Florida 2013 - Where are the Birds?

The weather has been so warm that we have enjoyed quite  a bit of cycling.

Most of the cycling has been local but one day we did my favourite ride on the Seminole-Wekiva Trail. (We can stop to eat at a Panera Bakery on the return trip. Note to self: Remember to share. Portions are large.)

Sand cranes were on the lawn of one of the houses.

When Glen and Norma came for a visit we went to the local park at Spruce Creek. Nice walkways but few birds. 
However, the next day we were going to drive South to a really good site further south... Viera Wetlands (the sewage plant)

This blackbird was fluffing his feathers and trying to attract attention. The wetlands seemed very dry and there was not the usual numbers of birds. Very few alligators in sight.

A great egret with a nice reflection. 

This hawk, a northern harrier, gave us some excitement.

Norma and I followed a lone sand-crane around so that we could get its picture.

We had read that the local dump was a good place to see birds. So... we set off for the dump.

It was good for vultures...

... and woodstorks and thousands of garbage gulls... if that is what you like to see.

Next stop was Merritt Island. It's always good for birds.

Well... not this year. It was very dry there too.

Back in New Smyrna, we went for a walk on the beach. Norma looked for shells.

I caught a Royal tern in flight.
We think that with the warm weather up north and the dryness in the south, the birds have not needed to migrate as far as Florida. Perhaps they are stopping in Georgia or South Carolina

Comments

Margot said…
Well, no birds, but at least nice weather!
February 12, 2013 at 6:57 p.m.
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