Day One of Cedar Waxwing Watching

The time has finally arrived for the Cedar Waxwings to start feasting on the ripe Loquats in the neighborhood. I can hardly wait for this time of year to roll around. The hungry birds are so numerous during these events and can easily be watched up close with a stealthy approach.



Today there were also many warblers joining in like this Eastern Palm Warbler now transitioning into its Spring plumage.



The Cedar Waxwings pluck bit after bit from the orange fruit one by one.



It was getting late in the day so the light was not the best and the birds were staying in the shadows for most of the time but every now and then one would strike a nice pose.



Another Eastern Palm Warbler sticks to the sidewalk to sift through the leftovers.



Sometimes the Cedar Waxwings grab for a mouthful instead of just picking.



Suddenly, a pair of male Northern Parula got into a squabble and dropped to the ground about 5 feet from where I was standing. One bird flew off and the other hopped up onto a branch just to my left and so close that I could barely get it in focus. These beautiful small birds returned a few weeks ago and are singing like crazy all over the neighborhood.



The majority of Cedar Waxwings have bright yellow tail tips. Every now and then their diet shifts and changes the color of the tips to orange. It makes for a nice surprise when going through the photos later on to discover that I got a shot of one of these 'different' types.



There are several Loquats in this yard all bursting with fruit so it should keep the bird here for a while. Tomorrow I will try in earlier light.

The Latest Lake Lotus Stroll

Another week returning gear to the banding site. Yesterday we had a roller coaster day out at the 2nd Annual Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza with early and late rounds of birds and sharing information to the visiting public. The full post of our banding day is posted at my other blog that you can read here. Those days are long and we usually take our usual banding days off to regroup and to get things back in place for the next weekend at 'home'.

As I walked the poles back into our banding area I quickly noticed a calling card along the path just inside the gate. Seems the bears have been wandering around. Not too long ago, either. At least they left the stuff at the table alone this week.



Next, I spotted something a bit sweeter. Stands of Lobelia were blooming along the net lanes in growing force.



I got the poles reset and decided to check the rest of the lanes to make sure things were in order. Northern Parulas were feeding in the treetops and singing like mad around the riverside. The hard part is seeing them in the foliage and getting a shot of them but their calls are easy to recognize as they trill overhead. One of the first returning migrants in the year, Northern Parulas nest and breed here and throughout the state. A definite sign that Spring is right around the corner.



I made my way to the end of the net lanes to find a lurking Gray Catbird watching me as I replaced net markers. A few other species flitted through the willows but nothing in great numbers.



Once I had things back in place I contemplated where I could possibly put a new net in the future by measuring out space nearby. Still don't think I have room to put another one out there. I double-checked by measuring the existing net setup and decided it definitely was not possible. Yet.

Just as I finished my final measurements, I looked up. There, just across the river, was an American Alligator soaking in the morning sunlight.



I have flushed her over the past few weeks as we checked nets and we even had some nice shots of babies born last year in the same spot. Never saw her up in the open before, though. The bull gators stay out in the center of the lake but we will definitely have to watch our step as the season wears on.

I talked to her a bit (who else was out there?) and she stayed put and only briefly wagged her tail very slightly. We parted ways and I returned home. Still want to get a net out there in a new spot to catch more birds where they roam. Thinking, thinking...

Mead Check After Banding

Just another routine check of Mead Garden on the way home. It was very quiet but I eventually heard a chipping from the trees near the pump house. I was hoping for something else but I still enjoy seeing Northern Parulas feeding in the trees.



Met up with Donna and Mike and we spied this baby Red-eared Slider heading out for some warmth.



We did find a Louisiana Waterthrush but it was being a bit too discrete. Had to settle for a White Ibis up on the old downed tree by the pond.



Nothing else of note but at least Mike got his first Louisiana Waterthrush shot. Watching and waiting for more migrants.

New Life

Once I found all those warblers Saturday I reeeeeeally wanted to band Sunday. I left the house at 4:45 Am and within 2 blocks of the house the rain began to fall. The online radars showed no rain anywhere near us. Yet it rained and rained. I called off the troops and went back to bed. By 8 AM it was a beautiful blue but very windy.
Oh, well.

I eventually decided I still needed a Nature fix so I headed over to Mead Garden to see if there was any bird action there. Not much but there was a sudden appearance of a large family of Wood Ducks that caught the rapids in the creek. They were moving so fast that I couldn't get them all in frame before they were gone. There were at least 10 ducklings with Mom.



Up near the pond, the male whistled to stay in contact before joining them.



Out on the opposite side of the pond a Great Egret fished along the swollen creek. Note the light that is on the property across from Mead. That used to be all dry land.



I soon met up with fellow birder, Marcus, and we headed around Mead looking to migrants. As we got to 'warbler corner' I wondered if I was seeing young or adult Northern Cardinals darting into the branches. Marcus just said offhandedly that a nest was in the tree. This was no Cardinal nest I had ever seen. It was made mostly of Spanish Moss and was shaped like a circle. Interesting.



The Cardinals were chipping away but flying from trees to tree, seeming to be feeding. I almost wandered off when I spotted something just above me. A fledgling!



Mom was now hopping on the ground in front of me searching for food and then would eventually fly up to the young bird to feed it.



