Snowy Plover in Sanibel

The snowy plover is among the rarest endemic shorebirds in the Americas. Since 2014, it is listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN because of a moderately rapid population decline caused primarily by habitat degradation and human disturbance. At the beginning of the breeding season, males excavate multiple nest scrapes that are advertised to females; one of these scrapes is later selected for breeding. Some females will desert their brood soon after the chicks hatch to re-mate with another male, while their first mate will continue to rear the chicks. Such polygamy is uncommon in birds, and is possibly a strategy to maximize breeding success. (Wikipedia )

Chuck-will’s-widow

The common English name “chuck-will’s-widow ” is an onomatopoeia from the bird’s song. Alternative names include “chuckwuts-widow” and “chip-fell-out-of-a-oak”.

This bird is sometimes confused with the better-known whippoorwill (Antrostomus vociferus), because of their similar calls and unusual names. Though rather closely related, they are two distinct species.

It is the largest nightjar or nighthawk in North America. In length, it ranges from 28 to 33 cm (11 to 13 in). The wingspan can range from 58 to 66 cm (23 to 26 in).

The repetitive song is often heard at night. It consists of a series of calls with a vibrating middle note between two shorter notes, not much shifting in pitch.  It eats primarily insects, particularly those active at night such as moths, beetles, and winged ants. It will also eat small birds and bats, swallowing them whole.

Notice the feelers around the mouth on the cropped image. The primary term for the stiff, hair-like tactile bristles found around the mouth or base of the beak in many bird species is rictal bristles. These structures, often found in insectivorous and nocturnal birds, are sometimes referred to as facial bristles, vibrissae, or simply sensory bristles. (Unfortunately the bird was sleeping in a safe place covered by overgrowth making a clean image without overlying branches impossible as you can see with the green overlying the images.)

From Wikipedia

Roseate Spoonbills in Florida

Roseate Spoonbills are iconic pink wading birds, a threatened but recovering native species in Florida, found in coastal wetlands, bays, and mangroves, known for their unique spoon-shaped bill used to filter feed in shallows; they are a key indicator species for Everglades health.

Key Characteristics

  • Appearance: Striking pink plumage, white neck/back, scarlet wing patches, yellow-green head, and a long, flat bill.
  • Diet: Shrimp and small crustaceans that get their color from algae, giving the birds their pink hue.
  • Feeding: Sweep their bills side-to-side in shallow water, snapping shut on prey. 

A Day in Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Lightroom Butterfly Gallery

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron complaining about disturbance of his sleep. Naturally they sleep during the day. Can often be found sleeping in the same spot each day. Here in Wakodahatchee Wetlands in southern Florida.

Red-eyed Vireo and Great Crested Flycatcher and More

Many birds in the Oak tree this morning – suspect it is the process of migration September 30th.

Sandhill Cranes in Wisconsin

Fisher Bird and His Catch in Sheboygan Falls

A Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron was present today and Christel and I had an opportunity to watch his skill. And the truth of the matter (it may seem too much to swallow🥴) is I’m not sure he had a license! It turned out to be “catch and release”!!😆😂