Tricolored Heron

        Today's featured feather friend is the Tricolored Heron.  Most of the "birders" we know simply refer to it as the "Tri".  It was formerly known as the Louisiana Heron and is a year round Florida resident.  It is also found in coastal areas of the eastern United States and Mexico, throughout the Caribbean and Central America, and in parts of northern South America.

        The Tri is a beautifully colored, medium-sized, slender, long-necked, long-legged and long-billed Heron.  It measures about 26 inches in length, weighs just under a pound and has a wingspan of around 38 inches.  Males and females are similar in appearance.  Adults have a slate blue head, neck, back and wings with reddish tones on the neck and back.  The breast and belly are snowy white with white streaking on the throat and neck.  In breeding plumage it's yellow bill turns cobalt blue, it grows purplish plumes on it's back and white plumes on the back of it's crown.  Juveniles are similar to adults, but with brownish necks.

        While hunting in shallow water, the Tri often runs with wings spread, head held low to the water, ready to stab with it's dagger-like bill.  This foraging technique (dancing) is very entertaining.  On a recent visit to Fort Desoto County Park we took several videos.  Watch the dance of the Tricolored Heron by clicking here ------> http://youtu.be/BUS9DZueMZ4  and enjoy some of our favorite photos of the gorgeous Tricolored Heron.....tweet.....tweet!!

Tricolored Heron (Adult)
(Taken 11/9/13, Sports Complex, Englewood FL)

 

Tricolored Heron (Adult)
(Taken 12/26/13, Ft. Desoto Park, St. Petersburg FL)

 

Tricolored Heron (Juvenile)
(Taken 9/8/13, Sports Complex, Englewood FL)

 

Foraging in shallow water
(Taken 11/9/13, Sports Complex, Englewood FL)



Ready to strike.....
(Taken 12/26/13, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg FL)

.....Gotcha !!
(Taken 12/26/13, Ft. Desoto Park, St. Petersburg FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tricolored_Heron/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricolored_Heron

   

 

            

White-Winged Dove

        Today's featured feathered friend is the White-Winged Dove.  In the United States it is most common in Arizona, but has expanded it's range to include the southeastern states.  It is also native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

        These birds have a distinctive broad white streak at the edge of their folded wings, hence the name, "White-Winged Dove".  They are brownish overall with a dark line on the cheek, a reddish-orange eye surrounded by blue skin.  Males and females are similar in appearance.  Juveniles are similar to adults but are grayish with a dark eye.  They are about 12 inches in length, weigh around 7 ounces and have a wingspan of 20 inches.  Enjoy these photos of the White-Winged Dove, taken in our backyard.....tweet.....tweet!!

Taken 12/16/13

 

Taken 11/15/11

 http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-winged_dove/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-winged_Dove

American Kestrel

        Today's featured feathered friend is the American Kestrel.  It is the most abundant member of the Falcon family and the smallest raptor in North America. 

        The American Kestrel is a strikingly beautiful bird.  The female has a reddish-brown crown, back, wings and tail.  She is white below with fine brown streaking.  The male has a blue-gray crown and wings with a reddish-brown back and tail.  He is white below with black spots.  Both sexes have two dark vertical stripes on a white face.  Unlike most raptor species, males and females are approximately the same length (9-10 inches) and have the same wingspan (22-23 inches).  Like most raptors the female is larger than the male, roughly 20% larger (heavier).

        During the winter months we see American Kestrels everywhere we go.  We just can't seem to get the outstanding photos that we want.  We spot them perched on a fencepost or a wire, but the moment the car begins to slow....they are gone.  They tease us by moving a short distance ahead, only to fly off as we approach again, and on and on it goes.

       Click on the links below for more information.  Enjoy our best photos (we're still working hard to get better ones) of the elusive American Kestrel.....tweet.....tweet!!

American Kestrel (Male)
(Taken 12/1/13, Englewood FL)

 

American Kestrel (Female)
(12/17/12, Laurel FL)

 

American Kestrel (Male)
(Taken 2/21/13, Punta Gorda FL)

 

American Kestrel (Female)
(Taken 3/2/13, south of Clewiston FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Kestrel

Fall Migration brings lots of Warblers

        As fall migration comes to an end, we add another Warbler species to our life list, the Black-Throated Green Warbler.  On a tip, we drove north to Leffis Key (Anna Maria Island) and found both the male and female there, our 208th Florida bird.

