18T06:42:00.002-05:002023-11-29T12:17:36.671-05:002016 St. Pete CBC, Part 1That time of year again! Time to head to St. Pete to count as many birds as we can in our selected count circle for the Christmas Bird Count. This year I was assigned to Area #5 in the very urban St. Pete area near Tropicana Field. Being so city like, we didn't get some species I would have expected nearly anywhere else (no Carolina Wren?) but we managed to get some nice birds along the way.<br /><br />
We began at Crescent Lake before dawn searching for owls in the neighborhoods. No luck. Right at dawn we returned to the lake park and started counting every thing we could see. Besides the huge number of Muscovy and Domestic duck all over the Northern side, we had a Wood Stork on a tree as the Sun rose just behind the treetops.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Wood_Stork.jpg" alt="Wood Stork" width="550" hieght="733" title="Wood Stork"><br /><br />
Nearby, a few Green Herons lurked in the shadows.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Green_Heron.jpg" alt="Green Heron" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green Heron"><br /><br />
As we tried to ID a warbler in the underbrush we flushed a Black-crowned Night Heron that flew out to rest next to the stork.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Black-crowned_Night_Heron.jpg" alt="Black-crowned Night Heron" width="550" hieght="413" title="Black-crowned Night Heron"><br /><br />
There were other species added to the list but this little Gray Squirrel insisted on getting its photo taken. Fine...<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Squirrel.jpg" alt="TK" width="550" hieght="733" title="TK"><br /><br />
Small flock of wintering duck were scattered around but we decided to come back later when the light was better for some photos. They will appear in the next post. For now, we headed to Coffee Pot Bayou to the roosting spot of Brown Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants. There were a lot but I enjoyed having a couple right next to the road for some good shots.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Brown_Pelican_01.jpg" alt="Brown Pelican" width="550" hieght="733" title="Brown Pelican"><br /><br />
We also spotted a Roseate Spoonbill trying to hide in the mangrove roost and numerous Anhinga.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Brown_Pelican_02.jpg" alt="Brown Pelican" width="550" hieght="413" title="Brown Pelican"><br /><br />
Next, we headed to the beach as the tide was low and we hoped to get some good shorebirds to add to the list. Killian took up a spot on the end of a jetty to record bird numbers as Jim called them out while peering through his scope.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Killian.jpg" alt="Killian" width="550" hieght="733" title="Killian"><br /><br />
Many birds, like this Dunlin, were close enough to not need a scope.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Dunlin.jpg" alt="Dunlin" width="550" hieght="413" title="Dunlin"><br /><br />
There were a lot of Least Sandpipers in the close flock. I can't recall having so many shorebirds stay so close to me. They usually scatter upon approach. I guess this area is so full of visitors that the birds take little notice.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Least_Sandpiper_01.jpg" alt="Least Sandpiper" width="550" hieght="413" title="Least Sandpiper"><br /><br />
If something else would startle the flock they would quickly return right next to us.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Flight.jpg" alt="Least Sandpiper" width="550" hieght="413" title="Least Sandpiper"><br /><br />
There was a nice gathering of birds loafing farther down the beach so we headed in that direction. Along the way, a Eurasian Collared-Dove strolled the beach as a Loggerhead Shrike sat atop a light pole.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Eurasion_Collared_Dove_Beach.jpg" alt="Eurasian Collared-Dove" width="550" hieght="413" title="Eurasian Collared-Dove"><br /><br />
Our main target was counting the 65 American White Pelican jammed at the edge of the sand spit. There were also scores of terns and Black Skimmers behind them.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_American_White_Pelican.jpg" alt="American White Pelican" width="550" hieght="413" title="American White Pelican"><br /><br />
A Reddish Egret soon flew in and began its dancing through the shallow water in search of a meal.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Reddish_Egret.jpg" alt="Reddish Egret" width="550" hieght="733" title="Reddish Egret"><br /><br />
We also spotted a single Herring Gull resting with a few Laughing Gulls and some Royal Terns.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Herring_Gull.jpg" alt="Herring Gull" width="550" hieght="413" title="Herring Gull"><br /><br />
