We stopped at Ranch Road to look for the Say's Phoebe I have posted about in the past. This marks the 6th year this bird has come to stay the Winter far from its normal range. I have come by to see it every year. Today, however, it was hiding from us. Itis still there somewhere just not always easy to spot.
In its absence, I tried to find anything else that might be interesting. Hiding behind some structure I noticed a bird peeking out at us before flying off. It was a Eurasian Collared-Dove. I can't recall seeing any here before. Then another flew out, and another, until at least 8 birds took flight from their hiding place.
Odd. The only other birds around were an American Kestrel way out on the fences and a small flock of Palm Warblers foraging in front of us. I figured I might as well take some shots. Nothing else to see.
As I processed the photos when I got home something caught my eye. Can you see it? Here, let me circle it.
Could that be what I think it is? I checked a few more photos. Here is the bird in a profile view.
Just to make extra sure, I enlarged this image and concentrated on the bird's leg. Yep. There is a band on this Palm Warbler!
In all my years banding birds, I can't recall ever seeing a small land bird with a band outside of my banding areas. So, was this bird banded far up North where they band a lot of Palm Warblers or could it be one we banded at Wekiva or Lake Lotus? I will never know for sure. But, I do know I always band the right leg when I band so it is possible it is one of ours.
Here I was taking pictures just at random and I find I got a photo of a bird of much note. I might have paid attention in the field if it would have let me know while we were there.
Oh, wait. Maybe it was trying to get my attention...
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