Thursday, February 2, 2012

Viera Wetlands 01/29/12

I took a drive through the Viera Wetlands Sunday afternoon. I saw the usual variety of water birds, including Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Tricolored Herons, Little Blue Herons, Limpkins, Anhingas, Cormorants, and Ibises.

Limpkin
Viera Wetlands

Digging down as  far as its neck would go, this Limkin brought up and consumed 4 snails in the 15 minutes I was watching. Limpkins feed almost exclusively on Apple Snails. I didn't get any decent photos of the Limpkin with a snail.

Immature White Ibis
Viera Wetlands

This immature White Ibis was foraging for bugs in the grass. The wetlands is home to numerous White and Glossy Ibis.

Anhinga
Viera Wetlands

The Anhingas are beginning to nest at the wetlands. This one is displaying its breeding plumage.

Northern Shoveler
Viera Wetlands

There were several Northern Shovelers present, as well as Blue-winged Teals, and Hooded Mergansers. There are also thousands of American Coots making the wetlands their home right now.

Great Blue Heron
Viera Wetlands

Looks like I wasn't the only one tidying up the house on Sunday! I saw 4 pairs of Great Blue Herons currently nesting.
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19 comments:

  1. rachelle vance photographyFebruary 2, 2012 at 4:48 AM

    amazing shots of this incredible place! I love Vierra too! I think I have a shot of that same Limpkin LOL - he stayed in the grasses. Take Care~

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    1. TammyFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:13 AM

      Thanks Rachelle, maybe I'll run into there next:)

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  2. Mia McPhersonFebruary 2, 2012 at 4:48 AM

    Lovely images Tammy!

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  3. ShaunFebruary 2, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    Some stunning images there Tammy, that shoveller looks like one miserable bird. the colours on the Anhinga are stunning, and I love the DOF on the Ibis.
    Overall im pretty impressed..

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    1. TammyFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:15 AM

      Thanks Shaun! I do wonder if the Shoveler gets tired of carrying that large bill around, could be be much worse, though.

      Delete
  4. Laurence ButlerFebruary 2, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    Very cool, love the Limpkin.

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  5. ELIFebruary 2, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    Very beautiful pictures
    LP Ivo

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  6. TexWisGirlFebruary 2, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    gorgeous shots! up close and personal!

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    1. TammyFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:16 AM

      Thanks Tex! I think the birds here are used to seeing alot of people.

      Delete
  7. The Broadstairs BirderFebruary 2, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    Top photos,Tammy.

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  8. Les fous du capFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:01 AM

    Thank you for having made a visit to our blog and to have left a comment.
    Céline &Philippe

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  9. TammyFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Thanks! I was using a 300 mm with a 1.4x. The GBH here usually start around the end of December, but some are just starting now.

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  10. Phil SladeFebruary 2, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    Great shots Tammy. Nice light you have there.

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  11. UnknownFebruary 3, 2012 at 2:12 AM

    Todas son preciosas, ¡como siempre!
    Saludos!!

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  12. Pasión por las avesFebruary 3, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Hola Tammy bonitas fotografias como siempre tus fotos me fascinan.Un abrazo

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I greatly appreciate your comments!