Now here is a sight most of you probably wouldn’t think you’d see in FL.
Most people don’t realize that FL is has a large cattle population. It’s not unusual to see cattle being moved from pasture to pasture here in the Black Hammock. We only have small herds here, the pastures are only 20 acres or so….and they must be moved often so there is something for them to eat and to allow the grass to grow. It’s hard to believe…we are only 20 minutes from downtown Orlando…but we live in a nice rural area….though it is getting smaller and smaller.
These Ibis can be found in many yards or canals.
I believe this is a Great Egret. I have 2 pictures that show the color near his eye but can’t find anything about it online or in my bird book. I guess it must be in breeding form.
This Red Shouldered Hawk was watching the herd of cattle. I don’t know if it had it’s eye on the Cattle Egrets or hoping they’d kick up a rodent.
That was our ride for today.
The egret gets the green breeding marking in the spring. It will fade after the season is over.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting post with very nice photos, esp. the Egret shots. Have never seen white ones before. I had heard, and I've read that there are a lot of cattle in Florida, but I always think of the birds and alligators when I think of Florida!
ReplyDeleteNow they are birds I'll probably never see. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right with the Great Egret, and the eye colour. It's most likely summer breeding plumage.
Richard...thanks for the info. I thought that's what it was since I had 2 photos with the same coloring, but couldn't find anthing to verify it. I am always surprised when I see a photo and notice something that I hadn't when looking at it in real time. There is a photo on my boating site: www.alwayslingerawhile.blogspot.com that was the result of taking a picture of 1 gator...then in the photo I spotted 4 or 5 more that I hadn't seen.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Richard on Great Egret, the lores turn bright green in breeding plumage. Some of the other herons exhibit same, along with change in leg color in high breeding plumage. The Sibley field guides usually are very good about illustrating different plumages.
ReplyDeleteI took cow/calf pictures yesterday too, except on short grass prairie of western South Dakota...
word verification was "preen" seem just right with your heron/ibis pictures :o)
Hi Carol, I didn't know that about the Egrets... NEAT!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe hawk looks like he definitely is looking for dinner.
Hope you are having a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy
I just LOVE your blogs. I feel like I'm right there with you. Peggy at Kayak Paddle Tales loves egrets and I've often seen pictures of them there in their breeding plumage with the unusual eye color. How wonderful that you get to see such beauty.
ReplyDeleteNice selection Carol. I remember seeing the birds when I passed through Orlando many years ago but I don't recall the cattle. FAB.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
ReplyDeleteI've got cattle near my place in Gainesville too, so I'm kind of used to thinking of them as part of the Florida landscape. "My" cow pasture is also full of White Ibises! It's great that you got as good shot of the Great Egret with its green face; this only shows a few weeks out of the year.
You had some lovely captures on your ride. You have such beautiful birds around your area.
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