Saturday, February 1, 2020

Winter Flocks


Winter in Florida is a bird watchers paradise. There are so many different birds that migrate through the central part of the state. And many stick around long enough to be photographed. We've hiked 15 times in the month of January so that's given us a chance to see quite a lot.


White Ibis and Little Blue Heron

Although we have some neat sightings right here at home too. The Cedar Waxwings come by the hundreds to the trees in front of our house ON my birthday! One day only!


Cedar Waxwings


And one afternoon this small flock of juvenile Ibis were in our backyard!

Hiking Halpata Tastanaki Preserve at the Pruitt trailhead we scared a flock of Eastern Meadowlarks out of the tall grass!


They flew straight up, out of harms way!



About 12 to 15, right into the top of these tall bare trees.


We didn't get great photos but we've seen 2 Meadowlarks in that same area several times and got a good enough look to know that's what they were. 


The best pic I got was this one fluffing her feathers! lol

One day at Blue Run Park we saw this 'odd flock'. 


In one area we could see an Anhinga, White Ibis, Little Blue Heron and a Limpkin.


Maybe not always getting along well with others though! lol


Lots of small birds now too...warblers, finches and sparrows.

Have you looked up in the sky and seen any flocks this week?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’
.



29 comments:

David M. Gascoigne, said...

And it dumbfounds me that protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty are being lifted.

Latane Barton said...

Wow, you are so fortunate to have all those birds to keep you entertained. Send some my way!!

MadSnapper said...

love the fluffy feathers guy/gal and I love the way all the birds flock together here in FL... I have at one time seen as many as 20 different birds on one beach, all wandering together.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

The only flocks I see here are the flocks of geese flying over our house and neighborhood. It is cool to see a flock of Meadowlarks. I would love to see a big flock of Cedar Waxwings, they are gorgeous. Love the Heron, Ibis and the Little Blue. The Limpkins are cool birds to see too. Great outing and photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend! PS, thank you for the visit and comment today.

Sam I Am...... said...

No birds here.....they all went to Florida! LOL!

Barbara said...

WOWOWOWWOW! Those Cedar Waxwings must have your birthday on their calendar. What a treat for you!

Tom said...

...wow, what a flock of Cedar Waxwings!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love Florida birds!

Sue said...

You are so blessed to see so many different birds, thank you for sharing them with us,
have a great weekend,
Sue

Kate said...

I am so envious but appreciate the photos you share - in a few months some of these beauties will be coming home to us. lol

Susie said...

Diane, I love seeing your birds. That is amazing all the different ones sharing a space. So nice too. The birthday waxwings look wonderful. Lucky you. Once on a cold winter day, when my gdaughter Savannah was four, she saw a bird fluff his feathers...she said in her little four year old voice, "Him's wishing it was summer. " :):) Every time I see a bird fluff up, I think of that and I can hear her little voice. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

carol l mckenna said...

Awesome feathered friends photos ~ my favorite is Cedar Waxwings and for your birthday too!

Happy Moments to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Debbie said...

overhead, in the trees, i saw a lot of robins this week. flying overhead i see flocks of geese and seagulls, they usually fly solo!!

you saw some great birds this week...the flock of waxwings is just incredible. they were only there for one day??

Vee said...

Finally! I have something to share. All the vultures have flown the coop so when I saw a bird with a broad wingspan sailing through the late afternoon sky, I paid attention. Sure enough! I have an eagle nesting in its eyrie behind the house. I hope that I can get a picture of him. It’s not easy because it is heavily forested.

I really enjoyed seeing all your waxwings. That was something to see them gathered that way.

Gayle said...

So neat to have Ibis in your yard.

Terri D said...

No, to your question but I surely do enjoy seeing your photos!

happyone said...

So many different kinds of birds.
Must have been neat to see so many cedar waxwing all in one place.

Connie said...

Wow!!! I so enjoy reading your posts.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Oh you have really seen some beautiful birds! I loved the Meadowlarks, and have not seen any for years. So many of the "meadows" have been developed into housing developments, and the Meadowlarks have so few places to land. Wow...what a treat. And those Cedar Waxwings! I haven't seen any of those in a long time either. You were certainly blessed to have them come to entertain you on your birthday!! What a treat!! Love all the waterbirds. They are so interesting to watch.Thank you for sharing these with us. Loved them all.

Lea said...

A flock of Cedar Waxwings on your birthday - I couldn't ask for anything better!

Linda said...

I am impressed by your shots with several different birds in them. Well done.

Penelope Notes said...

Birds for your birthday!!! They must know you love them ... what a perfect gift surprise.

Edna B said...

I've never seen a waxwing, let alone a huge flock of them in one tree. Wow! In the next to last photo, is the little bird with his wings outstretched a heron? It looks like a little dragon in this photo. Cool! I love all our photos. Although I must say, I've never really seen so many different types in one spot. Awesome! You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

Sharon Wagner said...

I love all the waxwings. What a sight!

Anne said...

Love seeing all the birds.. I often see the Herons in my neighborhood. Such pretty birds.

Anni said...

Terrific Diane! Yep, wintering birds here in the south are fun to find. And better yet, photograph!

I'm late coming to visit - couldn't connect to the internet 'til now. Thanks for linking in at IRBB thus weekend.

Lowcarb team member said...

Aww just love the fluffy feathers on that bird :)

All the best Jan

Ann said...

What a wonderful variety of birds. Your photos of them are wonderful

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I always love seeing a group of all different kinds of birds feeding together, so I loved that .. and all your birds. But the cedar waxwing tree really made my heart flutter! I love those birds sooo much and that you got them on your birthday could not be more wonderful.