Readers’ wildlife photos

Many thanks to the several readers who sent in photos so the daily feature could be saved. I can always use more, though, so don’t forget about me!

Here’s a batch from Paul Peed; he sent them to me in the beginning of August and I lost them. Fortunately, he re-sent them, and I’ve put them below, with his captions and notes indented.

 Here is an unthemed collection of images from my birdwatching journeys in central Florida

 

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

This large female was an exciting individual to observe as she tore through a stand of Wax Myrtles at Black Point Wildlife Drive near the Canaveral National Seashore.  I was treated to one failed hunt and one successful hunt before she perched on a bush and allowed me one image from a considerable distance.

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

My favorite birdwatching “patch” is T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area in Brevard County, Florida on the central east coast.  Familiarity allows me to discover nesting areas used year after year and then monitor them from egg laying to fledging.  I am always concerned with stressing the birds so these are all quick images with guesses at exposure and ISO.

2 weeks before fledging

One week before fledging:

One week after fledging; adult female still provisioning:

A possible parent:

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)

Often gathered in a communal area on the mudflats with Terns, Gulls, and Dowitchers, these guys are nearly always present but nearly always inactive and out of range at T.M. Goodwin (which doesn’t open until 9:00am and closes at 4:00pm).  One day a small flock decided to give me a break.  I didn’t photograph their skimming foraging behavior, but here’s a close up look at their wonderfully modified lower mandible.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

These African natives somehow found their way to South American and then spread quickly to North America.  While it is a tropical bird, Cattle Egrets have been recorded in Alaska and Newfoundland.  A highly successful omnivore, their primary diet is insects, but moles, frogs and snakes round out their menu.