        During migration we spotted many other Warblers.  The Prairie, Yellow, Palm, and Yellow-Rumped Warblers, and the Ovenbird, were all visitors to our backyard.  We found the Yellow-Throated, Black-and-White and Pine Warblers, the Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and the Northern Parula on birding trips.

        We searched but "dipped" (missed out) on a chance to add many other Warblers to our life list.  The Cerulean, Tennessee, Orange-Crowned, Nashville, Chestnut-Sided, Blackburnian, Magnolia, Worm-Eating, Canada and Kentucky Warblers were all reported in Southwest Florida this fall.  The Yellow-Breasted Chat, the Northern Waterthrush and the Louisiana Waterthrush were also spotted nearby.

        We're already looking forward to the 2014 spring migration and another opportunity to see these small, colorful, beautiful little birds.  Enjoy some of our favorite Warbler photos from the 2013 fall migration.....tweet.....tweet!!    

 

Black-Throated Green Warbler (Female)

 

Black-Throated Green Warbler (Male)

 

American Redstart (Male)

 

Ovenbird   (In our backyard)

 

Black-and-White Warbler (Male)

 

Yellow-Throated Warbler (Male)

Prairie Warbler (Male)

Northern Parula (Male)

 

Red-Shouldered Hawk

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Red-Shouldered Hawk.  This medium-sized raptor can be found year round across most of the eastern United States.  Identifying hawks can be difficult, but the Red-Shouldered's distinctive loud call helps nail down its I.D. 

        They have brownish heads, reddish chests and pale bellies with reddish bars.  Their tails are marked with narrow white bars.  The red "shoulders" are visible when they are perched.  The upper parts are dark with pale spots and they have long yellow legs.  Males are 17 inches in length, weigh about 1.2 pounds and have a wingspan of around 37 inches.  Like most other raptor species, females are larger than males.  Females can be several inches longer, weighs about 1.5 pounds and have wider wingspans.

        They prey mostly on small mammals, lizards, snakes and amphibians. They occasionally eat birds, sometimes from feeders.  We have witnessed several hawk attacks in our backyard and sadly, lost a few Mourning Doves.  To help protect the smaller birds, we have moved the feeders and most of the baths to the edge of the yard, where shrubs and small trees offer them shelter.  When Florida Scrub-Jays are present, one of them acts as a "sentinel" (one that keeps guard).  If the sentinel spots a hawk it gives a warning call and all the birds head for cover.

     Click on the links below for more information and enjoy these photos of the Red-Shouldered Hawk.....tweet....tweet!!


Perched and calling
(Taken 12/24/11, Englewood Sports Complex, Englewood FL)

 

A birds eye view of The Celery Fields
(Taken 9/5/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

A field mouse for lunch.
(Taken 6/12/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/id

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-shouldered_Hawk

 

           

Florida Burrowing Owl

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Florida Burrowing Owl.  They are listed as a species of special concern in Florida.  It is estimated that the Florida Burrowing Owl population is around 3,000 birds.

        Burrowing Owls are the only North American Owl that nest underground, hence the name.  They sometimes nest colonially with just a few feet separating each burrow.  They can be seen year-round, day or night, in central and south Florida. They prefer open prairie, but are also found in agricultural, recreational and residential areas.

          In most species of raptors, including other Owl species, females are visibly larger than males.  However, male and female Burrowing Owls are generally the same size and are similar in appearance.  They have bright yellow eyes, a flattened facial disc, long featherless gray legs with white eyebrows and chins.  Adults have brown heads and wings with white spotting. The chest and abdomen are white with variable brown spotting or barring.  Juveniles are similar to adults but lack most of the white spotting above and brown barring below.  Burrowing Owls are about 9 inches long, weigh around 5 ounces and have a 21 inch wingspan. 

        Enjoy today's photos of these well camouflaged adult Florida Burrowing Owls, taken in Punta Gorda FL, in February 2013.....tweet.....tweet!!

 

 

Hard to spot  <  -----------------------------  >  Easier to spot

TOO Cute!!

