Decided to make two quick stops this morning on the way to work. The first was at the Townsend subdivision to see if the male/female pair of hooded mergansers from earlier in the week were still present. Well apparently they sent some invites out to their close friends, because there were 22 individuals present this morning. Most were adult females, but there were 8 adult males present with them. Also present was an adult great blue heron, a great egret, snowy egret, tri-colored heron, and a double-crested cormorant. Not too shabby for a quick check in the early morning.
The second stop was to Magnolia Parke to see if any rusty blackbirds might be hanging out. It was fairly quiet this morning, with very little blackbird presence. No rusties were present. Only a handful of common grackles and red-winged blackbirds were present. A few robins and yellow-rumped warblers as well. Downy, pileated, and red-bellied woodpeckers were also heard.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
SLEEPY SUNDAY
This morning I committed one of the (forgive the pun) cardinal sins a birder can make...I slept in. However, to purge this sin I decided to check in on some of the smaller spots around town to see if any interesting activity was taking place while running some errands.
My first stop was at Colclough Pond Sanctuary. Even though it was late morning, I figured there might be some activity, being the weather was still cool and pleasant. Boy was I wrong. The dearth of activity was pretty surprising. Yellow-rumped warblers were present in the shrub marsh, but they were the only species observed. A few american coots, an adult great-blue heron, and a cormorant were the only other species present. Based on the habitat available, I've been wondering if the shrub marsh might be conducive for rusty blackbirds. A lone individual was seen by Felicia Lee at Magnolia Parke the other day, so I figured it might be worth the while to see if any other early individuals might be hanging around town. Perhaps it is still a bit early, or maybe it's just not preferred habitat, but regardless there were no rusties present.
The second stop was to the Depot Avenue ponds. There wasn't much more activity occurring there either. Species present included american coots, pied-billed grebe, eastern phoebe, and a house wren. Overhead activity consisted of black and turkey vultures, and one flock of approximately 38 sandhill cranes headed in an easterly direction.
The last stop was the UF beef teaching unit off Williston. The only birds present were a handful of eastern bluebirds hanging out on the utility wires and fenceline and some cattle egrets. Otherwise the beef teaching unit was devoid of bird activity.
Later in the afternoon I took the dog for a walk around the Townsend subdivision and the retention pond there. It was actually fairly birdy for the pond, with a male and female hooded merganser being the nice standouts there. Also present were several great egrets, little blue heron (with some flying overhead), a tri-colored heron, and a snowy egret. Since there is actually water in the stormwater pond this year, it will be interesting to see what duck species end up utilizing it.
My first stop was at Colclough Pond Sanctuary. Even though it was late morning, I figured there might be some activity, being the weather was still cool and pleasant. Boy was I wrong. The dearth of activity was pretty surprising. Yellow-rumped warblers were present in the shrub marsh, but they were the only species observed. A few american coots, an adult great-blue heron, and a cormorant were the only other species present. Based on the habitat available, I've been wondering if the shrub marsh might be conducive for rusty blackbirds. A lone individual was seen by Felicia Lee at Magnolia Parke the other day, so I figured it might be worth the while to see if any other early individuals might be hanging around town. Perhaps it is still a bit early, or maybe it's just not preferred habitat, but regardless there were no rusties present.
The second stop was to the Depot Avenue ponds. There wasn't much more activity occurring there either. Species present included american coots, pied-billed grebe, eastern phoebe, and a house wren. Overhead activity consisted of black and turkey vultures, and one flock of approximately 38 sandhill cranes headed in an easterly direction.
The last stop was the UF beef teaching unit off Williston. The only birds present were a handful of eastern bluebirds hanging out on the utility wires and fenceline and some cattle egrets. Otherwise the beef teaching unit was devoid of bird activity.
Later in the afternoon I took the dog for a walk around the Townsend subdivision and the retention pond there. It was actually fairly birdy for the pond, with a male and female hooded merganser being the nice standouts there. Also present were several great egrets, little blue heron (with some flying overhead), a tri-colored heron, and a snowy egret. Since there is actually water in the stormwater pond this year, it will be interesting to see what duck species end up utilizing it.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
SATURDAY AT LA CHUA
Today I headed out to the La Chua Trail on the prairie to try and get some decent photos of the vermilion flycatcher which has been seen the past few weeks near the observation platform. At the parking lot I ran into the Ewing family and as we made our way to the prairie we ran into Felicia, and then Rex, Jennifer, and a few other birders. As a small group, we started searching for sparrows near the barn and were rewarded with a Lincoln's sparrow which popped up into a laurel cherry. A song sparrow, a calling white-crowned, and some savannahs were also present.
Soras were calling all throughout the trail it seemed. It's been a real pleasure being able to hear all the sora which have been out there for the last month or so. To be able to hear so many calling at once just adds another dimension to the prairie.
