Viera Wetlands Update
Apr 4, 2021 07:33:59 #
I walk here every day that I can. Saturday's highlights: The barred owls apparently have fledged and the family has left their nest - they have not been seen in the past several days. The pair of limpkins now have chicks to feed. Yesterday they were screaming out in the reeds and cattails but did not bring their chicks to the edge of the wetlands to hunt for snails while I was there. There are some Great Blue Heron nests - one on a small bit of scrub easily photographed from the road. Sitting on eggs right now. The sandhill cranes have hatched and the "colts" are out with their parents looking for grubs. I watched a harrier hawk on the prowl, and a male and an immature bald eagle were hanging around yesterday afternoon. It is not a safe time to be a chick at the wetlands! A few photos from yesterday, taken with a Canon 6D (original version) with a Canon 100-400mm lens (also the original version):
Great egret in breeding plumage.
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Roseate spoonbill hanging out
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Sandhill crane "colt"
(Download)
Apr 4, 2021 08:23:20 #
Apr 4, 2021 08:27:04 #
Thanks so much for your info ! Lot's of us Florida shooters appreciate Viera updates ! Are you seeing any White Pelicans or Cara Cara ?? .......
Apr 4, 2021 08:38:21 #
Thank you for the update! I'll be down on Thursday, visiting my 99 year old mom and always take at least 1 trip to the wetlands. Sorry that I'll be too late for the owls. :-(
Apr 4, 2021 08:59:56 #
imagemeister wrote:
Thanks so much for your info ! Lot's of us Florida shooters appreciate Viera updates ! Are you seeing any White Pelicans or Cara Cara ?? .......
White pelicans have been in some nearby ponds, and at Black Point. Have not seen any at the wetlands this year. Cara caras are almost random. There are several nesting pairs within a few miles. They often show up this time of year when there are chicks and eggs to eat.
Apr 4, 2021 10:23:36 #
Apr 4, 2021 10:41:43 #
Apr 5, 2021 06:35:07 #
Apr 5, 2021 07:38:31 #
Great capture of the crane baby, I’ve never seen one. All the downloads are beautiful.
Apr 5, 2021 08:01:12 #
Terrific images and thanks for the update...the little colt looks awkwardly cute!! 
Apr 5, 2021 08:34:37 #
Apr 5, 2021 10:52:55 #
Apr 5, 2021 11:55:19 #
Apr 5, 2021 16:32:00 #
Apr 5, 2021 17:02:36 #
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