Shingle Creek, Part 1

I keep seeing reports from Shingle Creek more and more lately and wanted to get out there at some point. Today would be the day. It is only 15 minutes from work so it was about time I made it over. I was a nice day to hike to 6-plus miles in a couple hours. I took a lot of photos so I will split this journey into three different posts as to keep them a bit more compact but they will still be fairly long, screen-wise.

This post will focus on the birds and the main stretch of the hike. The next post will be about Pine Island and the flowers I found there. The final post will be about a special bird I found at the entrance to Pine Island. I thought it deserved its own spotlight.

Shingle Creek is considered the "northernmost headwaters of the Everglades watershed" and the trail head begins behind the Hunter's Creek Elementary School. A kiosk provides a lot of information to savor before heading into the swamp.



Just past the sign, a nice bridge gives us our first view of Shingle Creek. Lore has it that the name comes from the fact that settlers used to use the cypress trees as a source of shingles for the area's houses.



A few steps later and you are staring at the surrounding swamp comprised mainly of Cypress and Gum trees. There was a feeding flock I could her way in the distance but it was difficult to make out all of the fast moving birds and too far for photos. There were Titmice, Yellow-throated Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and more.



My secret objective was to try and locate any Red-breasted Nuthatches but I need pine trees for that so I head down the trail to continue to the right habitat.



As I emerged from the swampy area I was met by a White Ibis and a Tricolored Heron keeping watch over the bridge spanning the creek at this end.



Not far from the open area here, I could hear a bunch of birds in the woods just off the trail. I walked in and was surrounded by Titmice, Pine Warblers, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue-headed Vireos and a Black and White Warbler which commanded most of my attention. Primarily due to the fact that it was the one bird giving me good views as it fed along a nearby tree.



Round and round it went and only paused for a brief second of two as I snapped away. Love these little birds.



Before I continued my trek I couldn't resist getting a shot of the Climbing Aster blooming in the shade.



Water flows along the open trail away from the main creek. During wetter times the area is very damp and provides habitat and food for many species. Another of the birds out in the open was a Little Blue Heron that paid me little attention.



Many Eastern Phoebes were foraging along the ditches but most flew off when I walked down the trail. This one at least gave me a curious glance before taking off.



I have no idea what scared up this Great-blue Heron. It was completely out of view and far ahead of me when it took off squawking and landed up in the cypress stands. Check out those cool feet grasping the perch.



Just after I took that shot, a Red-shouldered Hawk came zooming out of the trees, landed about 20 feet in front of me, picked something up, and flew back into the trees. I had no time for a shot while it was on the ground so I had to settle for a perched shot. A good view of the 'red shoulders', though.



The other fun sight along the open trail was a Florida Cooter sunning along the bank as I headed back toward the swamp in route to the van.



A nice selection of sights down the main trails. Again, the next post will be mostly flora and the trip around a 'pine island' on the property. Stay tuned!

Hooded Mergansers Return a Bit Early

Early? Well, a little earlier than last year. Last year I got my first confirmed sighting at this location on the 27th. Always nice to round the curve and finally see the first Mergansers of the season.



It appears that only one male was out there but there were 4 females.



The male tried to stay under water most of the time but I did get him in my sights a few times.



When the birds are in this small pond they spend a lot of time diving to grab food under the lily pads. Up and down, up and down.



Now they are here. I can relax a bit and try for closer shots as the Fall settles in.



I wish they were here year-round. But that might take away some of my true enjoyment every time I do see them. Plus, I know where these birds will be for many months to come.

Bald Eagle at the Nest

A late afternoon swing through the Greenwood Cemetery finally revealed the Bald Eagle at the nest. Still, it is not seen there much and the other bird of the pair is nowhere in evidence. To me, anyway.



My other concern is that the nest is rather unkempt. It originally was an Osprey nest that the eagles, who lost their old nest due to a fallen tree, took over last year. Looks like it needs upkeep. Hopefully, once both eagles reunite they can spruce up the place and begin the next generation.

Underbite Mockingbird

Still no ducks out at LaCosta Wetlands so I had to settle for counting the remaining birds in the area. There was a surprise otter sighting but it kept mainly under water as it crossed the ponds. On the way out I noticed a Northern Mockingbird sitting in the top of a small tree. Not having taken too many shots out here, why not? Then I noticed it had some weird bill action going on. Big overbite? Severe underbite? A little of both?



I have seen other Mockers with deformed bills before but this shape is new to me.



The bird seemed otherwise healthy so the bill shape probably does not effect it in regards to eating. I will keep an eye out for it during future visits.

Wood Ducks in for a Landing

A quick stop at Demetree Park in downtown Orlando was more about getting some fresh air than thinking I would find too much but it did lead to a fun little moment. I was trying to count the Myrtle and Palm Warblers feeding in some trees around one of the lakes when I heard the familiar whistle of Wood Ducks flying overhead. It was actually the largest flock I have seen at one time with about 30 birds in the sky wheeling around the edges of the lake. I tried for some flight shots but the trees kept getting in the way.

