Anhinga
(Taylor Creek Storm Water Management Center – Part 3 of 5)
I was very excited to discover an Anhinga at Taylor Creek both days I visited and wanted to give this tropical-looking water bird it’s own series. And it’s another lifer for me!
This Anhinga was sitting along a ditch that was full of green pollen. You can see the Anhinga’s eyes are surrounded by a bright blue patch of skin which occurs during breeding season.
As soon as I took that shot above, the Anhinga slipped down the slope and I lost sight of him. I stepped a little closer to see where he went, when he suddenly popped up in the water on the other side of the ditch. With an afternoon snack!
The Anhinga held onto his meal and made his way to the embankment and climbed out. The pollen in the water clung all over him. And look at those big bright feet!
Of course, we all know what he proceeded to do!
And just like that, the fish was gone.
When I looped back around to head out, I found him over on a nice, grassy spot sunning. All cleaned up and belly full!
I fell in love with the next pose and photo.
During my second visit at a different location within Taylor Creek, I found an Anhinga again. What luck, I felt!
After politely enduring his photo op session with me, Mr. Anhinga turned to his waterside buddy, the Tricolored Heron, and said…..
“Pssssssst……I hear you and your species are the feature in the next post!”
See You Later, Alligator
(Taylor Creek Storm Water Management Center – Part 2 of 5)
Continuing from my last post, I have more birds (and more lifers!) that I want to share from my two-day visit to Taylor Creek SWMC, but first I thought I’d take you for a walk on the wild side of nature in Florida…..
Wanna see some Alligators?
Florida is known for their alligators, they are found in all 67 counties. Because of their danger to humans, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission puts out a brochure, “A Guide to Living with Alligators”, along with a phone number if anyone has a problem with one. One of our campground rules includes that we are to report immediately to the office if we encounter an alligator around our site or within the park.
At Taylor Creek SWMC, I was honestly hoping for a sighting of one to photograph along with my birds. In two days, I was not disappointed, I saw more than 50 easily!
It was always quiet and serene while walking the trails both days. But it did became a bit nerve-wracking when all of a sudden you would hear a helpless bird frantically squawking loudly, followed by loud water-thrashing noises. Then dead silence. Each time, I remember saying, poor birdie….
Above Alligator to left at waterline, slowly making his way to the right where (my) Roseate Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis and White Ibis are at waterline. I didn’t stay to watch!
I held my breath as I watched the above Purple Gallinule who didn’t seem to notice the hidden Alligator. I’m happy to report the Purple Gallinule made it pass him!
Some Alligators were at a distance, napping in the sun or moving slowly on top of the water.
Now you see me!
Now you don’t!
But most of the Alligators that I saw were right alongside the walking/biking trails below, just 4-5 feet from you!
The walking/biking trails above….
And the Alligators sunning and napping alongside those trails are below.
Are you ready for some close-ups??
This fella needs sunscreen!
I always felt safe to walk on by the Alligators along the trails. I was also taking photos with my 70-200mm lens, so rest-assured I was not real close to them. Those that had opened eyes acted as if they could have cared less about anyone; they didn’t bat an eye or flinch. The very small ones would run to the water and disappear.
Yes, both days I did feel safe……up until my way out of Taylor Creek when I encountered the fella on the left in the next photo.
This Alligator was fully awake. I stopped and watched him. He never moved, only his bulky throat heaved in and out. Yikes! First, I fired a few shots from a distance. Then I walked far to the left of the trail, paying attention there weren’t any on that side of the trail, snapped a face frontal, then quickly kept going. Of course, I was looking over my shoulder the whole time. After getting well past him, he still didn’t hadn’t moved. I bet he chuckled as I hurried past…..
Here’s his close-ups…..
How’d you like that walk on the wild side of Florida??!!!! I hope you didn’t read this post late at night before going to bed……
Back to birds with my next post, promise! 🙂
Taylor Creek Storm Water Treatment Center, Okeechobee, FL
(Taylor Creek Storm Water Management Center – Part 1 of 5)
Although I am still capturing birds daily within our campground, I also ventured 11 miles north to Taylor Creek Storm Water Treatment Center two separate days. I’d have gone here every day if I could!!
I had researched possible birding sites before arriving here; and of all places to easily find this gem location, I found it on Trip Advisor. Since then, I’ve found enough information to know that many of Florida’s Storm Water Treatment Centers offer a haven for oodles of birds. Whether it’s a “safe” haven or not, I’ll discuss that next post. 😲
Taylor Creek’s SWTC offers approximately three miles of walking/biking trails throughout. On my first visit, I meandered the top half of below’s map in the late afternoon for 2 1/2 hours.
The first day, I was greeted by a few curious cattle at the fence boundary in the parking lot…..
I couldn’t help but take a few photos of them.
Here are some photos of the map’s top area the first day.
It is a beautiful place and bird ops were galore. I even picked up a few more new lifers.
Here’s a series of the variety from the first day….
White Ibis
White Ibis
White Ibis in flight
Green Heron
Green Heron
Mottled Ducks (another new lifer!)
Double-crested Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Common Moorhen (another new lifer!)
Common Moorhen
Purple Gallinules (another new lifer!)
Wood Storks
Wood Stork
Savannah Sparrow (another new lifer!)
Savannah Sparrow
Juvenile Little Blue Heron (another new lifer!)
Great Egret
Wait until you see what else was living and eating at Taylor Creek Storm Water Management Center. Scary!!
Enjoy your weekend!
I Got My Spoonbill!
I had mentioned in my beginning Florida birds’ post series that there were two birds I wished the most to see and photograph while vacationing here. One was the Sandhill Crane, which I fortunately lucked out with a memorable photo op session that I shared a few posts back.
The other was the Roseate Spoonbill.
Today, guess what I spotted off in a distant wetland? You got it. A lone Roseate Spoonbill!
The Roseate Spoonbill was so gorgeous with it’s different shades of vibrant pinks. As I ran a series of shots, someone walked up to me, saw the Spoonbill, and got just as excited as I did! 🙂
I wish he had been closer, but I can’t complain, I got my wish. I got my Spoonbill!
More Variety in My Vacation ‘Backyard’
I have left our premises to bird a few times, but it is not really necessary. I continue to still find wonderful bird photo ops within our RV campground!
Great Egret and White Ibis
Savannah Sparrow
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Gray Catbird
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (a new lifer for me)
Cattle Egret
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Red-shouldered hawk (another lifer for me)
Tri-colored Heron (another new lifer for me)
Tri-colored heron
Tri-colored Heron
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Ibis at sunset
Wood Stork
Wood Stork
Thanks for letting me share more of the fun I’m having with these memorable photo opportunities! Florida is indeed a birder’s paradise!
Sandhill Cranes
When heading to Florida, knowing I’d probably be photographing new birds not found in my Chesapeake Bay area to add to my bird life list, there were two I really hoped for, the Sandhill Crane and Roseate Spoonbill. Well, I’m still searching for the Roseate Spoonbill……
A day out riding around the area, there was a huge flock of Sandhill Cranes out in a cow field. I almost had a panic attack, mostly because we were on a highway with no where to pull over!
We continued our day; coming back past, they were gone. There was a road I had wanted to go down heading back that took you to Taylor Creek/Nubbins Slough that was supposedly a good birding area I read. We turned down Hillard Road but found the dirt road to the Slough roped off with No Trespassing signs. We turned back around and were almost back to the main highway when I spotted a lone Sandhill Crane.
“Stop!”
Hubby did. 🙂
Always a good day when you get to add a bird to your list! We got back to the RV campground and headed out for an ‘exercise’ walk. Unfortunately, I can’t carry my cameras doing this….
As we headed towards the Preserve area onsite, I saw two Sandhill Cranes feeding in it.
No way! And me, no camera!!!
I talked hubby into turning around and heading back (quickly), grabbed my camera and jumped into our golf cart just as quick. I became a speed demon! (If you can possibly ‘speed’ in a golf cart, lol.)
