Had a couple of nice outings over the past two days with some birds appearing to make it onto the Bakers' "Year-list". On Sunday evening, we joined the Halifax River Audubon chapter for some late afternoon birding below the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange. After exchanging "pleasantries" with a "fisherman" (notice the quotation marks......he didn't exhibit the characteristics we usually associate with those true sportsmen) who decided that "Bird Island" was a fine place to have his dog jump out and deficate, we finally got down to some excellent birding. Watching the birds come in for their evening roost is always a joy, but tonight, we were treated to an extra special show. Two Yellow-crowned night herons decided to come in a little earlier than normal and posed nicely for us in the twilight. A pair of immature little blues in their white plumage were seen following their parent around the river, trying to learn their survival techniques. All in all, an most enjoyable evening.

The following morning, we were up and out heading down to Merritt Island NWR. There is talk of the feds taking this incredible birding site and plowing it under to make a commercial flight zone. God help us. If some of the politicians who are supporting this had been with us on our trip around Biolab road and Black Point Drive yesterday, they would think twice about coming up with an idotic plan like this. We had close to 50 species and wonderful courtship displays by a number of these beautiful birds. A fantastic day in a fantastic place.......