February 18, 2014

So the big day was a trip to the Shark Valley section of Everglades National Park with my wonderful boyfriend. We biked the 15 mile loop and saw numerous species (he took several of the better photos you're about to see), but surprisingly only one nesting species.

Six birds of 5 species in one shot. Just the beginning of the diversity here. From left to right: Little Blue Heron, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Snowy Egret, Anhinga

Black-crowned Night Heron

Another 2 records for the Atlas! Anhinga babies! I say two records because the 15-mile loop includes 3 Atlas blocks and I saw Anhinga nests in 2 of those.

Slightly older Anhinga babies. These nests are very close together

Sora, a somewhat rare sight I was very excited about

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

You can't go to Shark Valley without taking an alligator picture. Taken from the Observation Tower

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron

An interesting behavioral display right near the Observation Tower. Two Great Blue Herons displaying to each other (the upturned heads and extended necks). The Park Rangers nearby told us they'd never seen them do it in the water before.

As the Herons were displaying, a Red-shouldered Hawk flew over with a prey item.

Can't quite tell what the prey item was, but another Red-shoulder came when this guy called, but flew off again before I could get a picture. The Rangers said a pair usually nests nearby

Greater Yellowlegs? I really can't tell

Roseate Spoonbill in back and a Reddish Egret in front

The Park Rangers also told us that another Red-shoulder pair nests in the palm trees by the entrance. I think I found it (the sticks, center left), but I didn't see or hear any hawks nearby.

Like I always say, I'll have to return here and really take my time. Two hours is nowhere near enough to thoroughly survey a 15 mile trail, especially when there's this much diversity around. It's also still early in the year for many birds. But still a productive trip and a wonderfully enjoyable date with my love!