Florida Crazy

Continuing on the Big Year theme, I start with a correction from the last post...consensus is that #86 is a juvenile RSH. Guess I'll have to wait till fall to add that one. But there have been quite a few editions to my list, some in Jersey and a large chunk after a quick trip to Florida. All in all I have to say that Florida is a bird paradise although it is down from its former status as harboring millions upon millions of birds. Still everywhere I went were awesome birds getting down despite all-encompassing way in which we have impacted their environment. Best sighting was a Burrowing Owl (#87) pair nesting at Vista View Park...such beautiful and fascinating birds. Most surprise sighting was a swallow-tailed kite (#88) hunting tree swallows (#89). In numerous quantities were RSH and the tiny sub-species of falco sparverius (#90)! Much to my surprise I also found quite a few barn owls (#91). Then are the transplants gone native, including the Blue-crowned Parrot (#92), and the Muscovy Duck (#93).

Drips and Drabs

Im making daily progress but the cold is making birding tough! Even still, I was able to add this Common Murre #85, Broad-winged Hawk #86, and Canvasback #87. New birds are always great, but its nice to see a familiar friend.

Zero Dark Birdy

Getting birds here and there but no major coups. At Conowingo I got #81, Bald Eagle. and my first wild Bald Eagle Nest! Later in the week I got some more Jersey Birds, including this injured male Red-winged Black bird, #82. and this adult male redheaded duck, #83. The Vince Lombardi Rest Stop was a hotbed for birds, including these Fish Crows, #84. also had these Emperor Penguins, but believe me it hasnt been THAT cold! and finally another bird im not going to count, a Golden Eagle!

Superb Owls

Im going for the Seattle Seahawks because they have a red-tailed hawk as their mascot and sometimes fly him at home games. Technically I would have thought an osprey was closer to their logo and the fact that they hunt at you know, sea but Ive never seen a tame osprey. So they went with redtailed hawk, so in honor of all the hawks, I went to check out some crazy raptor action in NY and the Meadowlands. Kicking it off in Central Park was this off-season Baltimore Oriole, #75. Followed by a winter safety, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, #76. I made a Hail Mary for the LEO just before half-time, but was over ruled by the referee. Heading out to Jersey, there were two peregrines (41) and two adult bald eagles at the rest stop along I95. The peregrines were flanking the road and the eagles were in a tall tree out in the wetlands. Im guessing these are the same birds that nest along route 46. They seemed to be at a detente, sort of letting each other know that the other was nesting nearby. Regardless, it was quite the half-time show. However, I didnt start the second half so great. The windy, poor conditions are not easy to navigate and WAZE seemed to think my car could float. Anyway, after some careful play-calling I was within field-goal range. To my amazement there were 2 Northern Harriers (74) and two Short-eared Owls #77, scrumming it up along the ridge! Short-ears are also a lifer for me. I watched their graceful routes as they moved from various perches. It was clear they had two different offensive styles. The harriers layup and then go in feet first. The SEO's like to wind around and then go into the endzone head-first! They are very beautiful in flight but the frigid temps made long looks impossible. Heading out, I checked the bleachers and found this guy lurking in the lower decks. Not my best Cooper's pic, but its a full adult with red eye so Im counting him as #78. Sadly I didnt get any love on the rough-legged hawks, but after following an agitated red-tailed hawk in a nearby field and I found this beauty high atop the stadium lights! My first Snowy of 2014 and #79. As an extra point Im counting black-capped chickadee at #80 cuz I already have carolina chickadee from Cape May. All the birds were great sports and the best thing about it...no commercials!

Brown Birds

Made it out to Forsythe NWR for some decent car birding in the brutal cold. Got some great looks at a wide variety of birds on the trails but most of the bays and ponds were frozen over. I was able to pick up some nice sparrows and ground birds for my Big Year List. #69, Fox Sparrow #70 Hermit Thrush #71, Brown Thrasher #72, Savannah Sparrow #73, Eastern Meadowlark #74, Hen Harrier Also got a great look at this cinnamon-colored juvy peregrine (#41).