The Birds of Florida

Our winter stay in Florida is drawing to a close. Following a flurry of summer and autumn travel, these past four months staying put, visiting with friends, playing golf, and exploring the area have been pleasant and restorative. As usual, we didn't get to everywhere we planned to get, or see everything we wanted to see. But I always feel best when I leave a place with the feeling I could have done more, rather than feeling like I've worn it out. One of the most delightful things about Florida, for me, is the birds. They are plentiful (we got pictures of over 16 species without even trying), and varied, with each type of bird having unique personalities and characteristics. We saw shore birds, birds of prey, nesting birds, water birds, and colorful birds. We saw them in the trees outside our window, on the fence behind our 5th Wheel, on the golf courses, on the beach, along the bike trail, in State Parks, and in the wetlands. It took some detective work to figure out the species for some that were unfamiliar to us, but I think we were able to finally identify them all. In the pictures below (not necessarily in order) you will see the American Oyster Catcher, Anhinga, Cormorant, Dove, Hawk, Egret, Blue Heron (both Great and Little), Ibis, Ladder Back Woodpecker, Osprey, Pelican, Roseate Spoonbill, Sandhill Crane, Sandpiper, and a Wood Stork.