I couldn’t find them and I was so disappointed. I rode around the Preserve to the other side and Bingo! I know a huge grin was instantly plastered on my face. These were so much closer to me than the one in my first photo.
The male was on guard the whole time while his gal worked on feeding in the marsh. She eventually turned around and started to head out of the Preserve, towards to me. He followed her. They passed under the rope and out. Wow, so close….
Male Sandhill Crane on guard
Still guarding…..
Female Sandhill Crane now feeding outside of roped Preserve
I had sat down on the grassy slope to the Preserve to take my photos, trying to stay inconspicuous. I can’t tell by my photo series at this point or remember who was in the lead, but the two Sandhill Cranes began to walk towards and then past me. It got to the point they were four feet in front of me. I was excited AND nervous…..what if one decided to attack me?!! I sat as still as I could, trying to take the next photos while also trying to keep an eye on the other one’s location.
Hope you enjoy these close-ups!
Sandhill Crane tail-end
What a beautiful face you have!
Who, me?
I wasn’t sure if they were going to keep walking around me and go back into the Preserve or what. Then suddenly they started to run while I was trying to zoom out and focus. I didn’t do so well but here’s my best one of their flight away.
Maybe they are a bit friendly to humans and get hand-outs, and that’s why they came so close to me. I just sat as still as I could to not entice them.
What a gift for me on the Sandhill Crane! You’d think I’d discovered a rare bird here, lol.
Another quick share as tonight’s sunset was a photo-op moment.
Have a super week, everyone!
Florida Birds in my ‘Backyard’
It is amazing that I don’t have to go far at all to find lots of birds, there’s so many right here in my home-away-from-home ‘camping backyard’ at Silver Palms RV Resort in Okeechobee. With five small lakes stocked with fish and a 16-acre protected wetland preserve right on the property, I am free to roam and shoot to my heart’s content!
No newbies for my bird life list in this post, but some of these are the best photo ops I’ve gotten of some of these birds, so that in itself is exciting.
I’ll start with another photo of the Loggerhead Shrike who was the ‘star’ of my last post, this time he’s got dinner!
Loggerhead Shrike with a lizard for dinner
Lo and behold, I can see a cell phone tower high in the sky off the property and a pair of Osprey are building a nest. For those of you who have followed me a long time, you know how much I love that! As soon as we arrived and got out of our vehicle, I heard the female calling out. What a welcome to Florida!
Cell tower with osprey nest started
Female Osprey (The Mrs.)
Male Osprey (The Mr.)
One of the lakes that is surrounded with open space (no campers!) appears to be the winter home for a small group of Lesser Scaup. They apparently feel very safe, although once you start towards them, they go to the other side of the lake.
Lesser Scaup (males black & white, females brown)
Lesser Scaup
I’m beginning to think these Scaup are here on vacation for the fountain spa! They love it!
Some of my other photo ops to date…..
Cattle Egret
Cattle Egret
Great Egret
Belted Kingfisher
Blue Jay
Blue Jay
Mourning Doves at sunset
Yellow-rumped Warbler, nicknamed “Butter Butt” for good reason!
What fun to be in a different environment of birds and land. I’m filling cards and exhausting batteries. That’s a good thing, right?!! Problem becomes the reviewing and editing to share the best when all you want to do is keep shooting!
For tomorrow’s holiday, I did not luck out with a bird heart photo this year so I am going to share one of my best from the past.
Great Egret “Heart”
Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!
Loggerhead Shrike
Homeport is the Chesapeake Bay area, but we hightailed it out of there to get away from the cold and snow and are now presently camping in sunny, warm Florida. So starting with this post and ongoing until I return home in couple weeks, I’ll share what I’m capturing in Florida.
After finally arriving and setting up camp, we decided to take a quick run around the grounds before crashing from the long drive. And, of course, I took my camera!