 

Up close and personal.

 http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/id

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrowing_Owl

Anhinga

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Anhinga.  A member of the Darter family, it is commonly referred to as the "Snakebird".  This reference comes from their appearance while in the water.  They dive below the surface to fish and can remain submerged for long periods.  When they surface, only their very long neck is visible above the waterline.  A year-round Florida resident, Anhingas are also found in the other Gulf Coast states as well Georgia and the Carolinas.  They are abundant in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

        The Anhinga is a large water bird.  It measures about 35 inches in length, weighs between 2.5 to three pounds, with a wingspan of around 3.5 feet.  They have small heads with long sharply-pointed yellow bills, long slender necks and yellow webbed feet.  The male is glossy black with white tips on it's tail feathers.  The upper back of the body and wings are streaked with white.  The female is similar except her head, neck and upper chest are light brown.

        Unlike Ducks, Anhingas lack the ability to "waterproof" their feathers.  If it's feathers become waterlogged, the bird is less buoyant and can drown.  It will perch for long periods with it's wings spread, allowing the feathers to dry.  If they attempt to fly with wet wings, they have difficulty getting airborne.  In flight, Anhingas are graceful and are seen soaring on thermals at high elevations.  Enjoy these photos of the Anhinga.....tweet.....tweet!!

 

Anhinga (Male)
(Taken 3/29/13, Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland FL)

 

Anhinga (Female)
(Taken 5/29/13, The Rookery, Venice FL)

 

Anhinga (Female)
(Taken 9/19/12, Casa De Meadows Pond, Englewood FL)

 

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Anhinga/lifehistory

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhinga

Green Heron

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Green Heron.  Unlike larger herons who hunt and feed in open areas, Green Herons tend to be at the edges, in shallow water or concealed in vegetation.  On many occasions we've walked past a Green Heron only to look back and find one perched motionless in dense mangroves.  They stare intently into the water, waiting patiently for their prey.  They will drop items into the water to attract fish, making them one of the world's few "tool-using" animals.

        Green Herons are small, stocky herons with short legs, large heads and long bills.  They have long, thick necks that are only seen when striking at food.   Usually the neck is retracted giving them a crouched appearance.  Males and females are similar with dark iridescent bluish green crowns and backs.  Their necks and breasts are reddish brown with white streaking.  Their feet are pale yellow, turning bright reddish orange during breeding.  They are 19 inches long with a 27 inch wingspan and weigh about eight ounces.

        Green Herons are year-round Florida residents.  In the summer they can be found anywhere in the U.S., east of the Rocky Mountains.  They are also common along the Pacific Coast and have been known to wander as far as  Hawaii.  Enjoy these photos of the resourceful Green Heron.....tweet.....tweet!! 

 

(Taken 1/2/13, Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville FL)

 

(Taken 1/14/13, The Rookery, Venice FL)

 

Green Heron ready to strike.
(Taken 1/1/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/green_heron/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Heron

Purple Gallinule

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Purple Gallinule, a member of the Rail family.  Birds in this family have cone shaped bills and very large feet that allow them to walk on floating vegetation without sinking.     

        In bright lighting conditions the Purple Gallinules are stunning.  They have dark purple heads, necks and undersides, with greenish backs and very large yellow feet.  Their bills are red with a yellow tip.  They have light blue "frontal shields" on their foreheads, and bright white feathers under their tails.  Adults are about 13 inches in length, weigh around 9 ounces and have a 22 inch wingspan.  Adult males and females are similar in appearance with the male being slightly larger.  Juveniles are brownish overall with an olive green back.   

        Purple Gallinules can be found in the tropical regions of the Caribbean, Central and South America.  They also inhabit and breed in the swamps and marshes of the southeastern United States.  The south Florida population are year-round residents, but most American birds migrate to South America for the winter.

        On a recent trip to The Celery Fields in Sarasota, we got a nice video of a Purple Gallinule climbing on alligator flags (marsh vegetation), foraging for food.  Check out the video by clicking here ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyew1-RTEbA .  Enjoy these photos of the colorful Purple Gallinule.....tweet.....tweet!!

 

(Taken 6/12/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

Taken 9/5/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

Purple Gallinule chicks (Taken 9/5/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

(Taken 9/5/2013, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Gallinule/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Purple_Gallinule

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Reddish Egret

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Reddish Egret, the rarest of North America's herons.  An active wader, it stalks it's prey in shallow water by frequently running.  Then, when in position to spear a fish, it uses the shadow of its wings to reduce glare on the water.  This spirited technique results in a fascinating dance.  We have witnessed the "Dance of the Reddish Egret", many times.  To view a video, click here ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IpLxr9dRVM .

