|
Royal Tern |
On my favorite day at the beach I didn't even have a swimsuit. Don't take that the wrong way. I had long pants, shirt, shoes, hat, camera, and binoculars, but this past Saturday I had a fantastic time at the Canaveral National Seashore. Even though I was only there a couple hours (I went elsewhere on Merritt Island too), it's probably my favorite two hours of beach birding, rivaled only by beautiful Ft. De Soto.
|
Eastern Kingbird |
Upon arriving I was greeted by two Eastern Kingbirds. A Loggerhead Shrike was also there west of the parking lot, and I heard the beautiful call of an Eastern Towhee, though I never saw it. I walked to the beach to find very few people there, and it felt like I had the beach to myself. Shortly after beginning my walk, I began seeing small shorebirds along the shoreline. Semipalmated Plovers were there, and I enjoy watching them hunt for food. But then I saw one plover that was much lighter in color. Could it be? Yes, a Piping Plover was there keeping company with the Semipalmated Plovers.
|
Piping Plover |
|
Semipalmated Plover |
As I continued northward, I saw a cluster of Terns. As I approached, I noticed that most of them were Royal Terns. One was being rather noisy. I located it, and it was an immature Royal Tern begging mom for food. Mom would not hear anything of it. She was content to preen herself. I think at one point I heard her say, "You're big enough, get your own food!"
|
Royal Terns |
There was a Sandwich Tern there too, the first I've found on the east coast of Florida. Then a couple Black Terns presented themselves.
|
Sandwich Tern |
|
Black Tern |
A couple Black-bellied Plovers were also there, both in different stages of returning to their basic plumage.
|
Black-bellied Plovers |
|
Black-bellied Plover |
Did I mention that the immature Royal Tern wanted to be fed? The silent treatment / stare down tactic wasn't working.
|
Royal Terns |
I also found a couple Sanderlings. One of them still had the remnants of his alternate plumage. They were not happy with each other either. I loved watching them interact.
|
Sanderling |
|
Sanderling |
Often when I see a Common Tern, upon closer inspection it turns magically into a Forster's Tern. This one was kind enough to remain a Common Tern for me, and I was grateful.
|
Common Tern |
A Willet was also nice enough to pose for me. This one walked by me not much more than 12 feet away.
|
Willet |
And another Sanderling found some food.
|
Sanderling |
Of course, the Royal Tern was still very interested in being fed, but trying from a different angle just wasn't going to work.
|
Royal Terns |
After all, what would the neighbors think?
|
Royal Terns |
Scott Simmons
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, humoristic and... well, just brilliant!
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to live close to such places, what a dream!
You got the best out of each scene!
Cheers!
Thanks so much, Noushka! I do count myself lucky to live so close to Merritt Island.
DeleteCanaveral National Seashore is perhaps the loveliest beach I have ever seen. You're fortunate to live near there. Wonderful post and photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! Believe it or not, I'd never walked it significantly before Saturday. That will be corrected.
DeleteBeach birding is fun! You can enjoy the sunshine and observe birds at the same time. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteVery nice Scott--looks like a great day at the beach. The Beach has certainly provided some of my best birding experiences too. The light, the birds, the scenery...it's all wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I need to go more often.
DeleteEnjoyed reading your post, Scott. The photos are fantastic, and such great variety!
ReplyDeleteHi there - nice post. I have a bit of a soft spot for waders in general, but the tern pictures are great. Give it a few months and I may be bending them again!
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Australia
Wonderful images...
ReplyDeleteNice photos¡¡¡ i have too an ornitolgy blog can u visit please, am interested in your opinion thank u http://joancabs.blogspot.com.es/
ReplyDeleteThis is a delightful post Scott, makes me twitch for a visit back to Florida!
ReplyDeleteScott, thanks for taking us along on your beach walk. What a fantastic place to observe birds. Your photographs are superb, as always. Terrific post!
ReplyDeleteGreat images Scott, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete