Common Yellowthroats were majority of the day's birds. We also had our first Black-throated Blue Warbler of the season and other bird.
See the latest Lake Lotus blog to view our latest report.
Getting antsy awaiting peak of migration!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Ferndale Preserve
Had a trip with the Orange Audubon today and we started south of Clermont. That scheduled trip was fairly quite so we added a bit more birding by following Gallus to his usual haunt out at the Ferndale Preserve.
There were mainly Tufted Titmice and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and the occasional flock of Swifts and Swallows but it was also getting late in the day and HOT.
By the time we made it out to an open area a female American Kestrel took wing and circle off into the distance.
It took quite a while to get any more bird sightings. Tapes were used to call up a nice Northern Waterthrush which was joined by a couple of warblers but nothing too exciting.
Out of the blue, an Eastern Kingbird dropped in at the top of a nearby tree.
While the group was trying to make sure there were no other warblers hiding in a tree, I walked around the next tree ahead and noticed a bird flying out to grab insects. Had to be a flycatcher by the way it flew out and returned to the same spot at the top of the tree.
Indeed. But what species?
My first thought was an Acadian Flycatcher. Further study when I got the pictures home was that it wasn't since it wasn't green enough. Which leads us to wonder if it was a Traill's version.
If so, it would most likely be an Alder Flycatcher in our area. That is what I think I am calling this bird after consultations and research.
If anyone feels it is something else, please let me know! Wish it would have come down lower for better photos.
Ferndale should be a fun spot to band in the future, especially after they get new landscape improvements finished which are now just beginning.
There were mainly Tufted Titmice and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and the occasional flock of Swifts and Swallows but it was also getting late in the day and HOT.
By the time we made it out to an open area a female American Kestrel took wing and circle off into the distance.
It took quite a while to get any more bird sightings. Tapes were used to call up a nice Northern Waterthrush which was joined by a couple of warblers but nothing too exciting.
Out of the blue, an Eastern Kingbird dropped in at the top of a nearby tree.
While the group was trying to make sure there were no other warblers hiding in a tree, I walked around the next tree ahead and noticed a bird flying out to grab insects. Had to be a flycatcher by the way it flew out and returned to the same spot at the top of the tree.
Indeed. But what species?
My first thought was an Acadian Flycatcher. Further study when I got the pictures home was that it wasn't since it wasn't green enough. Which leads us to wonder if it was a Traill's version.
If so, it would most likely be an Alder Flycatcher in our area. That is what I think I am calling this bird after consultations and research.
If anyone feels it is something else, please let me know! Wish it would have come down lower for better photos.
Ferndale should be a fun spot to band in the future, especially after they get new landscape improvements finished which are now just beginning.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Lake Lotus, September 13th, 2009
Thanks a lot storm front! Not.
We had a large storm system that flowed in from the West and continued up the state toward the North. This effectively blocked any new migrants from reaching us by the morning.
That's my story, at least.
We did manage to band a couple new migrants, though. Check out the latest Lake Lotus blog to see our latest report.
Weather should return to a more normal seasonal pattern next week.
We had a large storm system that flowed in from the West and continued up the state toward the North. This effectively blocked any new migrants from reaching us by the morning.
That's my story, at least.
We did manage to band a couple new migrants, though. Check out the latest Lake Lotus blog to see our latest report.
Weather should return to a more normal seasonal pattern next week.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Northern Parula
MIgration seems almost in full swing. I can tell because the Northern Parulas are back in the neighborhood.
Though not uncommon in the area, Northern Parula don't usually stop in the yard except for Fall migration and when they return in early Spring when they are extremely vocal.
I almost didn't even notice the pair in the yard until some raptor flew by and the Northern Parulas flew quickly into the Mulberry bush behind me. Later on, they were still feeding in the trees and I noticed them in the Cherry Laurels.
Must be good pickings since all the birds were finding plenty of snacks among the leaves.
Can't wait for the next big wave of migrants!
