Showing posts with label Moccasin Island Tract. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moccasin Island Tract. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Flying Kites

Yesterday afternoon we took a drive out to the Moccasin Island tract. We scanned for birds along the drive, seeing 4 Red-shouldered Hawks, a handful of waders in the canal, numerous Mockingbirds, and a few pairs of Cardinals. We parked in the designated area at the end of the drive, but decided not to go too far from the car as a large storm was approaching. We heard several Eastern Meadowlarks nearby and saw two Swallow-tailed Kites circling the area.

Swallow-tailed Kite

These kites are beautiful raptors, which are easily recognized by their forked tails. They can be found in this area in the spring/summer time and the majority of the time are seen drifting high in the sky.



One Kite had an eye on something in the field and made several low passes to investigate. I didn't see the kite pick up any thing in the time I was watching, but I was pretty far away. Kites consume their meals on the fly.




We walked a short distance to another area where the cattle were grazing and upon looking up noticed a large group of additional kites. I counted 21 more Swallow-tailed Kites. The field was also packed with Ibis, predominantly Glossies. Most of the cattle each had their own set of Cattle Egret groupies surrounding them. My son was most amused by the Egrets that were actually standing on the cattle. 

Cattle + Egret=Cattle Egret

Red-shouldered Hawk

The hawks can be seen frequently on the fence posts along the road.


There is no shortage of dragonflies in the area as well:)


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Moccasin Island Tract

An early morning hike at the Moccasin Island Tract in the River Lakes Conservation area was a great way to start this warm, breezy, sunny day. The tract is about a 5,000 acre recreation area, west of Viera, along the eastern bank of the St. John's River. The trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horse back riders. At this time of the year, you must head south on the trail, to avoid the presence of hunters.

I knew it was going to be an exciting day as a Northern Harrier passed by as I stepped out of my car. In the parking area, you could hear the wonderful melody of the Eastern Meadowlark, and I quickly spotted several nearby. My son and I enjoyed their song for a bit before heading down the trail.

Eastern Meadowlark
Moccasin Island Tract






The Northern Harrier passed by a few more times. There were numerous Sandhill Cranes out foraging in the muddy, open fields.

Sandhill Crane



There was a flock of hundreds of Glossy and White Ibis that continuously relocated to various sections of the field. It was quite a sight!

Glossy Ibis

A Great Blue Heron landed just ahead of us on the trail.

Great Blue Heron

We ended the day we three more raptor sightings!! A Red-shouldered Hawk, a Merlin and an American Kestrel were all perched in various trees along the drive out.

American Kestrel

Here are a few more pictures of the area, taken on previous trips.






Eagle's nest

Monday, November 21, 2011

Eastern Meadowlark

The Eastern Meadowlarks were easy to locate while hiking at the Moccasin Island Tract/River Lakes Conservation area.
 

Eastern Meadowlark
Moccasin Island Tract
Their loud, meledious song alerts you to their position.


Eastern Meadowlark
Moccasin Island Tract

Their beautiful hue makes them difficult to miss!