Miami Migrants

This weekend we would begin each day by 5:00 am listening to the singing bird migration overhead in the dark star filled sky. The days would only get better as the nets were opened before daylight.  It was amazing to see the different species caught. Acadian Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Swainson’s Thrush, Tennessee Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-throathed Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-throathed Blue Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroath, Ovenbird, Catbird and Painted Bunting. Following the masses of songbird migration are the ever present birds of prey. Hawk Watch was taking place just down the road in the Keys. On Oct 10th a world record of 1506 Peregrine Falcons were recorded overhead going south, doubling their previous record.   https://floridakeyshawkwatch.wordpress.com/

White-Eyed Vireo

Nexrad / Radar for the Birds

When NEXRAD weather radar data is collected, it not only contains information about weather events, but it also captures the presence of birds in the air column. Such information is especially important to the management of shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wetland birds. Scientists from around the USGS have formed a collaborative to research in application of radar ornithology. Links to work around the USGS can be found at: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/Radar/.

Notice the round circles before and after the front representing birds on the wing moving south at 5:00 am this morning. Taken from  http://www.rap.ucar.edu/weather/radar/   click on the Countiguous U.S  above the US map and a real time still image of the current bird movement  can be seen. Notice how this activity heats up during the night, following a front such as this image the birds are really on the move.

Black-bellied Plover

This stocky plover breeds in high Arctic zones around the world, and winters on the coasts of six continents. They add character of our shorelines with its haunting whistles, heard by day or night.

http://www.audubon.org/sites/default/files/BLBEPL_2.pluweecalls_AKle_1.mp3?uuid=55e74d01b79f1

Rosette Spoonbill

One of my favorite birds to photograph is seen out my back door. This flash of pink is such a unique bird that my camera is always within reach. Spoonbills will allow you to get close enough for pictures if you are patient and slow. Instead of watching your watch you are now in bird time.

Killdeer

Like other members of the plover family, this species is often found at the water’s edge, but it also lives in pastures and fields far from water. At times, it nests on gravel roofs or on lawns. Despite local declines in some urbanized areas, still widespread and abundant.

Finally the rain ends

After 17 straight days of rain soaked  skies finally the deluge stopped. Today a[one we had over 8″ of liquid sunshine.These birds seemed pleased to dry their feathers before sundown.

Ring-Billed Gull

Enjoying a sunset in July you wonder what this gull is thinking ?

Banding Black Skimmers

Fifteen volunteer birders arrived at South Pinellas beach this morning at 4:30 am. Our goal was to capture as many young (flightless) Skimmers as we could before daylight. Catching them in the pitch dark was a new adventure for me.We were provided with long handle butterfly nets. This worked well IF you could see them and run really fast. Each newly hatched bird received a thorough examination of measurements, weights and received a new plastic leg band for future ID. Before the first light of day we had banded 20 Skimmers. If you ever see Black Skimmer # A30 on the beach let me know. I remember him. Last item of business was to herd the displaced young back to the bird colony.

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Photos by Jim McGinity.

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Little Blue Heron

   After nesting, adults and young disperse from colonies in all directions, including northward. Some may move well to the north in late summer before migrating south. Banding returns show that some migrate as far as South America, although some also remain in southeastern United States in winter.

Tricolored Heron

On the southeastern coastal plain, the Tricolored Heron is a characteristic bird of quiet shallow waters. Strikingly slender, with long bill, neck, and legs, it is often seen wading belly-deep in coastal lagoons. Although it is solitary in its feeding, it is sociable in nesting, often in very large colonies with various other herons and egrets. Formerly known as Louisiana Heron.  http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/tricolored-heron

Adult Tricolored Heron

Juvenile Tricolored Heron