There were a lot of white ibis on the trail today, along with decent numbers of glossy ibis. We all searched for the Le Conte's which had been seen recently on the latter portion of the trail, but to no avail. The female vermilion flycatcher was present along what I call King Rail Trail (although I suppose it's more commonly referred to as Alligator Point). She was seen in the late morning and early afternoon.
A female merlin was also spotted a bit north of the observation platform foraging overhead. A small flock of gadwall were also observed in Alachua lake, along with some possible pintails. Blue-winged teal were also on-hand. Approximately 200-300 ducks were spotted in the early afternoon closer to Persimmon Point, but were too far away to allow for proper identification. All said, 53 species were observed today at La Chua.
Soras were calling all throughout the trail it seemed. It's been a real pleasure being able to hear all the sora which have been out there for the last month or so. To be able to hear so many calling at once just adds another dimension to the prairie.
 |
| (Sora at edge of freshwater marsh) |
There were a lot of white ibis on the trail today, along with decent numbers of glossy ibis. We all searched for the Le Conte's which had been seen recently on the latter portion of the trail, but to no avail. The female vermilion flycatcher was present along what I call King Rail Trail (although I suppose it's more commonly referred to as Alligator Point). She was seen in the late morning and early afternoon.
 |
| (Female vermilion flycatcher near observation platform) |
A female merlin was also spotted a bit north of the observation platform foraging overhead. A small flock of gadwall were also observed in Alachua lake, along with some possible pintails. Blue-winged teal were also on-hand. Approximately 200-300 ducks were spotted in the early afternoon closer to Persimmon Point, but were too far away to allow for proper identification. All said, 53 species were observed today at La Chua.
 |
| (Pied-billed grebe swimming along) |
 |
| (Green heron foraging in dense undergrowth at water's edge) |
BLACK FRIDAY
Black Friday. These words when combined have lately come to define the maddening, frantic, and unrelenting consumerist pursuit of finding the best deals around on holiday shopping. Rather than participate in this melee, I decided to spend the morning at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area in Lake County, Florida seeing what it had to offer. I figured it would be a great way to work off what felt like the extra pounds gained from my family's delicious Thanksgiving fete and to finally check out one of the prime birding locations in north Lake County.
For those who are not familiar with it, Emeralda Marsh is a 7,000 acre reclaimed wetland treatment area which was initially designed to remove and treat nutrients and pollutants from nearby Lake Griffin. Long ago this former marshland was converted from marshland to agricultural uses, but since it's purchase by the county it has turned into one of the more interesting birding destinations in the county.
I went in pursuit of ducks, hoping the refuge provided by the conservation area would harbor some interesting species. Perhaps they didn't get the memo or simply had not arrived yet for the winter, but there were not many species present. However, I was lucky to see 3 female buffleheads foraging together with american coots, common gallinule, and a female ring-necked duck. A small flock of blue-winged teal were also observed being flushed by one of the many immature northern harriers soaring around. Coot and the common gallinule were quite prevalent on the water, and the expected wading birds were present in good numbers as well.
As for passerines, eastern phoebe, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and palm warbler were expected and present in large numbers. However, the most interesting birds were a calling sora, an immature purple gallinule, and a male painted bunting. Sadly I did not secure a photograph of the bunting. It was a shame because his plumage was vibrant and quite showy. He was observed along the wildlife drive, right around the corner from the pump stations and shed (where the two tankers are located). He was foraging on the ground underneath the oaks right off the berm. All told, 53 different species were present.
Even with the fantastic bird life on-hand, the most interesting observation of the day came on my way back out of the marsh. I spotted some movement in the ditch as I was walking along the wildlife drive. I looked down and saw a red-shouldered hawk perched on some vegetation right over the water. Upon closer inspection I noticed it had caught what appeared to be a Florida or banded watersnake. It was attempting to rip it apart, but the snake was still somewhat wrapped around it's tail feathers and leg. The hawk attempted to re-position the snake, but while doing so, it dropped it into the water in the ditch and tried to grasp it back with its talons. Unfortunately the water and snake must have been too deep for the hawk to reach, and it lost its meal. It definitely did not seem too pleased with the outcome. Below are a series of the action which transpired. All in all it was a great pleasure to bird a new area and stay away from the throngs of madness at the department stores on Black Friday.
For those who are not familiar with it, Emeralda Marsh is a 7,000 acre reclaimed wetland treatment area which was initially designed to remove and treat nutrients and pollutants from nearby Lake Griffin. Long ago this former marshland was converted from marshland to agricultural uses, but since it's purchase by the county it has turned into one of the more interesting birding destinations in the county.
 |
| (Typical view of Emeralda Marsh) |
I went in pursuit of ducks, hoping the refuge provided by the conservation area would harbor some interesting species. Perhaps they didn't get the memo or simply had not arrived yet for the winter, but there were not many species present. However, I was lucky to see 3 female buffleheads foraging together with american coots, common gallinule, and a female ring-necked duck. A small flock of blue-winged teal were also observed being flushed by one of the many immature northern harriers soaring around. Coot and the common gallinule were quite prevalent on the water, and the expected wading birds were present in good numbers as well.