We were hearing Monk Parakeets near the parking lot and Killian found them on our second trip out here. They were in a tree right over a few folks getting in some training. Not a care in the world.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Monk_01.jpg" alt="Monk Parakeet" width="550" hieght="413" title="Monk Parakeet"><br /><br />
Most of the Monk Parakeets were by themselves but I liked this cute pair getting their feathers blown about in the breeze.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Monk_02.jpg" alt="Monk Parakeet" width="550" hieght="733" title="Monk Parakeet"><br /><br />
Then they would snuggle and preen one another. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_Monk_03.jpg" alt="Monk Parakeet" width="550" hieght="733" title="Monk Parakeet"><br /><br />
But, we needed to head to our next stop which was a small park by a boat slip. Not too much around but a Northern Mockingbird, some Mytle Warblers, and few White Ibis.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/121716_CBC/121716_White_Ibis.jpg" alt="White Ibis" width="550" hieght="733" title="White Ibis"><br /><br />
Finishing up our first areas so quickly, we decided to head to the golf course a little early. We were told to return later, however, as a lot of golfers were still arriving and they thought it would be better for us to return in the afternoon. OK. Time for lunch and then back to look for a Sapsucker and other birds at the lake.<br /><br />
We thought the golf course might not hold that many birds, though, so we weren't totally enthused about it anyway. Boy, would we be in for a surprise. All that in the next post!<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0St. Petersburg, Florida, USA27.728817910667672 -82.62817382812526.829810910667671 -83.919067328125 28.627824910667673 -81.337280328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-80407017376912704002016-12-12T19:17:00.005-05:002017-01-07T10:17:02.885-05:00Return of the CoyoteI headed to check on the Bald Eagle nest at the cemetery like I always do heading home in the daylight. I rounded the back road and was quite surprised by a Coyote right on the edge on the lawn.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/mammals/121116_Coyote_01.jpg" alt="Coyote" width="550" hieght="413" title="Coyote"><br /><br />
Haven't seen her here in quite some time. She was a little weary as she slowly wound her way through the headstones as I tried for a few photos.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/mammals/121116_Coyote_02.jpg" alt="Coyote" width="550" hieght="413" title="Coyote"><br /><br />
She took a final look back at me and suddenly vanished into the matching gray all around.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/mammals/121116_Coyote_03.jpg" alt="Coyote" width="550" hieght="413" title="Coyote"><br /><br />
Why was I here? Oh, yeah. Eagles. Didn't see them on this trip...<br /><br />
J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Lake Davis/Greenwood, Orlando, FL, USA28.533052595004214 -81.35769189184571828.526077595004214 -81.367776891845722 28.540027595004215 -81.347606891845714tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-81250901730640040002016-12-06T19:12:00.000-05:002017-01-07T10:09:22.898-05:00Snapping Turtle Soaks in the RainEver since Hurricane Matthew swept through in early October we have been bone dry. Nearly two months of dry air. Today we had a light rain come for a visit for a while which was needed. It seems it was fairly welcome to some of the wildlife including an unusual sight just outside our office door. A Common Snapping Turtle.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/reptileamph/120616_Snapping_Turtle_01.jpg" alt="Common Snapping Turtle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Common Snapping Turtle"><br /><br />
I grabbed my camera from the car and spent some time circling the beast and 'snapping' photos. The rain was barely a mist but the turtle seemed to be trying to soak it all up.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/reptileamph/120616_Snapping_Turtle_02.jpg" alt="Common Snapping Turtle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Common Snapping Turtle"><br /><br />
Not sure where this Common Snapping Turtle came from. It was headed toward the canal below a steep drop off but that algae on its shell suggests it has been resting in water nearby. Trouble is, besides that canal there is not much standing water close by. Odd. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/reptileamph/120616_Snapping_Turtle_03.jpg" alt="Common Snapping Turtle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Common Snapping Turtle"><br /><br />
It was not a large specimen. Probably had a shell around football size. I has seen then many time large in local marshes.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/reptileamph/120616_Snapping_Turtle_04.jpg" alt="Common Snapping Turtle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Common Snapping Turtle"><br /><br />
