Showing posts with label Indian River. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indian River. Show all posts

Friday, July 6, 2012

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:)

Friday, April 6, 2012

Least Terns

I spotted a small flock of about 10 Least Terns today foraging on the Indian River. These are the first Least Terns I've seen this season. They usually show up in this area around this time of year and hang around for a few months. These terns are much smaller than other I've seen in this area, including Caspian, Forster's, and Royal Terns. They were quite vocal as they picked little mullet out of the river. A few even stopped by to rest  on the dock next to where we were standing.



Thursday, February 2, 2012

Indian River Sunrise

02/02/12
Indian River Lagoon

02/02/12
Indian River Lagoon
This photo is part of Skywatch Friday! Check it out! http://skyley.blogspot.com/

02/02/12
Indian River Lagoon
The sunrise is a good reminder that you know what the day will bring...

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Walking the Plank

Ruddy Turnstones
Indian River Lagoon

A small flock of Turnstones and Sanderlings appeared this week along the Indian River Lagoon. These Ruddy Turnstones were "walking the plank" to a get to a sandy area  for alittle foraging. Watching them hunt for food is always entertaining as they wildly toss sand and turn stones with their odd shaped bills.