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