I spent three days this past week in Atlantic Beach, NC, one of my favorite “near home” areas to see a good variety of birds in mixed habitats ranging from beach to sound to marsh to forest to bushy shorelines along fresh and salt water. These habitats provide a great variety of species most any time of year. During the week I visited three of my favorite spots which provide easy access and easy trails that anyone can enjoy. This included Fort Macon State Park, Calico Creek Trail , and Roosevelt Trail, all within a few miles of each other, and all offering beautiful scenery and excellent birding. A couple of highlights included a Great Egret fight at Calico Creek, and Painted Buntings at Fort Macon. Wednesday and Thursday were cold and windy, but Friday was a warm and beautiful day. The seafood is always great!! The pictures below are a mix from all three areas.
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The Osprey pair that have been nesting at River Park North returned from their migratory domain last week. It is good to see them and know they survived their annual journey south. We can look forward to some new babies soon. I took a couple of pictures of them at their nest atop the tall power pole. Later, I saw one of the pair off the nest and perched in a large tree. It was being harassed by a small group of Crows. I managed to get a few pictures of this action. It was interesting that the Osprey was not very disturbed by this, other than keeping their eyes on the Crows. I also got a few nice pics of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The usual winter birds are still around and I have not yet seen any other migratory species that have returned. Soon, I hope!! The turtles are sunning in the warm weather we have been having, although as I write this a few days later, winter has returned with a vengeance giving us snow and freezing temps. Spring should be here soon with new birds to admire! Enjoy the photos below. SEE GALLERY BELOW. CLICK ON ANY PIC TO ENLARGE. USE SIDE ARROWS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH.I spent last Sat. morning at this great spot for seeing Wading Birds, diving birds, Shorebirds, and waterfowl. The Calico Creek Boardwalk Trail in Morehead City, NC is one of my favorites for easy viewing of these species, as well as the chance of spotting woods birds, sparrows, etc. along the forested shore. It was cold and clear Sat. and the tide was low so that the mud flats were visible. Even the middle channel of this tidal creek is quite shallow at low tide, offering easy access to the small fish and minnows that are abundant here. There were quite a few Tri-colored Herons, White Ibis, and Mergansers present, as well as Brown Pelicans, and other Herons and Egrets. A few woods birds were also present. See the pictures below for some of these species captured Saturday. SEE GALLERY BELOW CLICK ON ANY PIC TO ENLARGE. USE SIDE ARROWS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. |
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