Birds ~ Birds ~ Birds: 2011

Florida Keys Hawkwatch

The Florida Keys Hawkwatch is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and conservation of birds of prey by committing to the long-term study of their migration through the Florida Keys.

For the past two days, I have had the extreme pleasure of helping count migrating raptors alongside Rafael Gálvez and Jim Eager at Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon, Florida. Before yesterday, I had only seen 2 Peregrine Falcons. Yesterday, in only a few hours, I saw 163! I also saw Kestrels, Bald Eagles, Hawks, and many more birds. Words cannot describe what an amazing experience this was for me. Rafael and Jim are the most dedicated and skilled researchers I have ever met.

If you ever find yourself anywhere in the Florida Keys (between September 15th and November 13th), stop by Curry Hammock State Park and watch this amazing group spot and identify these birds; you will be both inspired and enlightened.

For further info, go to the Florida Keys Hawkwatch website:
http://floridakeyshawkwatch.wordpress.com/

Just a few of the many, many birds I saw . . .

A beautiful sunset over the Florida Keys

Meadowlark

A Meadowlark at Bear Butte State Park (South Dakota)

He was a little bird with a big, beautiful voice

More Mockingbirds and Babies

There's a big baby boom for Mockingbirds! They are all over south Florida. This was 2 babies who had just left the nest. The one on the fence seemed to be stuck there and was just calling for his mom. The one on the ground could fly, but was insecure about it. Both parents were always nearby to make sure I didn't get too close. My poor dog didn't know any better and got too close to the babies; the parents swooped in and attacked her!

This baby got up on the fence, but didn't know

what to do from there!