Fiery Sunset

I took this photograph just before sunset while standing on the shoreline somewhere on Merritt Island near Titusville Florida. To the best of my knowledge these are Sanderlings which are one of the many species of shorebirds you are likely to encounter on this Island. It was truly a magical evening with the fiery glow in the sky and water. In addition to these Sanderlings there were groups of Great Egrets passing by as well as other shorebirds which I could not identify due to the lack of details in the silhouette views presented to me. This was my second trip to the Island and I was just as fascinated with the birdlife as on the first visit. Certain areas on the Island are populated with Florida Scrub Jays. I was unsucessful in my search for these unique birds. I was not too disapointed however as I had seen some scrubs back on the road passing through the Ocala National Forest. Unfortunately the lighting was poor as were the resulting photo's. I hear there is some great shoreline and birding on the Atlantic side of the Island. Next visit perhaps I can check it out.

Its Down There Somewhere

I Took this White Ibis photograph at my favorite bird photography site. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located across a long bridge from Titusville Florida. While there are many opportunities for great bird photography on the Island my favorite area is the Black Point Wildlife Drive where I took this picture. This drive is several miles long and meanders through both salt and fresh water marsh. You are likely to see such odd looking characters as the Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork among many other water birds and shorebirds. On the fresh water side keep a look out for sunning or cruising alligators. You may see a feeding Osprey or two. Tri-Colored Herons and Reddish Egrets are seen as well as Great and Snowy Egrets. Drive slowly, stay in your vehicle and you will get excellent close up looks at these great birds and many others. It takes about an hour if you drive slowly and enjoy the many views of nature offered on this drive. My first time at Merritt Island I drove through Black Point three times in one afternoon. Only the setting sun prevented me from a fourth time.

Signs of Spring

My favorite time of year is definitely Spring. The arrival of the first blossoms of Crocus and Daffodils in February brings the realization that the cold and often dreary months of winter are once again doomed. My disposition improves and my energy level increases. Spring also brings back our migrating bird populations. I thoroughly enjoy watching for returning Warblers, Shorebirds and other Passerines. In the accompaning photograph are two signs of Spring. The pink blooms and the Ross's Goose together made this spring an enchanting experience. This particular Goose was an unexpected visitor. In my area there had only been 1 other Ross's Goose reported over many years. He dropped in on the ponds of a local Nature Center and stayed for several weeks. The general thought was that he was sick or injured and was just needing to recuperate. I went to his location at lunch one afternoon. I saw the Goose and I saw the pink blooms. I asked, "why don't you swim over under those blossoms"? In a few minutes he did exactly that and I took this photograph. It was the last frame on the roll as I had used the other frames to document his presence. Of all the pictures I took of Mr. Ross this last frame was the only keeper. Anyway, I still remember the warmth and beauty of that spring afternoon and the cooperative Ross's Goose. 

On the Wind

One of my favorite birds to watch is the Brown Pelican. If you have ever been to a beach it is almost certain you have seen one or more of them. I am always fascinated when I glance up from the sandy beach and spot a group of Pelicans. They are usually soaring just above the waves in a symmetric formation. With no movement of their outstretched wings they just deftly glide along on the wind. It makes me envious of the ease of their aerial mobility. Another interesting sight is when a group of Pelicans are feeding. One will hover momentarily above the waves then fold its giant brown wings and drop head first like a rock splashing into the surface. More likely than not it will emerge with a fish between its massive bills. If it fails the Pelican rises from the water and performs the dive again. Looking at this Pelican resting on a fishing pier piling in Titusville Florida it is difficult to imagine its agility in the air. An awesome bird, the Pelican.

Bird Observation

I have been observing birds essentially my whole life. It was not until I participated in my youngest son's 6th grade project on birds that I began to really appreciate their beauty and antics. His assignment was to photograph or draw 20-25 species of birds. He chose to photograph as I had a Nikon camera and a medium long lens and he hated drawing. After we reached 60 something birds my son decided enough was enough. Nine years later I am still going strong. I have now observed over 400 species of birds. That may sound like a large number but considering there are over 9000 species worldwide, its just a drop in the bucket so to speak. I will be sharing some of my photographs of birds and perhaps of places I have visited while in search of birds. My hope is that you will enjoy viewing the birds as much as I did photographing them although nothing beats getting out in the field and seeing them for yourself. The photograph with this post is of Dancing Great Egrets at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida.