2013 – Week 7: Spring is in the Air

February 10 – 16^th

       While it is still mid-February and although today began with a chiily 50 degrees (chilly by central Florida standards at any rate), the signs of spring are beginning to pop up all around us as the avian world is beginning to don their finest ensembles and suddenly taking notice of the opposite sex.  Of course, this is the week of Valentine’s Day, so what else should we expect?  Pairs are showing up all over the place…..Sandhill cranes, Red-breasted mergansers, and more.

       Some of these southern birds have actually gotten a head start and have already built their nests, mated and are now rearing young.  One of the most successful Bald eagle nests is located about 40 minutes north of our winter quarters.  In the town of Holly Hill at Centennial Park, a pair of eagles are presently tending to not one, not two, but a rarely heard of three chicks.  Granted, all three are not progressing at quite the same rate.  The eldest (presumably) is now often seen “branching”…..holding onto the side of the nest while flapping wildly in an attempt to get the “feel” of flying.  This is generally a precursor to fledging.

       Bird number 2 is quite obvious with head sticking up searching the skies for mom or dad to return to the nest with the next tender morsel, while the runt of the litter is rarely seen except on the occasion of the parent’s return. 

       Triplets are a rarity in the eagle world.  Last year in the state of Maine, out of 385 nests, only one produced the threesome.  So, this is a real thrill to begin the breeding season here in the sunshine state with such fanfare.

       Other species are just getting started.  We found this Great blue heron at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in DeLeon Springs just beginning to build her nest.  We never did see her mate, so she may just be practicing for the real deal.

        Later in the week, we visited Viera Wetlands off exit 191 on I-95.  The place was abuzz with egrets, herons, and Anhingas on the nest, building nests, and/or trying to impress a prospective mate with elaborate rituals and plumages. 

       Most impressive among this group was a pair of Anhingas that “danced” and swooned, swaying back and forth and intertwining their necks around one another.  The color of the eyes was such a brilliant green that it was most striking even without the scope or bins.  These photos have not been enhanced in any way.  The color you see is what we saw (if indeed the photos do the colors justice). 

       It will be exciting to see how the season progresses as more and more of the Florida “love-birds” get into the act.  It only gets better from here!