Here, There & Everywhere

Sunrise over the Indian River
Rockledge, Fl

We have been out and about to several locations over the past week. Mead Gardens in Orlando was our first stop, a small side trip on our way to an appointment.  This was my second short trip here, and I definitely need to visit when I can spend more time at this beautiful, peaceful location! We only had time to take a walk along the boardwalk, where a handful of birds were out in the early morning sun.

This Great Crested Flycatcher was easy to find as we heard it singing long before we came upon it.

The only time it was quiet was when it was consuming what appeared to be a spider.

Over the weekend we spent time kayaking the 1,000 Islands in Cocoa Beach. The islands are a flood-tide delta deposit formed by a past strong storm surge that came across the barrier island.

The islands are beautiful place to paddle through. They offer views of the rich tropical and temperate plant species as well as numerous species of wading birds, Ospreys, and even songbirds.

We found a handful of White-eyed Vireos in various locations.  I will have to admit finding a songbird from a kayak can be more challenging than when on foot, and trying to taking a photo of one from a moving boat with a wiggly toddler on your lap can be even more arduous.

My paddling helper!

Yesterday we took a bright & early morning trip to the Sebastian Inlet State Park. As I enjoyed the beautiful colors of the sunrise, I began to sense the presence of a ghost....

It turned out to just be this Ghost Crab; it was also enjoying the sunrise!

The cool patterning on the crab helps it to stay camouflaged in the sand, safe from predators.

This Reddish Egret was hanging around the rocks of the jetty.

This intense fisherman (Great Blue Heron) was scanning the surf.

The parking lot appeared to have new security.....strangest place I've seen a Green Heron.

Keep cool and have a great weekend:)

Brown Pelicans

Immature Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Brown Pelicans are very common Florida birds, found here year round, frequenting the coastal waterways. Sebastian Inlet State Park is one of my favorite local spots to observe the pelicans. The inlets is highly frequented by fishermen and pelicans are always trying to befriend them. They often get too close. The pelicans here are not camera shy and often seem to be posing for photos. It's also a great place to practice trying to capture pelicans in action, which didn't go so well for me, but there is always next time. The majority of pelicans I saw on this visit were immature. 

Immature Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

This pelican thought something was really funny. Well, he looked like he was laughing.

Immature Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

That was quite a yawn!

Immature Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Preening was a popular activity among this group of pelicans.

Immature Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Nonbreeeding adult Brown Pelican
Rockledge, Fl

I took this photo of an adult Brown Pelican a few weeks ago on the Indian River Lagoon. 

Royal Terns

Royal Terns are large terns with orange, carrot shaped bills that are found along the coasts of Florida. I found this Royal Tern along the shore of the Indian River in central Florida. I see them here regularly, usually hanging out with some Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, and occasionally some Forster's Terns.

Royal Tern
Indian River Lagoon

I took a trip to Sebastian Inlet last weekend, hoping to see some Black Skimmers. While I didn't find the skimmers there that day, I did see numerous Royal Terns. There was a large flock on the north side of the park, most of which were catching some R & R on the beach. On the south side, I was able to watch several Royal Terns in action, diving for a meal in the inlet. Like alot of birds, I find them fascinating to watch.

Royal Tern
Sebastian Inlet State Park

This tern was conversing with a nearby Ring-billed Gull.

Ring-billed Gull
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Numerous terns joined the flock while I was observing the birds on the beach. They have quite an impressive wingspan.

Immature Royal Tern
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Terns forge both on their own as well as in a group. Royal Terns feed on mostly on small fish.

Birding at the Inlet

Sebastian Inlet State Park is great place to experience some of Florida's finest birds. I was definitely not disappointed on this week's camping trip the inlet. The park is located along A1A south of Melbourne Beach, Florida, nestled between the Indian River and the shore of the Atlantic. The Inlet is most well-known for its premier surfing and fishing, but offers an extensive variety of activities. 

Juvenile Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Pelicans, a very common Florida bird, are quite plentiful here.They frequently can be found trying to make friends with the fishermen. The inlet is definitely the place to be for a front row seat of viewing pelicans in action.

Juvenile Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Heron and Egrets of all sizes, shapes, and colors are also quite plentiful for viewing here.

Great Egret
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Reddish Egret
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Great Blue Heron
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Snowy Egret
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Wood Stork
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, and Black Skimmers were noted on this visit. The park has a protected nesting area for shore birds where numerous birds are offered a place safe from human traffic during their spring time nesting season.

Ring-billed Gull
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Ring-billed Gull
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Black Skimmers
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Shore birds sighted on this visit included Ruddy Turnstones, Willets, and Sanderlings.The only ducks observed were several Red-breasted Mergansers. Northern Mockingbirds, Black Crows, Grackle, and Mourning Doves were also seen populating the area.

Red-breasted Merganser
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Red-breasted Merganser
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sanderling
Sebastian Inlet State Park