I could hear another young bird in the trees across from the nest but could not see it. I looked back at the nest because I had earlier noticed that some of its construction included plastic wrapping. I wanted a closer look and spotted something that was not visible just a couple minutes earlier. Another fledgling!!



Soon, Dad flew in with a bill full of mushed up bugs.



Junior asked...



...and received.



Once Dad flew off, Junior took a big stretch before settling in again.



Moments later, Mom flew in and delivered another snack. Three different babies had the parents very busy.



Circling around the pond we found a couple turtles drying on a log.



Above, the first warbler heard today was busy singing and feeding. This beautiful male Northern Parula was riding the limbs as the winds gusted over and over.



We found several Gray Catbirds, American Redstarts, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Black-and-White Warblers, and finally a few Black-throated Blue Warblers



So, I didn't get to band but I got some excellent Cardinal photos and some relaxed time with a friend. Not going to complain. Just better not rain next Sunday!

Orlando Warblers

What better way to end a full week of rain by having to head to work on a Saturday. Yay. Clouds were still low and misting but I decided to drive around Lake Lancaster just because. As I slowed to a stop half way around I noticed a bird flying in from across the lake which then landed behind the retaining wall. I stepped out to confirm what I thought it was and was able to spy and juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron that also spied me and took off before I could even think about going back for the camera. It flew off to the far side of the lake.

I walked along the shore for a bit and found myself suddenly surrounded by warblers. Lots of warblers. I ID'd several species before a male Cape May made me curse myself for not having my camera every second. I scurried back and started the walk again. Most of the birds were Blackpoll Warblers.



Dozens of Blackpolls flitted through the branches but, man, how difficult it is to take photos of hungry warblers in tight quarters.



Most of the Blackpolls were male but there were a few females in the mix.



I was able to relocate the Cay May Warbler but it stayed in the shadows. You can still make out that beautiful color, though.



A few Black-throated Warblers, Magnolia Warbler, and American Redstarts were coming into view as the birds covered several trees just above the lake.



Northern Parulas are easy to find once they return here in March but they are still fun to watch and listen to.



A few Common Yellowthroats chased one another through the Cypress trees and rounded out the species count.



Oh, yeah. I have to go to work. Though I could stand here all day.

Fun in the Backyard

Yesterday was chock full of yard work. Today I got to relax a bit so I decided once I heard the Titmice heading our way I would sit in the yard and see what I could see. It got pretty busy for an hour.

On the way out of the house I encountered the Titmice as they hit the feeders. This family lives in our yard a lot and I got photos and posted about the babies when they first arrived. They show little fear. Seems like they know me, even this younger bird hanging out at the peanut station.



I soon settled into my chair and watched. The younger Northern Parulas are having fun chasing the young Cardinals all over the yard. So many baby Cardinals this year. One of my favorite shots was of one of the adult Parula searching in the shade.



Even now and then, the baby Blue Jays would venture in to grab a shelled peanut.



Round and round they flew and ate and flew. It is always fun when they perch right next to me to see what I am up to. Usually so close I can't get a shot with the zoom, but sometimes...



Joining in on the feeding was a male Downy Woodpecker. He was circling the tree trunks so I had to wait for him to find a branch facing me for better views.



A Red-bellied Woodpecker flew in but too close for a focused shot. I was hoping the Parulas would settle down for me but they were zipping by like crazy. Finally, something slowed one of the younger birds down.



I still haven't ID'd the species of spider. I don't recognize them when I am out in the yard. I don't think the warbler really cares as it gulps it down. Protein. Yum.



I rigged the hose to drip out into the cement bird bath to create some inviting splashes. However, the Cardinals and Titmice preferred to sit on the faucet handle and sip from the leaking bits.



Speaking of Cardinals, I managed to capture them on the other bird bath as one of the first brood birds flew in (on left) to join the latest brood birds. You can tell the older bird by the more orange bill but it still shows black streaks so it is not yet an adult. When Northern Cardinals are first fledged they have black bills.



As I was trying for those Cardinal shots, I noticed a flicker of movement closer to my seat. I refocused my eyes and was totally surprised. A Black and White Warbler had dropped down to attend the party! It had its back to me and I feared I would be left with some boring pictures. Then I had one last chance before it flew off.



Yes! A great way to end this photo session. Just proves that you don't always have to make a trip to find some good birding. Birds are all around. You just need to look.

Nectar Hungry Northern Parulas

Birds never cease to amaze me. Today I caught a family of Northern Parulas feeding on something I had never seen them feed on before. Flower nectar.

I was drawn to the backdoor by the calls of the Titmouse family arriving at the feeders. I enjoy watching them but this time of year I am on the lookout for warblers. Migration is already underway. I soon spotted some warbler-sized birds joining the Titmice so I had to grab the binoculars. An entire family of Parula was moving through.



Before I could grab the camera, I noticed that they weren't grabbing bugs much. Instead, they were concentrating on the Fire Spike blooms. Then dipping their beaks inside for sips!



They were difficult to catch in action as they sipped and then flew down to the bird bath for a quick splash but I did get one tucked inside a flower.



The Northern Parulas continued this for several minutes before heading back up into the oaks for some more hardy fare.



Northern Parula are regular breeders in the area so they are not the Fall migrants I was hoping to see. However, it was still a new discovery!