AM Walk in the Park

On an evening family kite flying adventure, we came face to face with a Barred Owl perched on what I guessed to be a favorite roost judging by the white wash on the ground. I had no camera or binoculars, but the bird sat only 15' off the trail and was talking to us. Hoping that this bird was a creature of habit, I walked down to the park the following AM. My owl was a no show, but since I was geared up and the sun was shining, I took a short stroll around the tiny patch of habitat to see what I might see.

Blue Jay digiscoped at local park, FL 03/05/07

The woods were alive with the sounds of Northern Cardinals and Carolina Wrens belting out their melodious songs. Between these songs were the scolds of Tufted Titmouse, Yellow-rumped Warbler "chups", whispered wheezy Gnatcatchers, and the "REEEP!"s of the newly arrived Great Crested Flycatchers. An Eastern Phoebe called while a local Northern Parula warmed up his best singing voice. Blue Jays voiced Red-shouldered Hawk impressions from the brush, while migrant flocks of Goldfinches and Cedar Waxwings flit from tree top to tree top.

Cedar Waxwing gives thin, airy trills from high in the trees, FL 03/05/07

The small horseshoe-shaped pond in the center of the park offered some of the standard Florida fare and one surprise visitor. While rare throughout most of the United States, the Anhinga is a common Florida resident and can typically be seen in nearly any little pond. The male Anhinga below sat on a low log in the little pond and grunted at me as I paused to take his picture.

male Anhinga sits on a dead snag at the small park a stone throw from home

It was not surprising to see an adult Little Blue Heron close to home either, after the summer rains they often walk through the yard with white Ibis and Egrets picking tadpoles out of the drainage ditches.

adult Little Blue Heron patiently waits for a minnow or frog to pass nearby

I was however, very pleasantly surprised to see the little female Wood Duck tucked into the corner of the glorifed ditch. I'd never seen this one anywhere near my home before even though they certainly occur nearby. The only other duck I'd ever seen here was Mottled Duck.... I guess a "common bird" is a relative term, huh?!? ;)

a "birding bonus", female Wood Duck - digiscoped 3/5/07 w/Leica Televid scope & D-Lux 3 camera

Folks please feel free to send your questions and comments. I'd love to hear from you.