Immediately, I saw a bird I thought might be a Shrike but wasn’t positive. A few posts back on my Snowy Owl photo share, while happily shooting the owl, a group of birders got a ‘rare-bird alert’ that a Shrike was near by and off they went! Did I want to go, they asked? I was so engrossed with the Snowy Owl, I didn’t care about the Shrike and politely declined.
Well, now I do, now that there’s no Snowy Owl. 🙂 I’m aware of two species of Shrikes, the Loggerhead and the Northern.
This is the Loggerhead Shrike, and he is a newbie for my bird lifer list. He has a much heavier black mask than the Northern Shrike and a white patch on his wing that the Northern does not have.
The next day I spotted ‘him’ again. Then another one and then two. I now know there are several here in and around a group of trees and small lake, not just ‘him’. Funny, I thought ‘he’ was gettin’ around pretty good for me seeing him so much.
I luckily got a chance to photograph the following Loggerhead Shrike who didn’t seem to mind. Oh, you can bet he kept his eye on me though. After a half-dozen shots, I’d slowly move a few steps closer, then do another half-dozen. He continued to pose and I continued to slowly move several steps closer. I was able to get with 10-12 feet of him, filling my frame.
It was exciting and so are my results! I have so many great shots, but will spare you with just a couple.
What a beauty! I whispered my “Thank You” to him and walked away. I’m guessing I’ll continue to see this group of Loggerhead Shrikes while I’m here, what fun! Now the challenge is on to capture one in flight.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
An Eagle’s Goodbye
Going to confess, we ‘got outta Dodge’ before the last snow storm hit the mid-Atlantic region last couple days. We are now camping in Florida, and immediately the first day here I’ve had a grand time photographing some ‘newbies’ for my bird life list. PLUS, it’s 25-30 degrees warmer than the Chesapeake Bay area which sure feels good!!
But first, I gotta do this last ‘home’ post before I start showing my Florida birds.
Taking the next-to-last load of bags to our truck, I heard an Eagle calling and looked up to see an adult Eagle pass overhead. Always makes me smile when I see and hear one, ditto this time. Oh boy, am I going to miss my local bird activity while I’m gone, I was thinking.
We went back up to get the final bags (‘final’ bags always include my camera bags, just in case, you know?) and prepare to lock up. I took a quick glance out my balcony window as I started closing my verticals; and, lo and behold, that Eagle was landing on our Osprey platform.
I’ve been waiting for this moment all season! Every year I get at least a few different days of one or both of them on the platform and so far this season, nothing while I’ve been around.
I quickly grabbed my camera. (Remember, final bags….this time it paid off!) Whew, if we had left 10 minutes sooner, I would have missed this opportunity!
It was sun & clouds, I had to make sure I got at least a few shots when the sun peeked out. And so, yes, the Eagle kept us from leaving for another 20 minutes. It was worth it!
He kept looking down, probably seeing small fish around the pole….not worth his time, ha!
A feather shake-down!
Chatting with the mate over on CBEC’s tree across Marshy Creek.
A “Goodbye Eagle-Eye” to Donna
Yes, I did get a lot of direct stares as the last one. I’m thinking, surely he was giving me his “goodbye eagle-eye” then! At least it sounds good, huh? hee hee
What a beautiful gift to receive before departing. It felt like it was meant to be!
A Juvenile Cormorant
It’s almost a guarantee to find several Double-crested Cormorants sitting on the pilings and rocks along the Kent Narrows channel at Mears Marina year-round.
The Double-crested Cormorant’s body is primarily black whereas the juveniles have white from under their chin down their chest and belly.
This juvenile was bold to sit up the highest and out the farthest from the rest of the group. He certainly appeared to be enjoying the late afternoon sun from his standpoint.
As I photographed some of the Cormorants on the rocks, I could see an approaching fishing boat was causing an uneasy feeling amongst the group. I went back to the juvenile in my viewer and just caught him leaving his piling.
No one else took flight, so this teenager made a u-turn and came right back but settled a little closer to his group, where he felt a little safer I’m sure. 🙂
Bay Photos by Donna 