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Posted 1 CommentPosted in Circle B Bar Reserve

It’s been a long time since my dad and I could visit the Circle B Bar Reserve together. We headed out there for some nature therapy, and we enjoyed seeing all our old favorite spots. It was late March and the birds were happy to pose for our cameras.

Our first bird of the morning was this Pileated Woodpecker. We heard him before we saw him. Maybe one of those holes is his nest. It’s always fun photographing new life at this time of year.

Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker

We headed out Marsh Rabbit Run, and we spotted this little Green Heron in the canal. The bird was stalking a fish, so in turn we stalked the bird. You can see traces of his breeding colors on his lores.

Green Heron
Green Heron

As we approached Wading Bird Way, a Great Blue Heron flew overhead. He looked he had something in his mouth, so we hurried to catch up to him. He was carrying a giant fish and trying to figure out how to swallow it whole. It’s a good thing I’m not a bird because I don’t think I could eat fish this way…

Great Blue Heron with Fish
Great Blue Heron with Fish

We hiked the long way up Eagle Roost so we could say hi to this year’s eagle nest. Mom and Dad were hanging out on the left side of the tree together, and Junior was wing-flapping on the nest. We’re so lucky to see this family growing up each year.

Eagle Nest
Eagle Nest

My dad opted for the long route back by way of Lake Hancock. A Great Egret in breeding plumage was preening at the edge of the lake. Look at that green lore!

Great Egret
Great Egret

Our last birds of the day were the loudest and maybe the most fun to watch. A pair of Ospreys was hanging out on a branch over the lake. One had a fish, and he didn’t seem to be sharing with his future wife! She sat there fussing while he flapped his wings and ate. Things change quickly after she goes on eggs at their nest!

Osprey Pair with Fish
Osprey Pair with Fish

Nature heals, and we walked enough to ensure that we both slept well that night! We’ll have to get back out with our cameras soon. There’s nothing like some good father/daughter time. :)

More Antics from the Backyard Birdcam

Posted 3 CommentsPosted in Birds

It’s been a few months, so it’s time to share another video collage from the backyard birdcams. Early spring in Central Florida is when the bird activity in my backyard is at its busiest. From the winter visitors gearing up to migrate, to the resident birds starting to nest, the yard is always very active. Rich and I sit mesmerized sometimes. We wonder what people watch when they lack a high-definition window!

Here’s a teaser of the video highlights…see if you can spot them all! Make sure to turn up your sound to hear the cheerful chatter.

  • Bumble Bee Overture (hummingbird-style)
  • Mrs. Cardinal chewing with her mouth open
  • Goldfinch synchronized sipping act
  • Finchfest in the birdbath
  • Tufted Titmouse trying to break and enter
  • Mr. Cardinal having a cow
  • The one called Mellow Yellow
  • And of course, the Colorful Bathtub Competition