Though not uncommon in the area, Northern Parula don't usually stop in the yard except for Fall migration and when they return in early Spring when they are extremely vocal.
I almost didn't even notice the pair in the yard until some raptor flew by and the Northern Parulas flew quickly into the Mulberry bush behind me. Later on, they were still feeding in the trees and I noticed them in the Cherry Laurels.
Must be good pickings since all the birds were finding plenty of snacks among the leaves.
Can't wait for the next big wave of migrants!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ospreys at Merritt Island
Took a drive over to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to try and spot the reported White-rumped Sandpipers hanging out along Bio Lab Road. I found them but they were too far out to get any good shots.
However, there were other birds along the lagoon including Black Terns, many waders, and more peeps. The strong winds seemed to have pushed the warblers inland.
One bird species that seemed quite happy today were the Ospreys. They were streaming by every couple of minutes and every one of them had a meal in their talons. This bird was across the road and getting ready to have lunch.
It was interesting to watch this bird with that fish seemingly barely held onto and very much alive. Every now and then the fish would begin wriggling and the Osprey would have to try and keep its balance while holding on.
At one point an Osprey flew by riding the wind really quickly. I managed to snap a slightly out of focus shot. Though I didn't see it at the time, when I got home to process the photos I noticed that this bird actually had TWO fish. One in each talon!
No other great birds shots today but the gators are always posing somewhere along the canals.
I updated my annual pass so I can't wait to get some more visits in this Fall through Spring.
However, there were other birds along the lagoon including Black Terns, many waders, and more peeps. The strong winds seemed to have pushed the warblers inland.
One bird species that seemed quite happy today were the Ospreys. They were streaming by every couple of minutes and every one of them had a meal in their talons. This bird was across the road and getting ready to have lunch.
It was interesting to watch this bird with that fish seemingly barely held onto and very much alive. Every now and then the fish would begin wriggling and the Osprey would have to try and keep its balance while holding on.
At one point an Osprey flew by riding the wind really quickly. I managed to snap a slightly out of focus shot. Though I didn't see it at the time, when I got home to process the photos I noticed that this bird actually had TWO fish. One in each talon!
No other great birds shots today but the gators are always posing somewhere along the canals.
I updated my annual pass so I can't wait to get some more visits in this Fall through Spring.
Monday, September 07, 2009
New Carolina Wren
I started to add this post and was going to reference an earlier post. Turns out I never posted this pic before! So...
There has been a young Carolina Wren hanging out in the yard this year. A very curious little bird who often flies up close to me to see what is going on while I walk through the backyard. I finally had the camera near the front of the house when it visited the sunflower feeder there and it posed sweetly for a couple minutes.
While filling feeders today I heard a bird calling in the Turk's Cap bush. I couldn't peg the call and ran in to grab the tape record to try for an audio sample. By the time I rushed around the side yard the tune had changed to a more familiar Carolina Wren "tea kettle" call.
I soon located the bird as it sang and hopped around.
This evening, as we readied the grill for shishkabob, I noticed the wren investigating one of its favorite spot under the fire pit. I pointed this out to my wife and then was shocked to see a second shape joining the first.
Seems our little guy has brought along a girlfriend!
Nice to see. Goes along great with the big flock of Red-eyed Vireos that visited today.
There has been a young Carolina Wren hanging out in the yard this year. A very curious little bird who often flies up close to me to see what is going on while I walk through the backyard. I finally had the camera near the front of the house when it visited the sunflower feeder there and it posed sweetly for a couple minutes.
While filling feeders today I heard a bird calling in the Turk's Cap bush. I couldn't peg the call and ran in to grab the tape record to try for an audio sample. By the time I rushed around the side yard the tune had changed to a more familiar Carolina Wren "tea kettle" call.
I soon located the bird as it sang and hopped around.
This evening, as we readied the grill for shishkabob, I noticed the wren investigating one of its favorite spot under the fire pit. I pointed this out to my wife and then was shocked to see a second shape joining the first.
