Green Heron!

Not an uncommon bird, but hard to spot. This is my first sighting since we moved to Florida.

I went for a walk at Haney Creek yesterday late morning. I kept track of the birds I saw and heard and posted an eBird checklist for the first time in a while.

The first to greet me: a couple of Gray Catbirds.

Meow.

Next, a non-bird.

A slow-moving Gopher Tortoise was grazing at the edge of the path.

On the fence at the dog run, an Eastern Phoebe.

“Phoebe!” it said, helpfully.

I expected to see more wading birds in the wetlands but only came up with this immature Little Blue Heron.

That is a school just beyond the wetlands.

The Little Blue is starting to get its adult colors.

Why do they start off white and turn slaty blue-gray? I don’t know.

On the hunt.

Mirror, mirror.

Last time I was at the dog park at Haney Creek (two days before), there were a pair of Sandhill Cranes and a pair of Great Egrets having a turf battle. I did not have my camera. I was hoping to see them this day but no luck.

Next I walked a trail through sand pine scrub.

There were little birds calling but I only got a good look at a few, including this Yellow-rumped Warbler.

There have been a ton of butterbutts around this winter. I’m almost getting sick of them.

More info on Florida sand pine scrub, an endangered subtropical forest ecoregion.

Another gopher tortoise out for a stroll.

Finally an animal that can’t outrun me, or fly away.

Lots of Northern Cardinals around.

I think it’s nesting season for them.

Chestnut cap helps identify this (out of focus) Palm Warbler.

Who doesn’t love a Green Heron??