June 2012 Birding Central Florida

While in the Orlando area I had another opportunity to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve at Titusville, Florida.  No ducks this time of year, but I still saw some nice birds.  First was a female Red-wing singing by the road, and a Reddish Egret looking for a meal.

Red-winged Blackbird (Female)

Reddish Egret

Two perched birds, an Eastern Kingbird and a juvenile Green Heron gave some nice poses.

Eastern Kingbird

Green Heron (Juvenile)

There were quite a few Black-necked Stilts in the reserve and a number of shorebirds, including Semipalmated Plovers.

Black-necked Stilt (Male)

Semipalmated Plover

I saw a colorful Willet in a tree, but the real treat was seeing a Stilt Sandpiper, a new “life bird” for me.

Willet

Stilt Sandpiper

On the recommendation of Orlando birder, Wayne Kennedy, I visited the Circle B Bar Ranch Preserve in Lakeland, Florida.  Again, I saw a number of Black-necked Stilts, and this Great Blue heron that was well-camouflaged against a tall twisted tree trunk.

Black-necked Stilt (Female)

Great Blue Heron

There were a number of Glossy Ibis in the ponds, including these two sporting winter and summer dress.

Glossy Ibis (Adult Winter)

Glossy Ibis (Adult Summer)

I also saw Sandhill Cranes for the first time in a couple of years, and a chick wading by the shore.

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Crane Chick

Finally, before leaving the preserve I got my first look at a Purple Gallinule, another new bird for my “life list”.

Purple Gallinule

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Thanks,

Phil Graham–Photo Naturalist

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Category : Breeding Colors, Central Florida Birds, Orlando
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