These photo groupings reflect my love of bird watching ~ and are chosen from my photo files, all previously published on this blog. Birding is something I've not done in recent months as living in the heart of downtown, high up in a 16th floor apartment, birds are not a common sight. Oh, an occasional migrating flock may pass by, but that's only a rare pleasure, not to be photographed.
The first two montages below are from the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, north of the Kennedy Space Center. Merritt Island and Cocoa, Florida were my home for over 20 years. Driving, biking or walking along Blackpoint Drive in the refuge, one sees all kinds of water birds and whether at dawn, midday or twilight, different species will be out to hunt for fish in the ever changing waterways shallow or deep. It is a beautiful and natural place, never quite the same, worth visiting over and over. By the way, there are an abundance of "wingless critters" in the waters as well, so when you walk, do so with caution and shoes on.
The two montages below are photographs from those many days, of all the visitors. Every one a delight to see. Especially perhaps the hawk who spent maybe an hour, happily lunching up high, undisturbed, and I was able to get an entire series of photos of him. And the pileated woodpeckers, not one but two, feasting on some old ant-filled dying logs found in the back of the yard. As majestic as both of these birds are, my favorite was always the little "downy", patient and shy, always waiting his turn, until the bigger boys had their fill and flew away.
that is great what species you have... happy bird day dear June
ReplyDeleteSo this means that June doesn't get to watch all those beautiful birds like you did. They're all absolutely gorgeous and stunning pictures but that's no surprise because of your skills with the camera! I did not know that you lived in Cocoa which is almost directly across the state from us. I love Florida and I hope I never have to leave it
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful birds. We had an abundance until late spring when 2 hawks arrived. I think a female and it's young one. They sadly found the small birds here easy pickings.
ReplyDeleteWell, we can say that we too have been to Merritt and Cocoa Florida, just last month and we saw birdies there. We used to have a bird feeder out front for the cats but it attracted mice in the ground that made a mess, so it is no more.
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful birds. I have always loved the soft mourning doves.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMerritt Island NWR is one of my favorite Florida refuges to visit. Your birds and photos are just beautiful, wonderful sightings. Kismet is a cutie! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a great day and week ahead.
That sure is a wonderful bunch of pretty birds!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all the beautiful birds. We feed the birds here all year long. Our marina has all kinds of wonderful birds to enjoy. Love to watch them fish.
ReplyDeleteI love Kismet. I've been visiting Kismet for many years.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥
OMBirds!!! What a wonderful selection of photos too.
ReplyDeleteI am an avid backyard bird watcher and feeder
Hugs Cecilia
Amazing photos! What a variety, wow - I need to go to Maryland one day.
ReplyDeleteSQUAAAAAAAAAAWK! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI saw a very strange birdie in your collection, June. Hope that it can't fly..🙈 Beautiful pictures of such beautiful creatures💗Pawkisses for a Peaceful Wednesday🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteThis is our first winter with feeders. We enjoy our downy, our white breasted nuthatches, our tufted titmice,black-capped chickadees, an occasional Carolina Wren, black eyed juncos (who feed on the seeds that fall to the ground)and, best of all, a cardinal pair. They always come when it's almost too dark to see them (but are showing up during the day now from time to time.) I enjoyed your pictures very much.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't lived until you see a Indian Ringneck parrot like me.
DeleteBirds are so fun!
ReplyDeleteI especially love owls.
Juney Chowder...we like burd number.... FOR TEEN ~~~~~~
ReplyDelete;) ♥♥
Those photos are wonderful - but the ones of the pileated - especially the pair - are amazing. We have had a pair around here in the summer (NE Ohio) and have plenty of the smaller ones year around.
ReplyDeleteChirps to Kismet !
Your bird photos are beautiful. We remember seeing many of them in the past.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the shout out for Kismet - we were hoping to find his blog today. We didn't post about Dylan because he has become a very mute bird:(
Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Beautiful shots. We feed birds all winter. We get woodpeckers, cardinals, chickadees, etc. XO
ReplyDeleteWe loved seeing all those birdies! We have lots of juncos and chickadees around right now. The Evil Squirrel Cartel is ever present, but can only pick up whatever seeds the birdies drop from the feeders. They've been gorging on hawthorn berries too. Yesterday we saw a cooper's hawk swooping through the yard. Oh, and tell Kismet that my Florida associate, Miss Charlee has an Indian Ringneck birdie sister named Frankie.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Thank you for sharing your amazing birding photos again with us, Ann.
ReplyDeleteWow, excellent shots. Those are worth binging on bird tv.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
Foley taught us always to be good to the birds. They are like an air force. If you are friends with the birds they will poop on your enemies.
ReplyDeleteThose are great bird pictures. We enjoy watching all the birds in our backyard here, too.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss Bird Day? My two birds, Summer and inter will never forgive me. Actually, as long as I have millet on hand they will forgive anything.
ReplyDeleteBecause of the Snowmageddon we have been having, Mom did not get out to all of our furrends yesterday. She was blessed to have Mr McM plow out the top of the driveway (actually he plowed the road that the village has NOT been plowing) which "saved" her about 3 hours of back breaking labor!
ReplyDeleteWatching the birds is a joyful thing. Ms. G always puts down "decoy food," extra food away from the feeders to keep the squirrels busy. She also sprays the poles of the feeders with Pam cooking spray, so they learn to just go for the decoy food.
ReplyDelete