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:)

Stormy Skies

This pretty well sums up the afternoon weather this week.

I made a few trips to the wetlands and ponds this week. The wetlands were closed to cars all week, so we enjoyed several peaceful, long (hot, humid) walks. 

Anhinga

When the sun was out, it was time to dry out!

Double-crested Cormorant

Snowy Egret

At the wetlands, the Cattle Egrets continue to nest. The majority of them nest on a large island in center of the wetlands. The Egrets can be seen coming and going from the mainland, taking nesting material to their own private island.

Cattle Egret

Osprey

Loggerhead Shrike

Great  Blue Heron

The vultures were people watching. 

Turkey Vulture

Have a wonderful weekend:)

Road to Moccasin Island

A cold front passed through the area this week bringing with it most frigid temps we've experienced this season. I decided to take a drive and see how the birds were keeping warm. We drove the road to Moccasin Island out and back and were pleasantly surprised with the variety of birds that were out and about.

Belted Kingfisher

There were two Belted Kingfishers, about three trees apart from one another, watching the creek for an early morning snack.

Eastern Phoebe

This solitary Eastern Phoebe just seemed to be enjoying the sun.

Savannah Sparrow

Numerous Savannah Sparrows and Palm Warblers were perched along the way.

Palm Warbler

Cattle Egret

There were lots of Cattle Egrets among the cattle as well as along the road chasing down the crickets.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Turkey Vulture

This guy looked like he was daring me to try and steal his raccoon.