We are fortunate to have a Great Egret rookery in a lovely little park in the middle of town. The park is in a neighborhood, with the majority of the nests being in a tree that is hanging over the road, and up against power lines. Sometimes, I’m just like, really birds? This is the best you could do? But whatever, now I get to enjoy them. The park also has a lot of nesting Anhinga, and I noticed one Great Blue Heron nest with chicks in it.

The adult above is in all it’s beauty of breeding colors and plumage.

An egg fallen to the ground. Beautiful color!

Day 5 we went to Beaver Lake, specifically for the Bird Sanctuary but it was under construction! In a serious way that involved construction vehicles and trees crashing down!

We did have a long walk around the lake and part of the sanctuary, and there were some shorebirds, Green Heron, Canada Geese, lots of Cedar Waxwings and Catbirds, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, an adorable bunch of Mallard ducklings, etc… but I didn’t end up with really any good photos at all!

Catbird

Wild strawberries.

Awesome nest!

House Wren

There are a lot of Sandhill Cranes hanging about Viera Wetlands right now. Last year I was happy to observe one couple with it’s young throughout the Spring and Summer, starting with this absolute cuteness:

That was the only pair around then, but last weekend I saw two pairs with little babes, a pair on a nest, and two other pairs wandering around… it’s pretty cool to go and see all the pairs doing their thing.

There are Anhinga nesting at Viera Wetlands. Some have already had babies for a while, others are on the nest.

This fine gentleman brought his lady a stick for the nest.

Ok, see ya later!

Ok, thanks!

She placed it and then covered it with another, securing it’s placement.

And here is a baby Anhinga from another nest. They look so mature, I don’t think they are ever that “cute” despite the white fuzzies.

I drive by the Eagle nest every couple of days to see how they are doing. There are two Eaglets which both seem to be doing okay. I usually stop by on my way home and don’t have the camera with me, when I do bring the camera they decide to be shy! Despite the bad lighting, I did snap a shot of one this last time (with parent). They are big!

Sandhill Cranes are common in this area, I’m sure I see them every day. This is the first time I found a nest, it can be seen from the road and I have been keeping an eye from a distance. Finally got a chance to stop and take a few photos. I will continue watching for the little ones, and hope they stay safe!

I hadn’t been to Viera Wetlands in a few months so I went to check up on it. There are more birds at Merritt Island this Winter, but I am so excited to visit Viera this Spring! Why? Nestlings!! The Great Blue Heron’s are already setting up on the palms and the platform, and there are even more nests than last year…

Here are a few more shots from the day:

I was amused by the Gadwall and Coots having a tussle over this snack.

Here is a little peek at Lake Harney Wilderness Area. It is a short hike. The start of the trail is down a sandy road, not to be done on a hot day! Luckily today was very nice. I mean, it is only the first of February!

The River Loop has beautiful sprawling oaks and a crazy amount of spanish moss. Then there are a few good spots to view the river. This is also a historical landmark, and there is a board with a timeline and the history. Starting with an Indian settlement, going to a ferry dock, and then a railroad over the river, of which some remnants remain.

I love the roots of the cypress across the river. Then, in the photo below I knew I was photographing a Great Blue Heron, but the Kingfisher on the fence post could not be seen with the naked eye. Do you see it?

On the walk back I saw an enormous Eagle’s nest. Much bigger than the once I have been watching. But I did not see any Eagle’s nearby, and according to the Florida Eagle Nest Locator it is no longer active.

The Eagle Watch has been pretty uneventful so far…

Eagle’s now watching the nest! Time for me to start watching too!