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.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Cruising the Viera Wetlands, Part 3
During my early visits to Viera Wetlands I found a lot of birds in the Winter but I don't recall ever seeing any Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. The past couple of years, though, they have been all over the place!
I love these little ducks and we were lucky enough see them up close as they waded and flew over head. In fact, they were flying across the sky as soon as we drove into the entry of the wetlands.
Over in the bird gathering we discovered earlier there were several ducks keeping to themselves or flying from spot to spot.
You would think these guys could get along as they are of the same stripe but sometimes squabbles would erupt!
Time for a test of the IS lens with flight shots. The ducks would circle several times before coming to rest and often flew right over my head.
Even at a distance, those white wing feathers really pop out.
I had a great time hanging with the Black-bellies and could have burned through tons of shots.
However, we had more water to explore. It seems that this species will be here for some time to come. So I will end Part 3 here and finish up the tour with a few more birds and other nature next.
I love these little ducks and we were lucky enough see them up close as they waded and flew over head. In fact, they were flying across the sky as soon as we drove into the entry of the wetlands.
Over in the bird gathering we discovered earlier there were several ducks keeping to themselves or flying from spot to spot.
You would think these guys could get along as they are of the same stripe but sometimes squabbles would erupt!
Time for a test of the IS lens with flight shots. The ducks would circle several times before coming to rest and often flew right over my head.
Even at a distance, those white wing feathers really pop out.
I had a great time hanging with the Black-bellies and could have burned through tons of shots.
However, we had more water to explore. It seems that this species will be here for some time to come. So I will end Part 3 here and finish up the tour with a few more birds and other nature next.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Cruising the Viera Wetlands, Part 2
Part 2 of this Viera Wetlands trip will focus on herons and the like as there were plenty around.
First up was a nice close view of a Great-blue Heron watching closely for its next meal.
Around the bend we found a great concentration of birds in one spot. Many herons, woodpeckers, and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (which will get their own entry in Part 3) but I loved this view of a Great Egret in the trees high above the rest of the group.
The reduced size for the blog doesn't do it justice but there was another along the way that allowed a much closer opportunity.
Beneath the first Great Egret I heard a familiar sound. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was moving up and down the palm trunk.
Ugly to some, beautiful to me. Wood Storks always grab my attention where ever I find them.
Often overlooked, the Tri-colored Herons were abundant in several areas of the wetlands.
Just when I thought we would strike out on the resident Limpkins we found one quietly moving through the reeds.
End Part 2. Next up, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks!
First up was a nice close view of a Great-blue Heron watching closely for its next meal.
Around the bend we found a great concentration of birds in one spot. Many herons, woodpeckers, and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (which will get their own entry in Part 3) but I loved this view of a Great Egret in the trees high above the rest of the group.
The reduced size for the blog doesn't do it justice but there was another along the way that allowed a much closer opportunity.
Beneath the first Great Egret I heard a familiar sound. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was moving up and down the palm trunk.
Ugly to some, beautiful to me. Wood Storks always grab my attention where ever I find them.
Often overlooked, the Tri-colored Herons were abundant in several areas of the wetlands.
Just when I thought we would strike out on the resident Limpkins we found one quietly moving through the reeds.
End Part 2. Next up, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Cruising the Viera Wetlands, Part 1
For the first time in a long time I headed out for an actual birding day. We had hoped to view the shuttle launch before dawn but it was scrubbed for a second time due to a hydrogen leak.
Oh, well. Off to find some birds at Viera Wetlands. There are a lot of photos to share so I think I will split this up into several installments.
Met up with a long-time friend, Cindy Nowlin, who was kind enough to let me borrow her IS lens for a couple of spins around the cells. Maybe it was more of a sales pitch because after using it compared to my normal lens (which I bought from her years ago), man...
Mosquitoes were fierce today, but not far into the drive there was a great chance to view the first Least Bittern of the morning.
Nearby, a White Ibis in full breeding colors kept a close watch on our cars cruising by.
Some bird chicks were still in evidence and were well represented by Common Moorhens pecking at the vegetation as they headed toward their parents.
Perhaps to stay far enough away from the jaws of predators like this alligator.
Thus ends Part 1. Tomorrow, I will show off the herons.
Oh, well. Off to find some birds at Viera Wetlands. There are a lot of photos to share so I think I will split this up into several installments.
Met up with a long-time friend, Cindy Nowlin, who was kind enough to let me borrow her IS lens for a couple of spins around the cells. Maybe it was more of a sales pitch because after using it compared to my normal lens (which I bought from her years ago), man...
Mosquitoes were fierce today, but not far into the drive there was a great chance to view the first Least Bittern of the morning.
Nearby, a White Ibis in full breeding colors kept a close watch on our cars cruising by.
Some bird chicks were still in evidence and were well represented by Common Moorhens pecking at the vegetation as they headed toward their parents.
Perhaps to stay far enough away from the jaws of predators like this alligator.
Thus ends Part 1. Tomorrow, I will show off the herons.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Quoth the Raven...
O.K. Not really a Raven since we don't get those, but there was a seldom seen lurker in the backyard today.
Out there in the gloom was a pair of Fish Crows sampling the stale crackers I threw out and one was gently dipping a piece into the blue bird bath.
Fish Crows are often heard around the neighborhood but they rarely drop to the ground to feed. At least when I have been around. Who knows, they could be out there having a party every time I turn my back!
Out there in the gloom was a pair of Fish Crows sampling the stale crackers I threw out and one was gently dipping a piece into the blue bird bath.
Fish Crows are often heard around the neighborhood but they rarely drop to the ground to feed. At least when I have been around. Who knows, they could be out there having a party every time I turn my back!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Carolina Wrens and Fungus Invasion
There was an unusual Carolina Wren event during our banding day along with many varieties of fungus showing up as processed some birds.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see if you can help ID some fungus.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see if you can help ID some fungus.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Lake Lotus Banding, June 7th
We headed into the dark and noticed the landmarks that usually guide us were...gone. However, this turned out to be a good thing in the big picture.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see the whole report.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see the whole report.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Lake Lotus Banding, May 31st, 2009
A new volunteer joined us as we were chock full of Carolina Wren chicks and a skeletal find peaks our interest.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see the whole report.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see the whole report.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Lake Lotus Banding, May 24th
We took a week off while the family camped with a Cub Scout crew but returned for more as soon as possible.
Heavy rains have fallen across the area for a while, erasing our drought, and it has brought the waters up. Way up! The Little Wekiva River overflowed its banks near the lake and prevented the opening of all 15 nets.
It was still a fun day and we enjoyed finding plants and sloshing through the other exploding vegetative growth.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see the whole report.
Heavy rains have fallen across the area for a while, erasing our drought, and it has brought the waters up. Way up! The Little Wekiva River overflowed its banks near the lake and prevented the opening of all 15 nets.
It was still a fun day and we enjoyed finding plants and sloshing through the other exploding vegetative growth.
Head to the Wekiva blog here to see the whole report.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)