        Reddish Egrets are year-round residents of the Gulf Coast states, Central America, the Caribbean and parts of Mexico.  They are long-legged, long-necked herons with shaggy reddish-brown heads and necks.  Their bodies and wings are grayish-blue and they have dark legs.  Males and females are similar in appearance, although males are slightly larger.  Adults have a distinctive pinkish bill with a black tip.  In breeding plumage the facial skin becomes bright blue and the pink bill becomes almost fluorescent.  Reddish Egrets are around 30 inches in length, weigh nearly 2 pounds and have a wingspan of about 4 feet.  An all-white version (white morph) can also be found, but they are very rare.  It too has the distinctive pink bill. 

        Reddish Egrets were hunted for their plumes in the past, which is now illegal.  It is estimated that there are only 2000 nesting pairs remaining in the U.S.   Their conservation status is Near Threatened.  Enjoy these photos of the entertaining Reddish Egret.....tweet.....tweet!!


(Taken 3/20/13, Bunche Beach, San Carlos Bay, Ft. Myers FL)

(Taken 8/1/13, Ft. Desoto Park, Tierra Verde FL)
(Pinellas County, near St. Petersburg FL)

 

(Taken 1/27/13, J. N. Ding Darling National
Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island FL)

 

(Taken 8/1/13, Ft. Desoto Park, Tierra Verde FL)
(Pinellas County, near St. Petersburg FL)



http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Reddish_Egret/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reddish_Egret

Great Blue Heron

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Great Blue Heron.  It is the largest Heron in North America and a year-round resident across most of the United States.  East of the Rocky Mountains in the northern parts of their range, they migrate south for the winter. 

        Great Blue Herons are very large, big-bodied, long-necked wading birds with massive long deep-based bills.  The average standing height is 4 1/2 feet, the average length (tip of bill to tip of tail) is 4 feet and the average wingspan is 6 feet.  Despite it's size, it's average weight is only around 5 pounds.  Males and females are similar in appearance.  They are mostly grayish overall with an orangish bill and blue facial skin and dark legs.  The head is white with a wide black crown-stripe leading to short black plumes at the back of the head.

        A subspecies known as the Great "White" Heron can be found only in south Florida and some parts of the Caribbean.  Like the name implies, it's plumage is all white.  It is similar in appearance to the Great Egret, however, it is larger and has dull yellow legs and feet, while the Great Egret has black legs and feet.  We were blessed to find one on our 2010 visit to Key West.  Click on the links for more information and enjoy these photos of the stately Great Blue Heron.....tweet.....tweet!!



Great Blue Heron
(Taken 11/8/12, D.J. Wilcox Preserve, Ft. Pierce FL)

Mating Display
(Taken 2/2/12, The Rookery, Venice FL)

Adult with chicks on the nest
(Taken 2/2/12, The Rookery, Venice FL)

(Taken 3/4/13, Siesta Key, near Sarasota FL)

 

Great White Heron
(Great Blue Heron, White Morph)
(Taken 9/21/10, Key West FL)

 

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/lifehistory

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blue_Heron 

Great Egret

     Today's featured feathered friend is the Great Egret.  This large wader can be found near freshwater or saltwater habitats all across the United States.  Great Egrets are tall, long-legged wading birds with long S-curved necks and long dagger-like bills. In flight, the neck is retracted (tucked in) and the legs extend far beyond the tip of their short tail.

        Great Egrets stand nearly 3 1/2 feet tall, measure slightly more than  three feet in length,  weigh around three pounds, with a wingspan of about six feet.  Males and females are similar in appearance.  Their plumage is all white and they can be distinguished from other white egrets by a yellow bill, black legs and black feet.  In breeding plumage the bill may become darker, the lower legs lighter, the facial skin is green, and ornamental feathers (plumes) are displayed on the back.

         By the early 20th century the Great Egret was driven to near extinction in North America.  They were killed by hunters for their plumes used in the fashion industry, until it was banned around 1910.  The National Audubon Society was founded to protect birds from being killed for their feathers.  The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest environmental organizations in North America.

        Enjoy these photos  of the elegant Great Egret.....tweet.....tweet!!

Displaying the long S-shaped neck.
(Taken 6/12/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

In breeding plumage with green facial skin and darker bill.
(Taken 2/14/12, Beach Road, Englewood FL)

 

Adult with chicks (note the plumes on the adult).
(Taken 5/10/12, The Rookery, Venice FL)

 

In flight with neck retracted, carrying a fish.
(Taken 12/19/12, Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Egret