One of the premier spots in East Central Florida for birding is the site of the Viera waste treatment facility, AKA Viera Wetlands. The impoundments of the plant serve as a feeding ground and "home" for both migrants and resident birds. Adjacent to the impoundments, one finds extensive fields where Sandhill cranes forage and Northern harriers skim across the tops of the grasses in search of their next meal. Today's trip yielded 40 species, mostly waterfowl, waders, and "skulkers". As you approach the preserve, there is a large pond on the right which is always promising, and today we got great views of Ring-necked ducks, Blue-winged teal, and a kestril on the wires behind us. The best views of the day included a harrier which worked the field right in front of us as we sat on one of the benches inside the reserve and had our lunch. The harrier spooked a Common snipe which flew up in a panic. We also had a great time watching three Snowy egrets which were feeding by hitting the water with their long bills as they flew over shallow impoundments. I'd never seen that feeding behavior from Snowies before. What can I say.....just another day in paradise.
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