White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

Order: Passeriformes     Family: Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Great-blue Heron sunning

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Order: Ciconiiformes        Family: Bitterns, Herons and Egrets (Ardeidae) 

This one appears to be sunning himself. Much like we humans enjoy the feel of the warm sun on a cool day, it appears as if this one does too.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Order: Falconiformes  Family: Kites, Eagles and Hawks (Accipitridae)

The Bald Eagle is the national bird of the United States. They can live up to 40 years. Their preferred diet is fish which they usually catch themselves, although, if the opportunity presents itself, they will steal fish from Ospreys. They will also eat waterfowl, turtles, and small mammals such as rabbits. They are also carrion eaters and will readily feast upon delicacies such as road-killed deer.

 

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

Order: Podicipediformes      Family: Grebes (Podicipedidae)

One of the least skittish birds I’ve ever seen. They sit still long after most other birds have taken flight. They seem as curious about me as I am about them. I’ve had them swim past me just a few feet away when I am fishing.  They are relatively small, only 30-38 cm (12-15 in) long. Both sexes are similar in appearance and both sexes incubate the eggs. What is a group of Grebes known as? A ‘water dance’.

Wood Duck

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

Order: Anseriformes              Family: Ducks, Geese and Swans (Anatidae)

It’s always fun to see someone’s reaction the first time they see a Wood Duck sitting in a tree. Wood Ducks nest in natural tree cavities and they also readily accept an artificial house hung on a tree or pole near (or in) the water. While the male will hang around while the female lays her eggs (one egg per day), he quickly loses interest as soon as she starts sitting on the nest full time. The female is left to rear the young by herself. Within 24 hours after the young hatch they leave the nest.  They jump from the nest (sometimes very high in a tree) to the ground or the water.