Christmas, Fl ~ Orlando Wetlands

I haven't been to Orlando Wetlands since 2017 and in that time there have been some changes.  The volunteers now run all day long tram tours lasting about an hour that explain the function of the wetlands and show off the different trails that are available to walk.  The birds are still very close as are the alligators.  Don't the volunteers say there has never been anyone attacked by an alligator so that's a great thing!

Common Gallinule

Wood Stork

Roseate Spoonbills

Anhinga

Anhinga

Anhinga peeking around the tree as an alligator swims into her territory.

Marsh Wren

Little Blue

 

Red-shouldered Hawk

Black Vulture

American Alligator

My Yard ~ Recent Birds

Black Vulture on rabbit roadkill

Black Vultures on the roof

Cooper's Hawk takes a Mourning Dove

Many White-breasted Nuthatches here...

along with the Red-breasted Nuthatch...

Another Red-breasted Nuthatch...

And a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker working on the Cherry Tree

Birding Cumberland County, NJ

Red-tailed Hawk

I made a spur of the moment decision to stop by Turkey Point on my way home from Philly and see what birds were around to see.  First stop at King Lake, I saw at least 6 young Bald Eagles , This Red-shouldered Hawk and some vultures. Going out to Turkey point I saw numerous Northern Harriers hunting across the fields, several adult Bald Eagles and some unidentified sparrows.  Then I drove out to the Maple Avenue impoundments to see if there were any swans.  I was hoping for Tundra's and ended up with some Mute Swans.  I am surprised at how few ducks are around this year.  Also out at Maple Avenue were the Turkey and Black Vultures having a meal.  It was an enjoyable afternoon. 

Mute Swan

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Picayune State Forest, FL

Red-shouldered Hawk

Vultures as far as the eye could see!

and more

and only one we saw with a tag

Black Vulture

FL ~ Driving along I 75

Black Vulture

I 75 transects the state of Fl at the South end.  This is the road we used to drive to and from Coconut Creek.  We decided on the return home to take our time and stop at a few of the recreational areas to look for any birds.  In the morning we had good looks at vultures including a Black Vulture.  Along most Florida roads there are waterways with some marshy areas beyond those ditches.  I was very excited to find a Purple Gallinule at the first stop we made along with Common Yellowthroat.  I have seen Purple Gallinule before but here I was closer to the bird and had much better looks.  Such a beautiful bird!  We also saw Anihinga, American Coot, male and female boat-tailed Crackles and Red-winged Blackbirds.  I also found a water snake sunning himself on the rocks.  It was a fun drive back to our lodgings.

Purple Gallinule

Purple Gallinule