They disappeared so I resumed my warbler watching. Suddenly, a few of the birds arrived again and were in position for a landing on the far side of the lake. I decided to take a few snaps.



Wish they could have landed closer but I still find these shots a little fun.



Not much else out and about. Time to transition into the last species to arrive so the birds that are already here are fairly quiet and few to be seen. Bring on the Waxwings and Goldfinches!

Eastern Palm Warbler

Took a little walk to reset my head during work. Not too far. Just back around the woods. Again. Only heard a Blue Jay at one point. I continued down the tree line toward my path. As I rounded some low branches I noticed a couple of shapes zipping up into the branches. Moments later, one of the shapes actually hopped toward me and peaked around a leaf.



More proof that birds really do dig me. I was happily surprised to see this Eastern Palm Warbler come directly to me instead of run the other way. Most of our Palm Warblers that visit us are the Western variety which are more brown overall. Nice to see the bright yellow this morning.



This bird checked me out for a few more seconds and then grabbed its friend and they headed to get more food out on the grasses.



Back to work and counting the birds flying past the building through the day.

Loggerhead Shrike

It has been quiet in the area of late. Clear skies, breezy, cool. Great weather to be outdoors but doesn't seem to be inviting too many birds to watch. So I was very pleased to be sitting at work and seeing a Loggerhead Shrike fly up to the small oak in the parking lot.



This bird was very busy looking in all directions. Typically we have a bunch of dragonflies drifting about but today the breezy winds and gusts seemed to have cleared them out. Still, it was so busy looking here and there that it barely gace me any noticed as I shuffled outside to try for some close photos.



Loggerhead Shrikes are mostly seen on overhead wires or on fence rails watching for insects. Every now and then I will find one atop a small tree like this one. The ones on wires and fences often seem to be more skittish.



Fun fact: Loggerhead Shrikes are sometimes called "Butcher Bird" due to their eating habit. If the bird catches something of good size (I have seen photos of them capturing small mice!) they impale the prey on a thorn, branch, or even barbed wire where they can tear off pieces while eating.



Shrike populations are on the decline. There were a couple years where I can't even recall seeing them in Orlando. I use to find entire families of them year ago. Forunately, I have been seeing more and more of them this year. I even found newly fledged birds near downtown last February.



I hope those sightings continue and that the Shrikes can rebound. They are super cool to watch. Not to bad to look at even those they are all shades from white to black and all the greys. Works out perfectly against a blue sky, don't ya think?

Strolling Through the Park(s)

I was on a mission to look for some Red-breasted Nuthatches. Not that they are really here in the center of the state but they are all over on the coasts this year. I just wanted to see if maybe, just maybe, I could find some pine trees and the birds.

Guess what? No luck.

The only really dense stand of pines that I could recall nearby was down by the high school at Wadeview Park. It was a nice day for a walk but no Nuthatches. I had to settle for a pretty Northern Mockingbird that was chasing off Common Grackles in the shade.



Squirrels are a dime a dozen but how could I pass up a shot like this?



The following day I stopped by Mead Garden after our banding day to see what was what. Really not a lot of activity anywhere in the park. It was near noon so I wasn't totally surprised. A Downy Woodpecker was feeding in the trees but I didn't feel like taking a photo. However, the bird kept getting closer and closer and wouldn't leave. Oh, alright...



Myrtle Warblers are returning in big numbers now. Many of them were along the river feeding in the branches.



Nice to have a big yellow patch on this bird to reveal it as an adult male. Seems all I ever see are females until Spring.



Not a lot of time to actually bird this week. Maybe I can find a new duck on my drives home.

Eastern Screech Owl

I had a nice opportunity to photograph an Eastern Screech Owl at our banding site. Full disclosure: This is a bird we actually caught in our mist nets at Lake Lotus. After I banded it I found a stump nearby and gently placed the owl on it and figured it would fly off right away. Nope. It decided to sit for a while. Where's my camera?



The photo above utilized the flash but I am almost preferring the shot below without it in the natural morning light.



The owl sat for about 15 minutes. I kept an eye and ear out for any smaller birds spotting it and harassing it but it was nice and quiet. I walked over after those 15 minutes and said, "You know you can go, right?" and she took off into the pine trees.

Bird whisperer...

If you would like to see a photo of the bird in hand right after I banded it, and many other birds that we captured that morning, check out our banding blog which is updated weekly.

This is only the second Screech Owl we have captured at the banding site and it is always a thrill.

Winter Ducks Returning

Our 'Winter Ducks', as I term them, are returning in numbers all of a suddens. Teals have been speckling the small ponds here and there but I never consider the Winter Ducks here until the Ring-necked Ducks arrive. Maybe due to the fact that this is the first year I have found Teal in the background before.

Not far from one store I visit I have been monitoring Blue-winged Teal. Some days there might be 2, somedays 40. Tonight I got to one pond as the Sun was setting and gave me some interesting lighting. I am pretty pleased with this shot of a Male Blue-winged Teal.



