Black-necked Stilt, #16/50

I took these images @ Wakodohatchee Wetlands, Spring 2011.  I look forward to this spring when the Wetlands are drained for them to return to nest here.

Interesting facts:

Only the Greater Flamingo has longer legs in proportion to its over-all size. This unmistakable, delicate, black-and-white  shorebird is endowed with bright red legs and a slender bill. Common throughout much of the Western Hemisphere,  it is a common summer visitor, but uncommon nesting species in Southern Florida.

American Avocet, # 15/50

These images were taken @ Merritt Island NWR, January 2012. These Avocets flew in, ate quickly, and only stayed for a very short while.

Interesting Facts:

A largely white and black shorebird with a sharply upturned bill. Feeds by sweeping the bill from side to side.  A common winter visitor to southern Florida, although some also remain throughout summer.

Great Blue Heron, #3/50

I chose the GBH as my #3 for my 50 birds in 60 days project. (Wings Over Florida). For a larger view, simply click anywhere on the photo~

The top image was taken in early morning light at Merritt Island NWR, Jan 2012, the 2nd image was taken @ Wakodohatchee Wetlands in Delray/Boynton Beach, and the bottom image was taken @ Vierra Wetlands, Brevard County FL.

Interesting facts:

The largest heron of the western hemisphere and unmistakable even at a distance. Blue-gray, with a yellowish bill and black head plumes in breeding plumage.  An uncommon all-white morph occurs in southern Florida, which is considerably larger than the otherwise similar Great Egret, from which it is also separable by its yellow legs. It feeds upon a wide variety of prey, such as mice, crabs, shorebirds and frogs, as well as fish. This resident nests alone or in small colonies.