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.

Little Blue Heron # 10/50

These images were taken @ Bunche Beach, Ft. Meyers FL. At one   short point in time, there were several different types of birds in this area, a Reddish Egret, a Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis. I was trying diligently to focus only on the Little Blue 

:-), and I will admit I was continually distracted by the Reddish Egret, who was stealing the show.

Interesting facts:

The adult is easily identified by its dark gray coloration, but the white immatures are possible to mistake for a number of other species, including the white morph of an immature reddish egret.  It is important to study medium-sized white herons very carefully, as they could be mistaken for a Snowy or even a Cattle Egret. Young Little Blue Herons have no head plumes and the legs are overall greenish.  

Yellow-crowned Night Heron #6/50 Checklist

While enjoying the variety of shore birds one early morning at Bunche Beach in Ft. Meyers, I spotted this way way (way) across the water, and he shortly disappeared into the thicket.

Interesting facts:

 He is a medium-sized heron, and a rather chunky gray bird. Solitary and nocturnal, it prefers saltwater areas. Common throughout Florida.

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.