Gilbert, AZ ~ Riparian Water Ranch

Long-billed Dowitcher

Long-billed Dowitcher

Western and Least Sandpipers AKA Peeps

American Avocet

American Avocet

American Coot

Red-winged Blackbird & Back-necked Stilt

Neotropical Cormorant

Cape may County, NJ ~ Red-winged Blackbird Displaying

Palm County, FL ~ Wakodahatchee Wetlands & Green Cay Wetlands Birding

White-faced Whistling Duck ~ ABA Life Bird #421 

Ovenbird ~ ABA life Bird # 422

Anhinga spears breakfast

Displaying Red-winged Blackbird

Gray-headed Swamphen  (invasive)

Gray-headed Swamphen  (invasive)

Gray-headed Swamphen  (invasive)

Orlando Wetlands Park, FL

We enjoyed the Orlando Wetlands Park so much we decided that we would revisit on Friday hoping to see more more great sights.  We arrived early and instead of waiting for the tram tour we decided we would walk a 2.5 mile birding trail. There were lots of Red-shouldered Hawks flying around, a Limpkin, many Common Gallinule with chicks, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks up in the trees, Osprey and so many more birds along with many alligators. We came upon an alligator along the road resting and while we were deciding whether to walk in front of it, the alligator made the decision by walking across the road and down into the swamp on the other side where it started swimming after a family of ducks. It was quite a sight and we were happy we hadn't walked in front of it though we had been repeated told all week that if you leave the alligators alone they will leave you alone.

Same alligator (as above) watching this family of ducks ~ Breakfast anyone??

Red-shouldered Hawk

Nummy Island

The Black-bellied Plovers have arrived though they are not in breeding plumage yet.  There are Ospreys all over the county including here.  The Red-breasted Mergansers, Brant, Common Loons and Red-throated Loons are still here.  The American Oystercatchers are flying overhead and calling.  The Red-winged Blackbirds are too numerous to count, have established a territory and are also calling.  Spring is in the air though the weather isn't cooperating.

Ending a great day of birding - Heislerville

Since May is usually great for Heislerville for shore birds I thought I would take a drive to Matts Landing, East Point Lighthouse and Thompson Beach Rd.  First stop were the impoundments at the end of Matts Landing.  I'd have to say I was really disappointed because both of the impoundments had  few birds.  Down to East Point Lighthouse where I saw another Tri-colored Heron along with some shorebirds off in a distance,  I did see a beautiful sailing ship off in the distance.

Down to Thompson's Beach Rd where there are 2 fairly close Osprey nests so good looks at those birds.  There were also a number of Osprey flying overhead with both fish and branches for the nest building.  I heard and saw good munbers of Marsh Wrens, several Clapper Rails, many Barn and Tree Swallows, Eastern Kingbirds (pictured below) and the trusty Red-winged Blackbirds.  

The Meadows

Tonight featured a quick trip around the Meadows where this Red-winged Blackbird was clinging to a cattail singing. Then another highlight was a Mute Swan lit by the setting sun.