Seems our little guy has brought along a girlfriend!
Nice to see. Goes along great with the big flock of Red-eyed Vireos that visited today.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Lake Lotus, September 6th, 2009
Some day I will get around to actual birding outside of my banding days. However, for now, can you smell the arrival of Fall? I can.
One of the main reasons is revealed in the latest Lake Lotus blog entry. Stop by here to see some new migrants and new flora shots.
Birds are on the increase across Central Florida. Gotta catch as many as possible!
One of the main reasons is revealed in the latest Lake Lotus blog entry. Stop by here to see some new migrants and new flora shots.
Birds are on the increase across Central Florida. Gotta catch as many as possible!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Lake Lotus, August 30th
A little less sweat, a few more birds, and other interesting finds.
We caught two new migrants and found a new partner in fighting Air Potatoes. For the full scoop, head here.
The tropical storms can keep sweeping North as far as I am concerned. Last year we were flooded by Fay at this time.
We caught two new migrants and found a new partner in fighting Air Potatoes. For the full scoop, head here.
The tropical storms can keep sweeping North as far as I am concerned. Last year we were flooded by Fay at this time.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Lake Lotus, August 23rd
One hour during Saturday afternoon, the radar and weather sites were threatening our next day out. By the evening things changed to a clearing sky. This proved true and the day was still hot but not too bad this week.
Many birds were seen flying due south but there was not a lot of low level activity. We still caught a new migrant and saw many interesting things. For various fauna pics, head here.
Birds on the rise. Can't wait for September.
Many birds were seen flying due south but there was not a lot of low level activity. We still caught a new migrant and saw many interesting things. For various fauna pics, head here.
Birds on the rise. Can't wait for September.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Lake Lotus, August 16th
Week 2. Hot, hot, hot.
Dripping with sweat, we caught another new migrant and caught another unexpected bird. Check it out here and if you live farther north, be thankful of cooler climes. For now.
Dripping with sweat, we caught another new migrant and caught another unexpected bird. Check it out here and if you live farther north, be thankful of cooler climes. For now.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Lake Lotus, August 9th
A new banding season has begun!
Read all about the first day back after clearing invasive plants here and see what new migrant species we banded made the entire hot day worth it.
Read all about the first day back after clearing invasive plants here and see what new migrant species we banded made the entire hot day worth it.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Great Black-backed Gull
We had a day to play.
The goal was a trip to the beach and Jetty Park, just a hop-skip south of the shuttle launch pads, was chosen to get the kids out into the outdoors. Heat be damned.
As we hauled the beach gear down to the beach early in the morning, I noticed a very large gull down by the waves. Camera always in tow, I excused myself to make sure I could record what ever it was before 'trying' to relax for the rest of the day.
Happily, it turned out to be the suspected species it was. A juvenile Great Black-backed Gull!
Other birds made appearances throughout the morning but this bird made the day a total joy. Spending time with the family was good too!
Gorgeous bird.
The goal was a trip to the beach and Jetty Park, just a hop-skip south of the shuttle launch pads, was chosen to get the kids out into the outdoors. Heat be damned.
As we hauled the beach gear down to the beach early in the morning, I noticed a very large gull down by the waves. Camera always in tow, I excused myself to make sure I could record what ever it was before 'trying' to relax for the rest of the day.
Happily, it turned out to be the suspected species it was. A juvenile Great Black-backed Gull!
Other birds made appearances throughout the morning but this bird made the day a total joy. Spending time with the family was good too!
Gorgeous bird.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Young Grackle
Spent a short time at the parents over on the west coast of Florida. I tried to get a few shots of different birds but all I was able to find of interest was this young Common Grackle following its parents around the yard.
Better than nuthin'...
Better than nuthin'...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Jay Watch, 2009
Checking my files I realize that I have been remiss on posting about this year's Jay Watch in the area. Yikes!