I love getting close to Common Snapping Turtles. You tend to forget all the spikes they possess all over their heads. I especially love the chin whiskers!<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/reptmamm/reptileamph/120616_Snapping_Turtle_05.jpg" alt="Common Snapping Turtle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Common Snapping Turtle"><br /><br />
We never saw where this modern dinosaur ended up but he moved on shortly after I headed back inside. Not too long after that, the rain was gone as well. Sigh.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Winter Park, FL, USA28.5999998 -81.33923519999996228.4884703 -81.50059669999996 28.7115293 -81.177873699999964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-27962113706543347032016-12-03T19:08:00.000-05:002016-12-29T16:29:14.682-05:00Barber ParkI often drive past Barber Park or drive through the parking lot in case anything is sitting in the front pond but today I decided to stop and take a walk out to the lake and see what I could find out in the fields.<br /><br />
A train of Muscovy ducks were hiking toward the marsh in the center of the parking areas and Eastern Phoebes and several Western Palm Warbler were snatching insects. This Palm hopped right over to me.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/120316_Palm_Warbler_01.jpg" alt="Western Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Western Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
There is a retention pond between the parking areas and the lake just off to the side of the soccer fields. They have planted some native plants in here to make it look nice and it attracts some nice birds from time to time. There were Phoebes, a Belted Kingfisher, and a Great Blue Heron keeping an eye on me as I made my way around toward the lake.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/herons/120316_Great_Blue_Heron.jpg" alt="Great Blue Heron" width="550" hieght="413" title="Great Blue Heron"><br /><br />
I could hear Yellow-rumped Warblers all along the tree lines but they were not making themselves seen for more than a second. I circled back around the opposite side of the canal and posted up for a few minutes. Eventually, a single bird pause just in front of me for a few seconds.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/120316_Myrtle_Warbler.jpg" alt="Myrtle Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Myrtle Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler"><br /><br />
The Western Palm Warblers were much more conspicuous as they flitted out into the open, fed in the grasses, and perched on shrubby branches just about everywhere.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/120316_Palm_Warbler_02.jpg" alt="Western Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Western Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
One more close-up. How can I resist?<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/120316_Palm_Warbler_03.jpg" alt="Western Palm Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Western Palm Warbler"><br /><br />
On the way out I spotted a White-winged Dove trying to hide in the shadows. Did not expect that here. I took a look high overhead and spotted a Bald Eagle soaring over the lake.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/120316_Bald_Eagle.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
I headed back to the car and had a single Muscovy Duck just coming back out of the marsh. Usually they are mostly black. I can't recall a silver one. Much less with a Mohawk!<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/120316_Muscovy_Duck.jpg" alt="Muscovy Duck" width="550" hieght="413" title="Muscovy Duck"><br /><br />
I did not have as many species as I had hoped for but it was a nice walk. Where are all the birds this season? Seems thin.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Barber Park, 3701 Gatlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32812, USA28.4968413 -81.3199996000000172.9748067999999996 -122.62859360000002 54.0188758 -40.011405600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-56035376771435002652016-11-27T19:05:00.000-05:002016-12-28T15:08:20.028-05:00Hooded Mergansers are BackI never miss a chance to drive through the Maitland Center Parkway complex after my Sunday banding sessions. Mainly it is to keep an eye out for the return of the wintering Hooded Mergansers. Well, today was the day! Six birds in all but they made a hasty retreat under the parking structure as I began to take photos. The light wasn't that forgiving, anyway. There will be plenty of opportunities for shots for a few more months.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/112716_Hooded_Merganser.jpg" alt="Hooded Merganser" width="550" hieght="413" title="Hooded Merganser"><br /><br />