 |
| (Female buffleheads with female ring-necked duck and american coots) |
As for passerines, eastern phoebe, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and palm warbler were expected and present in large numbers. However, the most interesting birds were a calling sora, an immature purple gallinule, and a male painted bunting. Sadly I did not secure a photograph of the bunting. It was a shame because his plumage was vibrant and quite showy. He was observed along the wildlife drive, right around the corner from the pump stations and shed (where the two tankers are located). He was foraging on the ground underneath the oaks right off the berm. All told, 53 different species were present.
 |
| (Immature purple gallinule amongst the floating aquatic vegetation) |
 |
| (Glossy ibis foraging) |
Even with the fantastic bird life on-hand, the most interesting observation of the day came on my way back out of the marsh. I spotted some movement in the ditch as I was walking along the wildlife drive. I looked down and saw a red-shouldered hawk perched on some vegetation right over the water. Upon closer inspection I noticed it had caught what appeared to be a Florida or banded watersnake. It was attempting to rip it apart, but the snake was still somewhat wrapped around it's tail feathers and leg. The hawk attempted to re-position the snake, but while doing so, it dropped it into the water in the ditch and tried to grasp it back with its talons. Unfortunately the water and snake must have been too deep for the hawk to reach, and it lost its meal. It definitely did not seem too pleased with the outcome. Below are a series of the action which transpired. All in all it was a great pleasure to bird a new area and stay away from the throngs of madness at the department stores on Black Friday.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
ALL AVIFAUNA, ALL THE TIME
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(Black necked-stilt and american avocet at Newnan's Lake, June 2012)
I will also be providing periodic updates as time (and work) permits, regarding avifauna I've encountered in the field outside of Alachua County and from others who wish to share their finds. If you would like to share any information, updates, or photos on birds you've recently seen, please send them to aviblogger@yahoo.com and I will post them on here. If you'd like to write a post on a particular subject and include it on this blog, feel free to drop me a line.
As this is the initial post for the blog, I figured it should include a mission statement detailing my goals for the blog. So here it goes:
Mission Statement:
The primary objective of this blog is to provide updates on and expand
the known database of resident and migratory avifauna in Alachua County, while
simultaneously promoting awareness of and advocating protection for these
invaluable natural resources.
Below are some useful resources for resident and visiting birders:
·
“A Birdwatcher's Guide to Alachua County, Florida” by Rex Rowan
and Mike Manetz.
o
Anyone planning on birding in Alachua County should get their hands on a
copy of this illuminating book. It
contains highly detailed site and species accounts, maps, and directions about
where and when to find resident, seasonal, and migratory species throughout the
county. The information presented in the
book has been culled over many, many years and gives a unique insight to the
avifauna history of the county. A must
read.
It can be purchased here:
http://www.buteobooks.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BBBAO&Product_Code=12990&Category_Code=FL or at Wild Birds Unlimited
Gainesville.
·
Alachua Audubon
o
This is the most comprehensive website regarding birding in Alachua
County. It offers a wealth of
information regarding local birds, locations where they can be observed, and
weekly updates on recent sightings in the county. It also provides information on upcoming
Audubon sponsored field trips and classes, along with detailed information on
all of the natural resources which can be found in Alachua County. For those who enjoy historical perspectives
and context, make sure not to miss the History of Local Birding section of the
site.
·
Wild Birds Unlimited
o
This is the local hub for birders in Gainesville. It is owned and operated by local bird
enthusiasts and offers backyard birding products (i.e. feeders, seed, etc.) and
other birding needs such as binoculars, field guides, etc.
·
Alachua Conservation Trust
o
The ACT is a non-profit organization which works directly with landowners
to protect the natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources in and
around the county. Since its creation,
it has worked with landowners to set aside over 14,000 acres of land through
public land purchases and private conservation easements. These areas have since become or have added
acreage to some of the best birding spots in the county.
·
Ebird
o
This website operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is, in this
blogger’s opinion, providing some of the most comprehensive data collection
regarding relative abundance and migratory patterns of species not only
throughout the United States, but the world over. Ebird is a citizen-scientist tool which asks
birders to enter checklists of species they have seen when out birding. I could go on and on regarding the merits of
Ebird, but you should really check out the site for yourself and see how
invaluable of a tool this is and will continue to be for avifauna conservation.
·
Florida Ornithological Society
o
The FOS strives to promote field ornithology and
facilitate contact between professional ornithologists and amateur birders in
the state.
·
Florida Breeding Bird Atlas 2
o
This program run by the FOS is in its second phase. It unites professional ornithologists and
amateur birders in an effort to identify and update the known database of the
breeding ranges of species in the state by confirming the locations where they
are breeding and nesting.
·
Birdbrains
o This Florida listserv is a great forum to catch updates on bird sightings
throughout the state.
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