Shore Birds of Fort DeSoto

[Second Hand Pat]

Al, who is this and thanks for the id info
Pat

DZ9_1443-Edit by Pat Husband, on Flickr

[LizStreithorst]

What animal eats these birds? Not being gross, it's just in the animal world everyone has something they like to eat.

[Second Hand Pat]

What animal eats these birds? Not being gross, it's just in the animal world everyone has something they like to eat.

Hi Liz, the reddish egret is a fairly large bird, perhaps a bit smaller then a great blue heron. I would guess bobcats and coyotes are possible threats. I sort of think these guys are too large for an eagle. Al might have other thoughts.
Pat

[brewmaster15]

Thank you Liz and Al I totally love these birds and could shoot them all day. Here's a couple more lol
Pat

Where did that Fish go by Pat Husband, on Flickr

Missed by Pat Husband, on Flickr

Perfect Captures Pat!

al

[Second Hand Pat]

Al, who is this and thanks for the id info
Pat

DZ9_1443-Edit by Pat Husband, on Flickr

This guy is a Ruddy Turnstone
Pat

[brewmaster15]

Al, who is this and thanks for the id info
Pat

DZ9_1443-Edit by Pat Husband, on Flickr

Missed this one... Ruddy Turnstone

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

Just taking a stroll by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

What animal eats these birds? Not being gross, it's just in the animal world everyone has something they like to eat.

Herons and Egrets are often preyed on as adults by Alligators and in the very south of Florida crocodiles. Alot of the losses will occur to eggs and hatchlings by other birds. Any bird on the ground is fair game for coyotes,bobcats, foxes. Dogs, Raccoon, skunks, Rats, and Seagulls are big predators of small shorebirds as these almost always nest on the ground. Some of the smaller ones really don't even make a nest. I have stumbled on eggs from killdeer literally in the middle of the beach.

al

[Second Hand Pat]

Perfect Captures Pat!

al

Missed this one... Ruddy Turnstone

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

Just taking a stroll by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

Thank you Al I appreciate it!
Pat

[LizStreithorst]

Very interesting. Kind of like Discus. Other fish in the neighborhood will eat their eggs and new free swimmers. The larger they get the less of a target they become.

Herons and Egrets are often preyed on as adults by Alligators and in the very south of Florida crocodiles. Alot of the losses will occur to eggs and hatchlings by other birds. Any bird on the ground is fair game for coyotes,bobcats, foxes. Dogs, Raccoon, skunks, Rats, and Seagulls are big predators of small shorebirds as these almost always nest on the ground. Some of the smaller ones really don't even make a nest. I have stumbled on eggs from killdeer literally in the middle of the beach.

al

[Second Hand Pat]

Here's a couple late evening shots....

Black Skimmer

Sunset Skimming by Pat Husband, on Flickr

Reddish Egret

Fishing in the fading light by Pat Husband, on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

This is a Rosy Grosbeak First time seeing this bird.
Pat

Rosy Grosbeak by Pat Husband, on Flickr

[LizStreithorst]

I've had those at the feeder, Pat. My neighbor gets quite a few of them. Ours are somewhat different. The top is totally jet black. The contrast between the blackest of blacks, the whitest of whites and the red rose red throat is breathtaking.

[brewmaster15]

They are great birds.. I have a pair that nest here in the woods next dr. A bit secretive but they occassionally come to the feeder whenever I do not have my camera out.

The female is a dull brownish color. Nice pics Pat!

[Second Hand Pat]

They are great birds.. I have a pair that nest here in the woods next dr. A bit secretive but they occassionally come to the feeder whenever I do not have my camera out.

The female is a dull brownish color. Nice pics Pat!

Thank you Al and bummer that you do not get too see them more.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

What's for Dinner - Ruddy Turnstone

Dinner - Ruddy Turnstone by Pat Husband, on Flickr