As I began to pull away I heard the grunting of the Anhinga that likes to sun next to the pond. It stuck its head out for a look and scold. Who can pass up that close-up...?<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/112716_Anhinga.jpg" alt="Anhinga" width="550" hieght="413" title="Anhinga"><br /><br />
A nice way to end the day. <br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Maitland Center Pkwy, Maitland, FL 32751, USA28.6342385 -81.39470340000002628.62727 -81.404788400000029 28.641206999999998 -81.384618400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-20415577407887955482016-11-19T19:01:00.000-05:002016-12-28T14:59:18.730-05:00Eagle Pair at the NestHow is November halfway over? Been too busy, I suppose.<br /><br />
Finally had a chance to get through Greenwood Cemetery in the daylight (this being Saturday) and was pleased to see both Bald Eagles at the nest with one sitting inside! Maybe eggs this year? Last year was a bust.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/111916_Bald_Eagle.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
Going to get crazy busy but I hope to be able to make some more stops to check in from time to time. Good luck, you two.<br />
J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis, FL 32726, USA28.850934 -81.66788400000001528.847457 -81.672926500000017 28.854411 -81.662841500000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-75878722027966676942016-10-30T18:43:00.001-04:002023-11-29T12:34:42.146-05:00Back at the NestA quick swing through Greenwood Cemetery yielded a nice surprise. This is the first time I have seen one of the Bald Eagles venture to the nest this season. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/raptors/103016_Bald_Eagle.jpg" alt="Bald Eagle" width="550" hieght="413" title="Bald Eagle"><br /><br />
Fingers are crossed for a brood this year.<br />
J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Orlando, FL, USA28.5383355 -81.3792364999999928.0917165 -82.0246835 28.984954499999997 -80.733789499999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-70634403396997872842016-10-29T18:40:00.000-04:002016-12-28T12:54:01.309-05:00Winter Ducks ReturningMy travels around the lakes is finally paying off as the first of the Wintering waterfowl begin to make it back to Orlando. American Coots are the easiest to spot at a distance as their white bills seem to shine even in the daylight. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/102916_American_Coot.jpg" alt="American Coot" width="550" hieght="413" title="American Coot"><br /><br />
Blue-winged Teal flocks are trickling in. They are usually the first wintering ducks to arrive.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/102916_Blue-winged_Teal.jpg" alt="Blue-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Blue-winged Teal"><br /><br />
I was watching from the street as I first scanned the lake bank and even from a distance could tell there were some different birds mixed in with the Blue-wingeds. My guess was correct that I had spotted Green-winged Teals here, too. The larger bird on the left is a female Green-winged and the bird on the right is a female Blue-winged. Compare the small green feather in the wing with the blue on the bird above.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/102916_Green-winged_Teal_01.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
I usually don't find too many Green-winged Teal here. These are probably the first on Lake Davis for me. They are pretty secretive and I always get them on days with horrible weather and lighting. Especially the males.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/102916_Green-winged_Teal_02.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
Today there were only female Green-winged Teals. But three of them is a good total.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/lakebirds/102916_Green-winged_Teal_03.jpg" alt="Green-winged Teal" width="550" hieght="413" title="Green-winged Teal"><br /><br />
Looking forward to more arrivals. Bring on the ducks!<br /><br />
J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Northeast Orlando, Orlando, FL, USA28.531549096163612 -81.36670521948241228.517599596163613 -81.3868752194824 28.545498596163611 -81.346535219482419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839337.post-54064362459017268992016-10-17T18:30:00.000-04:002016-11-20T15:37:35.562-05:00Florida LiferI was just at Mead Botanical Garden and really wasn't in a hurry to get back but then the word got out that a rare bird was seen for more than a day in a row. So, there was a good chance it would still be there this morning. Guess I have to drag my self outta bed. Sigh.<br /><br />
