March 10, 2013 - Special Florida Sightings
Read MoreIn the eastern United States, the overwhelming majority of hummingbirds are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The western United States, however, has about a dozen species that are seen in the summer. Most of these hummingbirds go south for the winter, but a few go a different direction and end up in Florida. This is a Broad-billed Hummingbird; it was visiting a home in Tallahassee.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are year-round residents in the Apalachicola National Forest where these photos were taken. They are an endangered species, so many of them have been banded. I managed to get clear photos of the bands on both legs of this one, and submitted the photos to the Fish and Wildlife Service. They told me it was banded in 2010 about 10 miles from where I photographed it.
In summer, Vermillion Flycatchers are found in the southwestern United States as far east as Texas. During the winter, they usually go south into Mexico, but this one decided to come to Carrabelle, Florida, instead. This is the second winter that a male Vermillion Flycatcher has been seen in the same area so it’s a good bet that this is the same individual. He’s really gorgeous!
Michael Brodie
on March 11, 2013Always enjoy your wonderful images of bird and nature. This weeks was especially beautiful and interesting. Thank you Earl.