Day 36: - February 5th - The City of New Smyrna - Urban birds

Sunny and warm

       When we think of “urban birds”, grackles, crows, pigeons, mourning doves, and an occasional robin come to mind.  Here in Florida, however, that is not always the way it is.  Case in point……

       Yesterday, on our way to Viera Wetlands, Sharon and I decided we better stop off and grab a quick bite before entering the refuge.  Since Burger King was right down the road from our destination, we decided to forego any thoughts of good dietary practice and grab a burger.  As we pulled into the lot, we heard the unmistakable call of Sandhill cranes.  I searched the skies and the horizon, but these calls were much closer.  Then we saw the birds.  Two sandhills were standing outside the door of the fast-food restaurant looking for…..well, fast food!  We later found out that these two cranes are regulars  here and beg French fries and whatever else the generous patrons are willing to offer. 

       We we dined inside the establishment, the cranes waited immediately outside the door, expectantly awaiting our departure and hopefully some tasty morsel.  If fast food is not the healthiest part of the American diet for humans, I can only imagine what potential it has for birds.  And so, we made our exit and denied the birds their entreaties. 

       Today, we visited old avian friends, the New Smyrna Beach urban eagles.  For years now, a pair of Bald eagles has occupied a nest at the corner of US 1 and Turnbull Bay Boulevard.  We were cautiously optimistic that they would be here again when we returned to our wintering grounds because last year the birds failed to return to their nest.  This year, however, they were back and in business.  The nest is now occupied by Mom, Pop, and two little (little?) young'uns.

Our "Urban eagles"

       We had a little bit of a show as we scoped out and photographed the two chicks on the nest as a vulture soared dangerously close to the unguarded nest.  Eventually, one of the parents made an appearance and quickly drove the intruder away.  The chicks are plenty big, but are still not ready to leave the nest.  We will keep you appraised of how they progress in upcoming blog entries. 

       And so, we had excellent birding without ever leaving the city streets over the past two days.  Oh, did I mention the Pileated woodpecker who set up housekeeping in a hole in the telephone pole on the opposite city corner from the eagles?  Only in Florida……