February 19, 2009
N Florida trip day 2: Super Whoopers
On a drizzly Saturday morning we visited the Paynes Prairie Preserve, located surprisingly close to downtown Gainesville. One of the first birds I saw was the wintering Harris's Sparrow, whose extensively black face made it jump out from the accompanying White-crowns.
The La Chua trail offers great views of feeding herons, and provided me with probably my best ever views of American Bitterns.
After the mile or so hike out to the viewing platform, I was amazed to see 8 Whooping Cranes associating with a small flock of Sandhills. According to a local guide, these birds are from the migratory population rather than the resident Florida breeding program.
On editing this post I noticed I'd mistyped 'Whooping' as 'Whopping' - a fairly apt typo for America's tallest bird.
Much closer to the viewing platform were a host of feeding herons, ibis, shorebirds and ducks, including this pair of Blue-winged Teal.
Raptors included Bald Eagle and a female Northern Harrier.
Several small groups of Sandhill Cranes flew directly overhead, including this bugling individual.
Another surprise sighting was my first American Bison. Apparently these were extirpated from Florida and reintroduced at Paynes Prairie in the 70s.
As expected, gators were abundant. At least 8 are visible in this small pond.
Many cute youngsters were around...
... along with some more sizeable specimens!
Feral Pigs with a death wish.
A Snowy Egret was perched up on a bridge on the walk back...
... and a pair of Ospreys was prospecting a nest site on a power line.
Spanish Moss
