The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.This was surprising to me as the stilts are very attentive parents in my observations of the species. Black-necked Stilts have been abundant at the lake. The greatest distance kept from the nests in observation of them is imperative to allow the birds to offer an ideal incubation temperature of the eggs. A pair of raccoons were observed foraging at the shoreline. The lake and surrounding area continued to be extremely rewarding with numerous bird species observed. Mary Goetzinger also reported since my last visit that the lake had become comparatively "flooded." The rainy season had begun in earnest on May 11th, significantly earlier than expected. All of these factors are major hurdles for the stilts successfully breeding at the lake this year. Bob has advised me that the lake has completely dried up at the end of the dry season in years past. I met up with Robert Doiron, Constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who was well prepared for the muddy conditions while advising me that his camouflage was effective in allowing the birds close proximity to him which he kept an extremely respectful distance from on shore. The Swallow-tailed Kite have perplexed me as to where they are nesting as I have observed the species carrying twigs and Spanish Moss to the North and South of the lake. A male stilt made a concerted effort to remove small debris from a rock that appeared an ideal site for a nest while seemingly mindlessly relieved itself on it. A female stilt, distinguished by brown feathers on its back, arrived a few moments later and appeared interested in the rock nonetheless before quickly moving on to feed. Every visit to this wildlife venue has offered very interesting observations.
The Common Gallinule above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Swallow-tailed Kite above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Swallow-tailed Kite above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Greater Yellowlegs above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Raccoon above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The banded Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The American White Pelican above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black Vulture above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Semipalmated Sandpiper above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
The Semipalmated Sandpiper above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Lake in May 2012.
Feature: Six Mile Cypress Lake Article I
Feature: Six Mile Cypress Lake Article II
Feature: Six Mile Cypress Lake Article III
You are reading Six Mile Cypress Lake Article IV.
Wonderful set of photos. You are truly an
ReplyDeleteaccomplished bird photographer! I think though,
you may have mislabeled the Double-crested
Cormorant. It sure looks like an Anhinga to me.
Keep up the great work, I love Florida birds.
Hap in New Hope (MN)
Thank you for noting my error which has been corrected.
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