Sod Fields

I was blessed today with good friends and the ability to visit the Sod Fields in Palm Beach County - I've often driven by the area but little did I know that there was so much to see. Come along and take a look....

The Black-necked Stilts are always a joy to see - with their sharp plumage and bubble gum legs - what's not to love! I've also missed seeing them this year in Lee Co, the Bailey Tract had way too much water when they arrived for their summer breeding, causing them to find other locations.

And a new lifer for me....a Gull-billed Tern! Thanks to the McQuade for taking us along and showing us where this Gull hangs out.

Here's a nice little group with 2 Gull-billed Terns, 1 Black Tern and a few Black-bellied Plovers.

A few American Avocets were spotted too - how sweet is that!

A crop duster was busy at work while we were there, we watched as the birds

flew up in order to escape what was coming down the pipes....yikes!

"I know, I get bug-eyed too!"

Who knew that a Gull-billed Tern has such a red mouth!

It's beautiful in flight too....

And as an adult it has a black cap too!

Another nice surprise for us to see was the Common Nighthawks that were resting on the ground.

This was my first opportunity to see one so close, most of the time they are flying by at dusk - so big bonus for me.

Look how many birds there are....

they were all lined up along those ditches

and some more were coming to join in

It is just totally amazing to see this

We should have some sod fields in Lee Co!

You heard of road block - well, this is a bird block!

Several Sandpipers were seen too, a Pectoral makes for a nice treat.

Well, all good things eventually come to an end - and what better way than to check out the swallows before we go! 

 

 A great day birding as always and a big thank you to the McQuades for taking us along for the ride.