Several times during the month of November I have witnessed 2 Bird of Prey cross paths in midair in the backyard. Absolutely amazing to watch! Yesterday I watched a hawk standing in the pond acting like it was going to bathe. It stood in the water for a long time keeping a keen eye on its surroundings. This time another hawk entered the area, the hawk in the pond took flight and the 2 flew through yard only to disappeared. A few minutes later both hawks landed in the tree near the pond. Both disappeared again and then the hawk that was going to bathe came back to finish the job. The other hawk came back and landed in the tree next to the pond. Maybe 5 minutes later the hawk in the tree flew down and landed on the rocks that edge the pond. The hawk in the pond bathed while the other perched on the edge of the pond. Because of the time of year, I was in awe. The hawk on the rock flew off after 5 minutes or so. The hawk bathing finished and spent time preening in the pine tree enjoying the sun and 45-degree temps.
Always exciting to find eggs of a new nesting bird species and add to my Yard Bird List! A foot away from stepping on the nest. The bird flew off the well camouflaged nest right in front of me. Lucky me and fortunate for the bird!!! The nest area is flagged to keep the eggs safe.
On July 24, 2021, late evening I was out gathering milkweed for Monarch caterpillars I rear and release. I am always on the lookout for Kestrels hanging out on the powerline across the road. As I looked up I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I was so excited when running back to the house for my camera, I landed flat on my face. Thank goodness I did not hurt myself. I grabbed both cameras and drove the vehicle back to the overgrown horse pasture. Not knowing anything about the bird's behavior I thought it would be best photographing from inside the vehicle. I watched the bird catch one dragonfly and a few grasshoppers. What a treat to observe and photograph a male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher also known as the Texas Bird-of-Paradise!
A New Lifer! On April 6, 2019, heard this beautiful song and saw the Carolina Wren singing shortly after 8 am while visiting my Aunt in Palm City, Martin County, FL. The wrens have nested behind her window shutter a few years ago.
A New Lifer! On May 14, 2017 around 9:25 pm, we heard a new night call that lasted for about 15 minutes as it moved around the west side of the shelterbelt. A beautiful evening sky filled with the sound of a singing Eastern Whip-poor-will.
http://www.birdwatchersdigest.net/wbbn/august2016-preview/
Page 2 shows a image of my backyard ponds and on page 18 thru 21 is an article on water and backyard birding in my yard. Stepped outdoors with the dogs around 9:30 PM and heard a Northern Saw-whet calling from our shelterbelt. A cell phone recording and a south wind so the calling is soft but you can hear it in the background. |
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