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”!!😆😂

Swallowtail Butterflies Mating in Wisconsin

This week we had the opportunity to watch the mating of Swallowtail Butterflies.  Male swallowtails often engage in aerial displays, flying in a specific pattern to attract females. They also release pheromones, chemical signals that play a crucial role in attracting mates. Once the male lands, the butterflies couple at the abdomen, with the male on the bottom and the female on top. The male transfers a spermatophore, which contains sperm and nutrients, to the female. After mating, male swallowtail butterflies typically live for only a few days longer. Their primary focus after mating is to reproduce, and once they’ve fulfilled this role, their lifespan is shortened. In contrast, female swallowtails live longer to lay eggs and contribute to the next generation. The adult stage of a swallowtail, including both males and females, generally lasts from a few weeks up to a month or more.

Red-spotted Purple Admiral Butterfly in Wisconsin