St. Pete CBC, 2012

That time again. Time for the big kick-off of all of the state's Christmas Birds Counts. I help out my friends on the Gulf Coast every year. It is nice to get back over to the Gulf side and see some birds I don't see on a regular basis and try to grab some important species for the cause.

I arrived at War Veteran's Memorial Park ahead of the gang to try and get some Screech Owls and locate the Great-horned Owls before dawn. After a long walk to the ranger's house I managed to get one Screech Owl calling back to my recorded calls but no Great-horned. Seemed they were all the way back by the parking lot where I found Rocky Milburn and Mike Judd looking up in the dark at our pair. Jim Wells soon followed just ahead of our leader for the day, Charlie Fisher.

With the owls on the list, we began to scan to water at dawn. Here, the crew is at the end of the boat ramp docks as the Sun begins to rise.



Looking back from the dock, adult Brown Pelicans light up nicely in the new day's rays peaking over the horizon.



We tallied up the pelicans, Oystercatchers and thousands of Fish Crows and headed to Joe's Creek as the fog dropped in over the area. Can't seem to get away from the fog the past couple of weeks. Bad thing about fog is that birds don't like to fly much in it. So, I had to settle for finding birds in the marsh like a Marsh Wren and this Swamp Sparrow.



As we turned around to head off, we found another reason the birds weren't flying. A Red-shouldered Hawk was perched silently behind us.



Up near the baseball field, a Common Ground Dove flushed from the grasses and settled on the fence.



At the dead-end at the back of the property, an Osprey scans the surroundings.



We added a lot more species before we left the area and I came away with a nice souvenir. A discarded or forgotten machete that had seen better days but an interesting discovery. On the way out of the area we stopped by the treatment plant and located a few more species, including a Black-crowned Night Heron.



We headed off to the next stop and added Snipe, Mergansers, and American Coots to the list.



Hunger got the best of us and we settled in for a regroup and then went straight for a nearby parking lot where we added a much needed Ring-billed Gull. Pretty as this bird was, it seemed to be mute. It made calling motions several times but no sound came out.



Off to our left, Wood Storks gathered. I felt like making this a black and white version for some reason. We headed back to War Veteran's Memorial Park to have another look around in the daylight.



One of our golas here was a Yellow-crowned Night Heron. There used to be one that lived in a certain spot and was easy to find. Not so much today. I made a big loop through the mangroves and park of the park as the Charlie and Rocky scoped the water. Before that we did find a female Black Scoter!) It was very quiet and all I could find was a Great Blue Heron up in a pine tree, of all places.



Back down at the water I found a couple of Ruddy Turnstones out on the rocks but no other birds near shore. Instead, I found mating Horseshoe Crabs along the beach.



I headed back to the point to meet back up with the guys. As I waited I found myself in a feeding flock of Myrtle and Palm Warblers. I stood still and watched as several Palm Warblers formed a crude line 30 yards away from me and began foraging toward me. Eventually, a gorgeous Eastern Palm Warbler was mere feet away and allowed a nice shot.



One last stop before the end of the day. We headed next door to the Veteran's hospital. We scanned the water and came away with a few more herons and an Egret. We headed out and decided to check the cemetery. Nothing there but we heard a sweet, loud call nearby and got out to search. The last bird of the count for us: Black and White Warbler.



Over 80 species for us today and the total for the count area ended up being a respectable 162 species. Might try to do more than one CBC next year. Just need a little more planning. Now I have to finish planning for Christmas.

Better Duck Shots

I got just a bit of sunlight before heading out of town and was able to get a better shot of the Gadwall pair.



I was looking for the Redhead ducks and they were not seen on the water. On the walk back to the van I found the male lounging with some Mallards and Blue-winged Teal. Finally, a shot of a Redhead to write home about.



Now off to the St. Pete Christmas Bird Count. Up before dawn, walking and search for 12 hours and head home. What will we find this year?

Lake Davis Ducks. Gadwall!

Van is acting up so I have to detour and see if it is major. This and that. On the way home, I scan Lake Davis for ducks in the continuing gloom (where is the Sunshine!?!) and see that most of the ducks are hanging out in the protected area to the North, staying out of the wind.

I step out of the van without my camera and within 10 seconds curse myself for knowing better. A new duck is out here and it is not what I was expecting at all. I hoped there would be some special find, but...a Gadwall!?!



Sure looks like a Gadwall. Granted, I have only just found my first one last year at Merritt Island but that kind of image tends to stick with you.



Steep forehead. White patch. Dark rump. Boring plumage. Yeah. Gadwall. Oh, I hate this overcast.



Here is the closest shot I have with one of the two (!) birds with a female Ring-necked Duck. Ring-necks are always the most obvious Winter ducks for us in Orlando.



I tried to get to the far side of the flock in hopes of the Gadwalls moving over in that direction when I noticed another new addition to the gathering ducks. A male Redhead!



He has joined the pair of females that have been around for a few weeks now.



He was busy feeding near the shore but was still a bit skittish if I even tried to advance closer.



I mentioned earlier that I finally had Blue-winged Teal on Lake Davis for the first time that I can remember a few weeks ago. There were 4 busily feeding near the shore near the Redhead trio.



Time to head back home to get ready for my trip to the Christmas Bird Count in the St. Pete area. A sudden splash alerted me to a Pied-billed Grebe digging into the muck to forage.



Florida currently is seeing a lot of Razorbill sightings on both coasts and maybe, just maybe, some of us can get them in the record books tomorrow. Looking like the local lakes could be just as interesting this year, too!

Redheads at Dusk

Oh, I planned on getting some better shots.

I was on my way to the store and the sun was setting but there was plenty of light to scan for the Redhead ducks. I had just stopped and figured I would check out the larger flocks floating off shore figuring the birds would be there. Instead, I was surprised to see that they were by themselves right next to where I parked.

I hopped out to get a quick shot but was interrupted by a couple walking their dogs.



They said, "Oh, are you here to take photos of the hurt swan?" Wha...? They expressed concern since the swan was feeding in the water but its foot was held out above the water. Must be injured, they assumed.



My old Sea World tour guide computer switched back in gear and I had to explain that swans (as well as seals and sea lions) regulate body temperature by rafting, the process of holding an appendage out of the water to either warm or cool the blood flowing through it and that changes the internal body temperature of the animal. The swan was fine, I said, but I would keep an eye on it tomorrow.



I managed to pass on some knowledge but missed any good light. Oh, well. Always another opportunity tomorrow. Maybe.

Mead Garden American Goldfinches

I stopped by Mead Garden on the way home after an interesting day at the banding site. Not a whole lot of friends at Mead. I think they bolted to avoid all the activity. Seems the amphitheater is complete and is full of equipment for the evenings first concert.



Despite all the chaos, I did manage to see that the Rufus Hummingbird was still around and so were a bunch of American Goldfinches. However, this batch near the butterfly garden (now being transformed into a seating area) was making the birds a bit twitchy. So I headed over to the other feeders on the south side of the garden club and found a few dozen birds there willing to be in good company.



The American Goldfinches were at the feeders and in the trees all around me and I got my few minutes of Zen before heading home.



With the construction completed, maybe we can have more peaceful moments in the gardens again for a while. Perhaps the Rufus will decide to stay and we can get some good shots again.

Just a Couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers

Because, why not? Just kind of fun to see the differences in some Myrtle Warblers, commonly called Yellow-rumps due to their...yellow rumps. The first one was on a cloudy morning at the La Costa Wetlands. They get kind of fluffed up in the slightly chillier weather.



The next bird was just a few yards away but on a different day. The Sun was out in force and birds were more active.



This time of year the Yellow-rumps are one of the most plentiful warbler in Central Florida along with the Palm Warblers, which are yellow below their tails. Collectively they referred to as "Butter-butts". We will enjoy them until around Easter and we love watching them.

Catching Up with Random Birds

Starting to realize that some of my photos are piling up without getting posted. Usually just a shot or two and then I get a group that feels like it needs posting first. So, before I get too behind, I thought I would just offer up a mix from the past two weeks.

I took a trip out to Demetree Park one Saturday but did not find a lot of birds that morning. I did see a few Pied-billed Grebes and I managed to sneak up close to shore while one was diving and got a couple close pictures.



The thing I like most about this bird is it appears to be a juvenile based on the bill colors. When they are born Pied-billed Grebes have mottled bills that turn gray and blue-gray as they age.



My first American Goldfinch shot of the year was taken at Mead Garden after our banding day the following day.



