Jetty Park 1/20/13

We went to Jetty Park early Sunday morning to see if the Razorbill reported Saturday afternoon was still around. I felt hopeful as we pulled up and saw a small crowd of people checking out some action in the channel. It turned out to be a submarine navigating its way out of the port, which was pretty cool to see, but not quite as cool as a Razorbill would have been...

Gulls never seem to let any birds (or people) eat in peace. If a bird is brave enough to return to the beach with its catch, they can be sure a hot pursuit is imminent. As we walked out on the jetty, we saw this Ring-billed Gull getting a taste of its own medicine as it was relentlessly tagged teamed  by a Great Black-backed Gull and immature Herring Gull (I think).

The Ring-billed Gull didn't seem intimidated and held on to its meal.  I lost sight of them after a few minutes, so I missed the final outcome.

I saw this Bonaparte's Gull floating close to the rocks along the jetty. These handsome birds look similar to the Laughing Gulls that heavily populate the area year round.

This Royal Tern didn't seem to the Sanderling that was foraging underneath him.

There is always a large group of Skimmers at Jetty Park. The flock can usually be seen resting on the beach. A few of the Skimmers decided it was feeding time, and put on quite a show as they skimmed back and forth along the beach.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 2/11/12

I set off for an early morning trip to MINWR on Saturday. The sky looked less than promising for some favorable light as I drove off, however, as I approached Titusville, clear blue skies came through. I made a quick stop at the Max Brewer Causeway and then headed to Black Point Wildlife Drive. My first stopping point offered a abundant display of active birds. There were numerous Reddish Egrets, most whom were boasting their breeding plumages, dancing about as they pursued their prey. There was a diverse group of water birds, including Northern Pintails, a Horned Grebe, Lesser Scaups, Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teals, Double-crested Cormorants, Coots,  a Lesser Yellowlegs,  Dowitchers, Pelicans, and a Roseate Spoonbill (and I'm sure a few other I don't remember).

Pair of Northern Pintails
MINWR

Pair of Northern Pintails
MINWR

Lesser Scaup
MINWR

Horned Grebe
MINWR

At the Max Brewer Causeway, I saw the usual gaggle of Ring-billed and Laughing Gulls. I also saw 4 of my favs, the Great Black-backed Gulls. There were two mature adults, one probable third year, and one first year. They were all equally monstrous  in size, however their coloring and bill markings differed. The Great Black-backed Gulls are very skittish in comparison to the other gulls. Check out the size of the bill on the third year gull!

Adult Great Black-backed Gull
Titusville, Fl

Great Black-backed Gull (third year)
Titusville, Fl

Great Black-backed Gull (first year)
Titusville, Fl

Great Black-backed Gull

Great Black-backed Gull
Titusville, Fl

The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest of the gulls. They visit this area in the winter, however I very rarely see them. I saw this one today on the east side of the Max Brewer Causeway, the main road that leads to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refugee. Standing near some Sanderlings, perspective to just how enormous this gull is can be seen.

This one was actually very polite as you can seeing him waving good bye to me as I left.