Telegraph Creek and Bob Janes Preserves

Elaine and I took a drive to North River Road today with the hopes of finding a few species that we haven't seen this year - a Towhee and a Turkey - some folks have reported them at this location so we are hopeful.

We were happy to see that boots were not needed and that the trail was well marked.

It did not take us long to find a pond that was just on the other side of the property boundaries, we were thrilled to find not one but....

three Wilson Snipe - our first of the season.

I don't know about you but if I could I would love to own this beautiful property.

Apparently the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks feel the same way.....

because they were everywhere.

Crows and Grackles were plentiful and it was nice to see them all share the space peacefully with the Red-shouldered Hawk.

It was peaceful for us too.

Once we reached the top of the loop we were greeted by an Eastern Phoebe.

The Telegraph Creek is along the edge of those two preserves, the water level was low and it was hardly moving.

As we headed back we couldn't help but notice some of the fauna and how different it looked from another angle.

The pasture along the edge of Bob Jane's preserve - the cows were far away but we still had to keep an eye where we were stepping.

Another look/see as we exited this parcel.

Yummm, some tasty looking mushrooms - but we'll pass on the tasting part.

We found a bench and sat for a few - admiring the peaceful view and wondering who erected these ropes and how they were accessed.

As the morning progressed more and more raptors were showing up - a Short-tailed Hawk is photographed here.

The Salt bushes were in full bloom and the seeds were joyfully blowing in the wind.

One of many Wood Storks flying overhead - heading for that beautiful pond, I'm sure. I wished we could spend more time especially since we hadn't found a Towhee or a Turkey but after walking 5.35 miles we were ready to wrap it up. Another great time being spent outdoors - we are blessed to be living in sunny Florida. My E-Bird List for today.

The birds are coming!

"The birds are coming back!", that's what I was thinking to myself when I noticed that a few species that I hadn't seen for a couple of months are now making an appearance and that, my friends, is a very good thing.

Come along and see what's happening at the Bailey Tract....

a Pair of Pileated Woodpeckers made themselves known by their kuk kuk keekeekeekeekeekuk kuk high-pitch sound which was followed by their drumming action - don't you just love to watch those as they go up/down/around the trunk while tilting their head in order to hear the insects within the wood!

Nearby, a male Anhinga wondered what the fuss was all about.

Then I came around the corner and right away noticed....

a Gator's head on the alert....

I'd be willing to bet that it saw me before I saw it....

and off it went to the pond across the trail - after all the ponds across the way always look much better, don't they?

A yellow bellied Cooter was leading the way on the path - slow and steady it goes.

A young Red-bellied Woodpecker - it doesn't have any red feathers yet.

Ha! Looks who's back! A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher buzzing by and moving quickly between the branches as it gobbled up insects galore.

Across the path a Carolina Wren with the sunlight hitting it just right - I love it when a photo comes together like that.....pure luck if you ask me.

And look who else is here....

A beautiful Prairie Warbler.

On my way out I finally got to see the family of

Mottled Ducks - 5 of them now and almost all grown up.

A Spotted Sandpiper silently flew in front of me before landing on this grassy weed bed - making me reflect on all the birds that I saw this morning and making me smile with the thoughts that the birds are coming back for the winter - how sweet is that!

Then, just as I get ready to get in my car - I noticed this Buteo at first thinking it was the usual Red-shouldered Hawk until I put my bins up - wait a minute....this is not what I thought! Those birds are a challenge and they are always sending me to my books and my friends ;) to confirm the right identity....

and it was finally figured out that I was looking at a Light Short-tailed Hawk - how sweet is that....and what a great way to end the morning!! I am blessed.

 

 

Merritt Island - National Wildlife Refuge

Oh boy! It is time - but first breakfast and lots and lots of layers - it is 43 - a bit frisky for Florida. Okay I'm ready - let's go!

This Pigeon is warming up as best as he can.

We pulled on to Parrish Park and observed some Gulls and Skimmers...pulled out the scopes

and found our Long-tailed Duck! I love it when a plan comes together!

A Ruddy Turnstone on the edge is surrounded by sea foam which made me think of snow.

Oh, here's a photo taken of the Long-tailed Duck from at least half mile away but that's okay - the view was great in the scope....lifer for me :)

What a beautiful sight!

This is such a huge place - it would take a week of Sundays to see it all and then some. We drove and stopped at several spots along the way. A group of Dunlins and Sanderlings is one of our first greetings into the refuge.

Beautiful vistas everywhere I looked - with ample bird sightings.

The Avocet - always one to draw the attention....

such a beautiful shorebird.

And Ducks - some closer to us than others. A pair of Northern Shoveler in their beautiful plumage.

More Avocets - there were so many that they were causing a waves as they passed by.

So much to see and so little time.

A visit to the Visitor Information Center - a long boardwalk gracefully surrounded by large Oaks and Palm Trees.

A Dragonfly staying warm in the sun and blending in perfectly with this palm frond.

A Short-tailed Hawk carrying food and eating it on the fly....multitasking.

We spotted a banded Scrub Jay in the area where they are known to nest.

At this location - previous birders have reported seeing Eared Grebes with Horned Grebes...

when we saw them they were in line with those towers - at least half a mile away - lifer for me :)

A visit to the Canaveral National Seashore was in order too - a great place to seal the day.

Shells and sand of a different color/texture than what I am used to.

A Ruddy Turnstone doing what it is known for - turning stones while looking for food.

A group of Royal Terns, Forster and Sandwich being approached by a Willet and looked upon by a couple Ring-billed Gulls.

Foot prints in the sand.

The sky is reflecting the coolness of the air.

It's time to wrap it up for the day - food and rest is calling.

We were blessed with a beautiful sunset as we headed off the Island - what a great way to end the day!