Every year, volunteers assist the biologists all over the state of Florida in trying to count Florida Scrub Jay populations in all of their known habitats. This year I once again helped out at the Lake Monroe Conservation Area between Sanford and Osteen.
It is performed every year after the Jay chicks are out of the nests so counts can be done of any new birds entering the population. I didn't get as many shots as in past years but still managed to get a few interesting photos.
The main family group we observed on both days was very evident and the juveniles often popped up to see what these humans were doing in their house. In this shot, an adult puts itself in between me and the baby.
Rules state that we cannot call up Jay when predators are about and there are plenty at some times. Such as the Swallow-tail Kites that take wing once the thermals pick up.
Standing in designated spots playing Jay recordings also lends one to view other wildlife such as the resident Six-lined Racers chasing ants under the brush.
Our second day found us chasing the same family by the end of the day. They were all confined to one small area and seemed to prefer the viewing from this one large pine tree by the road. Here is one of the juveniles.
From time to time, the young birds would fly over to this dead tree in the scrub. The open mouths were due to the heat and the birds were not actually calling at the time.
Our main focus was trying to record birds already banded to gauge their movements. Lack of bands, besides birds in juvenile plumage, would reveal new birds either added to the family or new additions. The color combination on this adult are only on this particular female of the family.
Note the differences of color on the nape of these birds. The adult is blue while the juvenile is grey.
Always a joy to help out and see these remarkable birds. Though the days are grueling, it is good to head out knowing we are helping our endemic bird species. I have been participating for 3 years and will be back again in years to come.
Every year, volunteers assist the biologists all over the state of Florida in trying to count Florida Scrub Jay populations in all of their known habitats. This year I once again helped out at the Lake Monroe Conservation Area between Sanford and Osteen.
It is performed every year after the Jay chicks are out of the nests so counts can be done of any new birds entering the population. I didn't get as many shots as in past years but still managed to get a few interesting photos.
The main family group we observed on both days was very evident and the juveniles often popped up to see what these humans were doing in their house. In this shot, an adult puts itself in between me and the baby.
Rules state that we cannot call up Jay when predators are about and there are plenty at some times. Such as the Swallow-tail Kites that take wing once the thermals pick up.
Standing in designated spots playing Jay recordings also lends one to view other wildlife such as the resident Six-lined Racers chasing ants under the brush.
Our second day found us chasing the same family by the end of the day. They were all confined to one small area and seemed to prefer the viewing from this one large pine tree by the road. Here is one of the juveniles.
From time to time, the young birds would fly over to this dead tree in the scrub. The open mouths were due to the heat and the birds were not actually calling at the time.
Our main focus was trying to record birds already banded to gauge their movements. Lack of bands, besides birds in juvenile plumage, would reveal new birds either added to the family or new additions. The color combination on this adult are only on this particular female of the family.
Note the differences of color on the nape of these birds. The adult is blue while the juvenile is grey.
Always a joy to help out and see these remarkable birds. Though the days are grueling, it is good to head out knowing we are helping our endemic bird species. I have been participating for 3 years and will be back again in years to come.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
White-winged Dove Feeding
Yet another appearance of our visiting White-winged Dove. This time near dark. The bird swooped down as clouds moved in and began to feed all alone. Though this photo suggests that the bird wasn't sure it was alone.
I have never seen more than one White-winged Dove in the yard at the same time but I still get very excited when I see one at all.
Breaks up that usual Mourning Dove crowd we have every day. It also doesn't seem to gorge like its smaller cousins do.
Kind of glad I haven't found any Eurasian Collared-Doves here for some reason, though they have been seen not too far away from time to time.
I have never seen more than one White-winged Dove in the yard at the same time but I still get very excited when I see one at all.
Breaks up that usual Mourning Dove crowd we have every day. It also doesn't seem to gorge like its smaller cousins do.
Kind of glad I haven't found any Eurasian Collared-Doves here for some reason, though they have been seen not too far away from time to time.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
I Thought We Were Done With Babies?
