When I first spotted this elusive bird, he was deep in the shadows with his back turned to me, and I wasn’t even sure yet that he was an American Bittern. It soon became obvious when he emerged into a clearing and set about hunting in earnest – right out in the open. “Bitterns are […]
Category Archives: Marsh/Wetlands
The vivid green lores on the Great Egret‘s face, and their feathery, bridal veil-like plumes, or aigrettes, mark the breeding season of these stunning birds (All About Birds)!
The Wood Stork “… is the only stork breeding in the United States and was placed on the Federal Endangered Species list in 1984. The species was downlisted from endangered to threatened in June 2014, reflecting a successful conservation and recovery effort spanning three decades.” (many more details here: National Park Service) The previously endangered […]
And so melodious! The Red-winged Blackbirds are increasing in numbers and activity every day here in our wetland marshes. I love listening to their morning songs…. And all their other wonderful songs and calls – check them out here: All About Birds.
Green Herons are always so expressive, both in their physical appearance and in their body language. I can’t help but think this Heron is looking down at his skinny, bare legs and wondering how he can dress a bit more modestly! Perfect solution! Turning your wings into a floor-length coat works very well!😅
A month ago, I wrote a post here about this unique and special little bird, the Wilson’s Snipe. Some weeks later, this Snipe – along with at least 2-3 of his friends – were still ‘hanging out’ in the very same spot right next to the boardwalk. On this particular day, the Snipe was thoroughly […]
“Shy, secretive denizen of the marsh,” the Least Bittern (Smithsonian Handbooks, Birds of Florida, p. 65) can be very elusive. I was so happy to see this one moving about out in the open, in full view, on two recent days in a row! The smallest (11-14″) heron in North America, the Least Bittern is […]
Although they live year-round in Florida, we’re now seeing greater numbers of these pristine white wading birds return to their favorite breeding haunts. Over the next month or two, I hope the rookeries will be filled with nesting Great Egrets in their dramatic breeding colors and plumage. Though I’ve shared the story of the infamous […]
I’m pretty sure this lovely little bird is a female Palm Warbler (Audubon.org), but then again, could it be a non-breeding male (All About Birds)?? Or someone else??? I’d love to have a correct ID if you know! 😊 I can’t recall if this bird was a tail-bobber, which is a very common identifier for […]
This Great Egret was one of about a dozen foraging in the shallow marsh on this particular morning. Such a joy to see so many of these beauties together! In no time at all, this Egret met with success and plucked a plump fish out of the water. Then the negotiations began. It can be […]
Birder's Journey 