Blue-winged Teal do dominate the arriving flocks but there are other birds tucked in there, too. The Blue-wingeds have a white patch near their bill but there is also a couple of Green-winged Teal in there. Note the center bird that has no white near the bill and a bit more green in the rear. Can't wait for the males to arrive for some extra color.



Best of the bunch tonight was a Ring-necked Duck diving just to the left. Nice and close and not minding my approach.



I drove home around Lake Davis and actually found 59 more Ring-necked Ducks. They are back and right on time. Now we wait for the odd birds to show up.

I Missed Palm Warblers

As the Fall season moves along and the temperatures fluctuate from warm to cool to warm my mind wonders, "Where the heck are those Palm Warblers?!" Seems like they should have been here by now. So far, I have only seen a few of them at a time. In the past, it felt like they got here earlier. Today would prove they are back. In force.

I took a quick jaunt over to the LaCosta Wetlands, mainly to see if any ducks were arriving over there. I was told by a regular visitor that there are usually a lot of ducks that hang out in the Winter. I found exactly none today. However, I did find a rather elegant Snowy Egret wading in the water at the back of the property.



Just after I took a few shots of the Egret I noticed some bird activity just up the way. Seems a small flock of Western Palm Warblers were finding insects along the waterway and in a small tree. Probably the biggest flock I have seen to date.



So, they are around in increasing numbers. To prove that point, as I headed to the grocery store in the evening I found myself basically surrounded by flocks of Palm Warblers at nearly every turn! They were hopping across every lawn and grassy area right outside the van window.



It always amazes me that there is so much food scattered along every branch and under every blade of grass. Birds find it effortlessly.



What can decorate a newly mowed lawn any better that a cute little warbler?



I am so glad they are back. I enjoy watching those tail feathers bobbing up and down and seeing them rise in small waves from the ground into the low branches when I round a curve.



Of course, now I can't wait for the Myrtle Warblers to follow close behind!

Twilight Wilson's Snipe

I took my usual drive around to check on the duck situation this evening but I was more surprised by another bird as night closed in. In the retention pond next to the church were a few Mallards and Wood Ducks. Once I tallied them up I began to walk to the larger pond and was stopped in my tracks by a shape down near the water in front of me. In the twilight, I could make out the shape of my first of the season Wilson's Snipe.



I had to focus through the chain link fence that surrounds the pond but that fence probably kept that bird from flushing too quickly. Snipe tend to fly away when approached, often before you get to spot them. Using the flash would have lit up the fence so I am glad I got even these shots in the near dark.



I can't recall seeing Snipe here in town. They are usually in more marshy areas and remain out of sight. When this bird did finally fly across the pond, another flew up to join it! So, two Wilson's Snipe in O-Town tonight. Sweet!

Eastern Wood-Pewee

The last post dealt with the Star-of-the-Day, the female Rufus Hummingbird. There were other things out there that I found before I got to the Rufus. One of the first things I found as I got out of the van were several Western Palm Warblers. I made my way over to the Camilla garden and discovered a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. They would not give me a profile view but they were 2 of 3 I had today and the first of the season.



Work is progressing on the amphitheater next to the butterfly garden.



On the opposite side of the amphitheater there is a Mulberry tree we check for migrating birds. There were a few Eastern Phoebes calling there and then an Eastern Wood Pewee flew in view.



That bird was soon chased by another Pewee which took the first bird's place. I got some shots but didn't really think too hard about it until I got home. Looking at the photos on the computer I could see that this second bird was actually a juvenile Pewee.



You can tell mostly by the yellow gape flesh at the base of the bill. Nice.

Now, time to head over to that hummingbird.

Rufus Hummingbird

The last time I was at Mead Garden I had a brief encounter with a Hummingbird. It flew into view and I tried to get a shot but it zoomed away just as I got focused. Dang. A few days later, a report came through saying there was a Rufus Hummingbird in the butterfly garden. May have been the same critter.

I got a chance to stop back by to check out the find and discovered several of the usual suspect birders hanging out in the garden. It didn't take too long for our bird to start feeding nearby.



Hummingbirds are always a challenge to shot, especially when we were all fixated on trying to get shots of the tail feathers, which are a more certain way to tell if this was a Rufus as opposed to an Allen's. I was happy to get this view, even though the shot does not reveal any tail details.



The bird took off for a while and then returned to rest in the Crepe Myrtle tree for us to watch for a while.



It took its time to relax and then began scratching and preening for a bit. Cute little thing. This had to be a female Rufus and later shots from our friend, Marcus, confirmed it not long after these shots.



My friend Paul has had Rufus Hummingbirds in his yard over the years and I have been trying to get over to see one. This is my Lifer.



I will try to get back for better pictures in the future but, for now, I am happy enough to get this particular species under my belt after a few years. Now we settle in for the approaching Winter ducks and the remaining warblers. Can't wait!