We have had a few Northern Cardinal chicks around through the Spring and when I heard a young bird calling a couple weeks ago I noticed an adult feeding a begging older chick. So when I heard another young Cardinal begging I figured it was the same one.
However, this new bird flew over to the kitchen feeders and revealed itself as a brand new chick!
Today, I managed to get a shot of our new arrival in between feedings by the back deck.
A bit more new life before migration gets underway.
However, this new bird flew over to the kitchen feeders and revealed itself as a brand new chick!
Today, I managed to get a shot of our new arrival in between feedings by the back deck.
A bit more new life before migration gets underway.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Young Woodstorks
Taking the boys to a Summer Camp and something caught my eye as we swung past Lake Davis. A young Wood Stork was hanging out near the eastern drain.
Hoping it would remain until I returned, I sped back for a few shots. Luckily, it was still there in good light.
As I was trying to get shots, a slightly older bird flew in to give another set of shots.
A good way to get ready for a day of web research and I always love to see the increase of these once endangered birds.
Hoping it would remain until I returned, I sped back for a few shots. Luckily, it was still there in good light.
As I was trying to get shots, a slightly older bird flew in to give another set of shots.
A good way to get ready for a day of web research and I always love to see the increase of these once endangered birds.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Backyard in the Morning
Just the usual birds today but I did notice a couple of things.
First, glinting in the early sunlight, I noticed an emerging Cicada nestled down in the vegetation. Haven't seen that in a while.
Next, I am noticing that the squirrel families are getting less and less concerned about my rambling walks. Take a look at Mr. Casual here.
At least it is sticking to the appropriate feeder. For once...
First, glinting in the early sunlight, I noticed an emerging Cicada nestled down in the vegetation. Haven't seen that in a while.
Next, I am noticing that the squirrel families are getting less and less concerned about my rambling walks. Take a look at Mr. Casual here.
At least it is sticking to the appropriate feeder. For once...
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Happy 4th, 2009!
We had no time for birds. But there was an ominous face in the sky last night.
Happy Birthday, America!
Happy Birthday, America!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Cruising the Viera Wetlands, Part 4
To wrap up the Viera trip I will include a few extra shots of birds and last minute snaps.
There was another Moorhen family hanging to the edges of the cells with even younger chicks in tow.
The Boat-tailed Grackles were browsing the edges of almost every cell but they really seemed to like the lily pads.
However, they also hung out in the reeds.
We were wrapping up our tour of the wetlands so I decided to make the most of my IS lens test and jumped out of the car to get some test shots of other things besides birds. Since I was close to the Grackles and lilies, why not?
I didn't even notice until I got home and looked at the shots that this excellent metallic green bee was in one shot. By the way, if you drag these images to your desktop you will be able to view the images at twice the size seen here.
I was really impressed with the result from the IS with this Duck Potato flower.
Finally, time to chase dragonflies! There were skittish versions in blue...
...and red!
Despite the copious swarms of bugs, we had a great time and came home with a bunch of great photos. Next trip will be in the Winter when the mosquitoes are few and the ducks are plentiful.
There was another Moorhen family hanging to the edges of the cells with even younger chicks in tow.
The Boat-tailed Grackles were browsing the edges of almost every cell but they really seemed to like the lily pads.
However, they also hung out in the reeds.
We were wrapping up our tour of the wetlands so I decided to make the most of my IS lens test and jumped out of the car to get some test shots of other things besides birds. Since I was close to the Grackles and lilies, why not?
I didn't even notice until I got home and looked at the shots that this excellent metallic green bee was in one shot. By the way, if you drag these images to your desktop you will be able to view the images at twice the size seen here.
I was really impressed with the result from the IS with this Duck Potato flower.
Finally, time to chase dragonflies! There were skittish versions in blue...
...and red!
Despite the copious swarms of bugs, we had a great time and came home with a bunch of great photos. Next trip will be in the Winter when the mosquitoes are few and the ducks are plentiful.
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