The Black-bellied Whistling Duck (BBWD) above was the designated sentinel of the day, keeping a close watch over the 15 or more fluffy, black and yellow ducklings swimming about nearby with their ‘guardians’.It had been raining all day, and the worst of a severe thunderstorm had just passed. We surmised later that it may have been […]
While walking at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wellington Preserve this morning, I saw lots of young Limpkins out and about, foraging in the marsh, and vying for the best treetop lookouts. This fellow above discovered his own private perch atop a birdhouse, tucked away in a quiet alcove. On the boardwalks there was ample evidence of […]
In a few days we will celebrate Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year. The holiday liturgy includes the story of Chana, as told in the Tanakh (Jewish Bible). Chana is disconsolate because she is childless, and, in a powerfully emotional scene, she pours out her heart in prayer to God.Chana’s Song is her prayer of thanksgiving to God after she […]
Walking through the Orlando Wetlands last night, after a heavy rainstorm, I spied this Great Blue Heron trudging up out of the water with a tasty catch firmly speared on his long, dagger-like bill. The Heron spent a few moments shaking the unfortunate fish, who soon gave up the struggle. It is believed that this action breaks […]
As I turned a corner on a recent walk, I was surprised by this juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron above, sitting on a branch so close I could almost imagine reaching out to touch him! We have two different Night Herons here in southeast Florida, the Black-crowned and the Yellow-crowned Night Herons. The juveniles can be difficult to tell […]
I love this quote from author Jonathan Rosen’s wonderful book, Life of the Skies . . .! “Everyone is a birdwatcher, but there are two kinds of birdwatchers: those who know what they are and those who haven’t realized it yet.”
The Reddish Egret is a “conspicuously long-legged, long-necked wader of coastal regions, more tied to salt water than any of our other herons or egrets.” (Audubon). The one seen above was spotted quietly foraging on a recent morning in a secluded pond on the Gulf coast of Florida. I was so delighted to stumble upon the […]
Another little beauty from Circle B Bar Ranch Reserve. This vulnerable 8-day old Sandhill Crane colt gets around quite well, but keeps close to his parents. They will be watchful caregivers for about the next 10 months.Adult Sandhill Cranes (who are a stately 4-5 feet tall) mate for life and have only 1-3 young per nesting season. The […]
There is nothing quite so striking as a male Painted Bunting. How can so many vivid colors be present all at once in such a tiny, modest little bird? They seem (as All About Birds puts it) “to have flown straight out of a child’s coloring book.” Painted Buntings can be found across the southern U.S., […]
I was all alone on Black Point Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge one recent chilly morning, when this lone White Pelican suddenly swooped in overhead.As they migrate south over Florida during the winter, these huge Pelicans are most often seen in groups, sometimes filling the sky as massive flocks glide by over the water. With a […]