Just after I got there I ran into Ian. He used to band birds with us out at Wekiwa Springs back in the day and we hung out for a bit and searched for birds. When I first saw him he was training his lens on one of the resident Barred Owls resting over the creek.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/owlsmimics/101716_Barred_Owl.jpg" alt="Barred Owl" width="550" hieght="733" title="Barred Owl"><br /><br />
Once we arrived at the spot where the rare bird was being seen there were several photographers canvasing the area. They were all jockeying for position, sticking their lens into branches and clicking and flashing constantly. Just the kind of scene I don't like. They weren't even sure the bird they taking photos of was even the bird being sought. Just clicking and flashing at anything moving. <br /><br />
I saw the bird with my binoculars. I still decided to take a walk and let the human activity die down and come back later for a photo. Glad I did. Just behind the Education Center was a Blue Grosbeak feeding on seeds. Sweet.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/grosbeaks/101716_Blue_Grosbeak.jpg" alt="Blue Grosbeak" width="550" hieght="413" title="Blue Grosbeak"><br /><br />
Not much around the perimeter of the property so I wandered back to the bridge. It was down to just two over-active photogs so I posted up on the bridge and waited. I had 6 Magnolia Warblers today. That is the most I have ever seen on one day. They were not in the mood to pose for a very pretty shot.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Magnolia_Warbler.jpg" alt="Magnolia Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Magnolia Warbler"><br /><br />
There were a couple of warblers flying back and forth that had me confused for a awhile. Once I got the photos on the screen I came to the conclusion that they were simply Pine Warblers and nothing as exotic as I was hoping.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Pine_Warbler.jpg" alt="Pine Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Pine Warbler"><br /><br />
I finally decided it was time to get a shot of the rare bird since the other guys drifted off, still clicking and flashing at everything. It took me a couple of minutes but I found the bird again and it soon darted out of the gloom and out toward the creek. There was my first Florida Wilson's Warbler.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Wilsons_Warbler_01.jpg" alt="Wilson's Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Wilson's Warbler"><br /><br />
The Wilson's Warbler looked around the air for another bug, tilting its head from side to side before bounding back into the bamboo. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Wilsons_Warbler_02.jpg" alt="Wilson's Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Wilson's Warbler"><br /><br />
A juvenile male Black-throated Blue Warbler was oblivious to us humans and flitted around feeding for 30 minutes, at least. Juvenile males are told by the white on their throats.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Black-throated_Blue_Warbler.jpg" alt="Black-throated Blue Warbler" width="550" hieght="733" title="Black-throated Blue Warbler"><br /><br />
The Wilson's Warbler made one more quick advance toward the edge of the bamboo and, although I don't like the small branch traversing the shot, I was happy to get a full ID shot showing the darker hood before it vanished again.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Wilsons_Warbler_03.jpg" alt="Wilson's Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Wilson's Warbler"><br /><br />
Blackpoll Warblers are easier to see in the Spring but they are all over these past few weeks but still hard to get shots of. Those legs don't lie, though. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Blackpoll_Warbler.jpg" alt="Blackpoll Warbler" width="550" hieght="413" title="Blackpoll Warbler"><br /><br />
I headed home by walking near the creek again but all I could see was several Western Palm Warblers that are flowing into the state. They are grabbing all the low flying bugs in the muck and landing around everyone who happens to be walking by.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.ratherbephotog.com/birds/warblers/101716_Palm_Warbler.jpg" alt="TK" width="550" hieght="413" title="TK"><br /><br />
It is always fun to bird watch during the peak of migration but we have had some amazing warblers all over Mead this month. they are not showing up in closer locations, like my banding site, but it is nice to have them so close on a regular basis and are giving many birders new Life Birds and others something fun to keep track of. For me, it will be back to banding on Sunday.<br />J. Andrew Boylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04947644267414118511noreply@blogger.com0Mead Botanical Garden, 1500 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA28.5839885 -81.3582741000000173.061954 -122.66686810000002 54.106023 -40.049680100000018