Wow, another red letter day. The pictures above are of a smooth-billed ani that I found this afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. This was the 3rd time I went to the same location on Old Griffin Rd. which is just south of the airport in Ft. Lauderdale. I waited around for over an hour, and then the bird called and flew in across the canal. I really could not believe how it just sat so nicely to have its picture taken. This has become an extremely rare bird here in south Florida, and for me this is also a life bird, bringing the year total to 8.
Earlier in the day I went to Merritt Island NWR with my brother-in-law. This was my 1st visit to this refuge, which is next to the Cape Kennedy Space Center, and we had a good couple of hours checking out mostly shorebirds and waterfowl. I did get to see the Florida scrub jay as well, plus black skimmers and lots of winter plumage dunlins. With the ani, plus these 3 birds, the YTD total has now reached exactly 303, and week 7 has come to an end. Tomorrow I will be wandering around Miami, and environs looking for more south Florida specialties. Stay tuned!
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All dressed up and nowhere to go! Quite the ruffly collar this bird is flitting about in! Patience and persistence! xox
ReplyDeletenice pics!!
ReplyDeleteWow, love this bird. If Anders had been a girl, Ani would have been her name. Great find Chris!
ReplyDeleteFebruary 18, 2010 was my "official" introduction to Birding! The trip to Merritt Island NWR with one that has such a vast knowledge of birds made for a memorable day. Thank's to my brother-in-law for sharing one of his many his passions.
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