Citrus Springs Whistling Duck

This Whistling Duck is a common sight in our neighborhood in Citrus Springs, Vero Beach, FL. The Whistling Duck, native to tropical and subtropical regions, is known for its distinctive vocalizations that resemble a whistle. These birds are medium-sized, with long legs, necks, and a unique color pattern. They are often found near wetlands, where they feed on seeds, insects, and aquatic plants. Whistling Ducks are social creatures, typically seen in flocks. Their behavior and vocal nature make them fascinating to observe.

The Great White Takes Flight

The Great White Egret is a majestic wading bird known for its striking white feathers and elegant stance. Found at Stick Marsh near Fellsmere, FL, this bird gracefully navigates the wetlands in search of fish and other small aquatic creatures. Stick Marsh offers an ideal habitat with abundant food and serene nesting areas, making it a perfect spot to observe the Great White Egret in its natural setting.

Phillis The African Crowned Crain

This West African Crowned Crane, a marvel of avian majesty, resides at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. I call her Phillis. Known for its striking crown of golden feathers, this crane captivates visitors with its regal presence. As it moves through its habitat, the crane exhibits behaviors that reflect its adaptability and grace. The farm provides a safe haven where this species can thrive, contributing to conservation efforts. Observing the Crowned Crane offers an educational experience, highlighting the importance of preserving diverse bird species and their natural environments. The crane's presence symbolizes hope and dedication to wildlife protection.

More Than I Can Chew

Cormorants exhibit remarkable hunting techniques, diving deep beneath the water's surface to chase their prey. These agile birds primarily feed on fish, swiftly catching them with their hooked bills. They often hunt in groups, strategically corralling fish into tight schools for easier capture. This communal approach not only enhances their hunting efficiency but also showcases their impressive coordination and teamwork. Besides fish, their diet includes small crustaceans and insects, ensuring they maintain a balanced and diverse intake. Cormorants' ability to dive and navigate underwater makes them formidable predators in their aquatic habitats.

Building Our Nest

A Roseate Spoonbill makes more than 50 trips to gather enough twigs and branches for its nest. Each journey from the marsh to its chosen tree, the bird skillfully balances the materials in its unique spoon-shaped bill. It’s dedication in this task is amazing, and it is a sight to behold. This photograph was taken at Stick Marsh near Fellsmere, FL. The best months to visit are March and April. A trip to Stick Marsh is well worth it.

Great Blue Heron Mating Ritual

This Great Blue Heron in full mating plumage stretches to attract females. He has found a suitable nesting place high atop a palm tree in the Green Cay wetlands. Now to attract a suitable female. This can last for days.

Close Encounters with a Tiger Fish

This photograph taken at the Environmental Learning Center in Sebastian, Florida.

Falcon's Feast

Happy for the opportunity for closeup photography with this beautiful Falcon at “The Biltmore Estate” in Asheville, VA.

Bad Hair Day

Birds relaxing on their perch at Sebastian Inlet State Park.

Sebastian Inlet Pelican

This pelican glides low over the Sebastian Inlet. Pelicans typically weigh 9 pounds and have a wingspan of 7 feet.

Singer Island Iguana

This iguana suns himself on a rock on Singer Island in December. Later in the month they were falling out of trees because the temperature dropped to near freezing. This one is smaller. They can grow 5 to 6 feet long.

Backyard Sandhill Crane

We have a pair of Sandhill Cranes (backyard birds) that often hang out in our neighborhood in Citrus Springs, Vero Beach, FL. They may turn up anywhere in the neighborhood. Today I took my morning walk with the hope of running into them. I was lucky. They feed close to the sidewalk (maybe 6 feet) and around the many ponds in the neighborhood. People walk by in the morning and these birds are not at all phased. Sometimes they paused their feeding to pose for a picture, which I appreciated.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing owls are all over Brian Piccolo Sports Park in Broward County, Florida. At first glance, this is an unlikely birding spot, with its assortment of baseball, football, soccer and cricket fields. Look a little closer though, and you’ll notice posts with flagging tape roping off holes in the middle of fields. Believe it or not, this is one of the best sites to see Florida Burrowing Owls in the state. The owl population here is doing quite well, and they’re the pride and joy of park staff, who accommodate the birds’ sometimes inconvenient choices of burrow locations. Respect their space, and you’ll get excellent views. They even hunt on game nights, when insects are attracted to the ball fields’ lights! This park is also a good location to see Red-tailed Hawk, White Ibis, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Loggerhead Shrikes. Scan the small ponds for winter ducks, and check the scattered trees for migratory songbirds. An entrance fee applies only on weekends and holidays. The visitor center has information about the trail.

Bird Blur

Something a little different for me, as I try to create just the right blur. It’s harder than you think, although the Tern’s were cooperating this day at Delray Beach.

Snowy Egret

This Snowy Egret lands in tight and contested quarters in the JN “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge.

Red Shouldered Hawk

This Red Shouldered Hawk stands guard over trail at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands.

Impressions from Delray Beach

Something a little different for me, as I try to create just the right blur. It’s harder than you think, although the Tern’s were cooperating this day at Delray Beach.

Disagreement

These two squirrels have at it at Brian Piccolo Sports Park in Cooper City, FL

Watch Out

This great blue heron seems unphased by this large alligator nearby at the Wakodahatchee wetlands.

Pretty Pelican

This pretty pelican agreed to pose for portraits at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. If you are visiting the Naples – Fort Meyers, FL area be sure to stop by the wildlife refuge located on Sanibel Island, FL. Take your camera and get some great nature shots.

Boat Tailed Grackle Duo

This Boat Tailed Grackle Duo put on a show at the Green Cay Wetlands visitor center. If you are visiting the Delray Beach area Green Cay is a good place to visit. Take your camera and get some great nature shots.

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buddylauer@icloud.com

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