Back at work the next week, I took a lunch walk and found this Northern Mockingbird guarding its tree in the small stand of woods across the street.



Still waiting for a sighting of both Bald Eagles. I keep worrying that the other bird had not arrived at all but I got a report that someone got a shot of them mating so he is here somewhere. Whew.



Back at Mead a week later and I caught a brief glimpse of the Rufus Hummingbird still hanging out. If we can keep these nice temperatures then perhaps it will stay all through the Winter.



American Goldfinch numbers are increasing sine they put feeders in the butterfly gardens. They are a joy to hear but this one seemed to give me a foul stare in the shade.



The Goldfinches are feeling rather at ease around the people wandering through. They are on the feeders and all over the weedy edges below.



They all seem nicely crisp. There are a lot of females and few brighter males coming and going.



I waited for a while to get this shot. Wanted a nice profile away from the feeders. Moments later and the bird was off to feed.



Now I just need the flocks to hit my yard. I have plenty of food waiting!

Lake Davis Mystery Solved: Redhead

I posted this photo the other day and wondered what species it might be. The birds all around are Ring-necked Ducks but what is that center one?



On the way home the next evening I spotted a pair of ducks across the lake as I was counting the other ducks. Hmmmm...



Driving to the other corner of the lake, I could get a bit closer to those ducks but someone was letting their dogs get a little out of hand and it was causing the ducks to begin moving farther out in the water I managed a shot of the mystery ducks and got home and posted to some friends. Looking at the images later, blown way up, it was easier to see these were female Redhead Ducks!



Yay! Something besides the Ring-necked Ducks. Not that I mind them.

Another interesting find was made just before I spotted the Redheads. There were six Blue-winged Teal on the edge of the other flocks. Big deal? Oh, yeah! In all these years of watching this lake I have never seen Blue-winged Teal on it that I can recall. They usually go to other lakes for some reason.

Now they are here. I am happy. Maybe this is a sign of more interesting things to come this season. Feathers crossed...

Barber Park Gulls and Grackles

Time for another trip to Barber Park. Maybe there will be some interesting ducks by now. Not a lot of time to check the entire park but can definitely get to the front pond. The ducks there are still the same old resident Mallards and Muscovy but there are now more Ring-billed Gulls than the time I stopped by and the light was a little better as the Sun was beginning to set.



Most of the Ring-billed Gulls were along the shore and didn't mind people as they walked the sidewalk by them. Though they do keep a sideways watch on us.



I don't always try for too many flight shots but when the gulls are in a small area like this, with a strong enough breeze, they make pretty easy targets.



I did find a few Ring-necked Ducks in another pond but only a few. As I was about to get back in the van, a flock of male Boat-tailed Grackles flew in and began posing and calling.



Imagine my surprise when these displays began to transform the birds into the undead! I have witnessed eagles and hawk make this change but not blackbirds.



Soon, a female Boat-tailed Grackle landed in the same tree. A good looking bird but I was worried for her safety. Did she not see the zombie bird nearby?



Ah, I see. She was already in the middle of her transformation!



Not wanting to be overtaken by this growing group of monsters, I got back to the van and found my escape. Perhaps I should alert the media...

Neighborhood Discoveries and Mystery

December already? Just another day to take the lakes tours to see what is arriving. A lot of Ring-necked Ducks are finally showing up and stay through the night. When they first begin to get here from the North they gather in the lake in the evening and then disperse by morning. Where do I go? No clue.

Now, the numbers reach near 200 birds in flock groups all around the lake. Most are in crisp plumage but some look a little...muddy.



I was counting all the ducks for my list for the day and noticed what appears to be a different type of duck. Sides are a different color than the majority of bird but I would really have liked to have it raise its head for me. Sleeping ducks are hard for me to ID since we don't have a lot of time to get good at Northern ducks. I will have to try for a better look at this mystery duck tomorrow.



Along the shore, White Ibis feed in large numbers. This one was busy searching inside for hidden treats.



Mute Swans have settled in of the past month or so. I think we are up to at least 6 by now. They have gotten completely relaxed lately.



Though they are not native birds, it is kind of nice to have them around.



Off to scan the cemetery for eagles. I don't see any, but when I round the back corner...Coyote!



Haven't seen her in quite a while. I figured she was gone for good. Maybe she is getting ready for breeding? Don't know much about Coyote biology. Time to find out!