Viera Wetlands & Click Ponds

I spend a few hours exploring the Viera Wetlands and adjacent ponds this past weekend. It was fun to see such a great variety of species!

This Red-bellied Woodpecker was hanging around the entrance of the ponds. It made its way up a Sabal Palmetto palm to snack on the small black berries produced by the tree.

If you look carefully you can see the (usually difficult to see) red patch on this male's lower belly.

Across the way from the way from the WP, this Mockingbird was enjoying some berries from the invasive Brazilian Pepper trees.

Palm Warbler were everywhere.

This Swamp Sparrow was hanging in the reeds near the water.

I saw at least 10 Eastern Phoebes, such cute little fellas!

This shrike was resting on a post near the road and didn't seem to mind the passing traffic.

There were a TON of ducks hanging out in the low waters of the ponds. Green-winged Teals were by far the largest group, but there were also Northern Shovelers, Lesser Scaups, Blue-winged Teals, a Canvasback, and I'm sure a few other species I missed.

The quiet, calm scene quickly changed to this...

...when this Northern Harrier made a pass over head.

A group of 10 American Avocets came in for a landing.

This American Bittern was on the move. It was nice to have a different view of one as I usually just see them hiding in the reeds.

The Weekend

As always the weekend just seems to fly by! I started the weekend out with an early morning trip the very foggy Click Ponds. I love being out in the fog as it adds a sense of mystery to the air....

Red-shouldered Hawk

When I arrived at the ponds, I noticed this Red-shouldered Hawk perched on a low post near the road. This young hawk is in the process of developing its adult plumage.

Common Yellowthroat

Since the visibly was so low over the ponds, I walked along the path between the two ponds and looked for birds in the reeds.  

Marsh Wren

 This Marsh Wren was easy to find thanks to its loud call.

Swamp Sparrow

There were lots of Savannah Sparrows around as well as a few of these, which I think are Swamp Sparrows.

Swamp Sparrow

This Sora made a quick dash across the fallen reeds.

Sora

 I heard there were some Buffleheads, including a beautiful male, spotted at the ponds earlier in the week and I was hoping to see them, but I had to leave before the fog lifted.

A few of the many webs:)

Next up was the local Christmas parade. The dog was a little humiliated by his festive neck piece, but he quickly forgot about it when he spotted the SPCA float coming down the road. My son was flabbergasted by all the loot being thrown his way.

Word on the street was the real Santa was in town...

Soft shelled Turtle

On Sunday we took a quick drive through the wetlands.

The stars from the latest Hollywood production, Three Turtles and a Grackle, were there.

Great Blue Heron

And finally, it was time to pick out a tree. Yep, this is the time of year the Great Blue Herons pick out the perfect palm tree to begin their nesting season! Tis' the season!!