Lake Hollingsworth 1-17-2014
Today we finally got out to do a little birdwatching. Dan wanted to check out something on his camera, so we stopped by Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland today.
After working on the update for the Birds of the World, I thought I would take Peter England’s advice on his comment and get out in the sunshine.
Peter EnglandWell done Lee, go outside and enjoy the warm sun. Wear a hat….! Birds have a strange way of congratulating people like you !
Still your friend ? Peter E.
Yes, he is still my friend. :o) I did not wear my hat though. :o( But I received kind congrats from the birds, so all is well.
We saw mostly the normal birds for that lake, though there was a lack of birds today. It had been cold last night and maybe they were still under their blankets.
Ibises and Wood Stork
The White Ibises, about 40 of them, greeted us. They were looking for a handout, but we were just there to take a few pictures. So they walked back off. Some of the birds seen were the Mallards, Common Gallinules, Royal Terns, Ring-billed Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants (way out on the lake), Anhingas, Muscovy Ducks, Tricolored and Great Blue Herons, Red-winged Blackbirds and Boat-tailed Grackles. A flock of about 200 or more Fish Crows flew over, making their calls as they flew by.
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) yellow by Lee
The hardest part was trying to get a photo of the numerous Warblers that were flitting around the trees. They kept moving so much, I couldn’t get a decent shot. I did ID a Palm Warbler because it was standing on the dock. Also, some Yellow-rumped Warblers, because their yellow rumps showed up. Not sure if they are one of the split ones like a Magnolia or not.
Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) by Lee at Circle B
Dan got a decent photo of a Yellow-throated Warbler and I have one that is yellow, but not sure what it is. So, it is right here. Maybe someone knows for sure and will leave a comment. We get most of our Warblers down here in the winter and I really do not know that many of them. (Update: It is a Pine Warbler thanks to a reader.) It is easier to photograph the big birds like Herons, Ibises, Egrets, Anhingas and Cormorants which we see often.
Unknown Warbler by Lee
We also found a snake sunning itself. Dan got up close to get its picture, but I stayed back. It never moved the whole time we were watching it. We were down in the mid-30’s (F) last night, so it may not have been able to scurry away.
Not a bad birdwatching adventure for about 30 minutes worth of time. I just enjoy seeing the Lord’s neat birds out and about doing their thing.
You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created. (Revelation 4:11 NKJV)
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*** My original photos were hacked. These are not the ones used originally. ***
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Lake Hollingsworth Birdwatching Trips
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
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Hi Lee,
Just found this site and am thankful for it. The bird in question, I believe is a Pine Warbler. I live in south Georgia and see them quite often.
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Thanks, Jim. I get those Warblers confused. We see more Palm Warblers than Pine Warblers. Warblers have their winter coats on this time of year and to me, many of them favor one another. :(
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A liquid lake- what a sight! We have so little open water right now, but the geese and swans find it. :)
I think you and I both need to update the ABA bird of the year. I thought of that the other night but never got it done.
I hope you are having a wonderful winter. God is always, ever with us.
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So, your’s are all frozen over? In a few month you should have “liquid lakes” again. :) I updated the ABA bird, thanks.
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Dear Lee and Dan I have been trying to find an address where I can send you my yearly letter. Please Lee, I will not bore you or send you loads of stuff. The letter gives some idea of my wanderings ( now settled….hopefully ) I have been a pastor in an evangelical church but.sadly, I had to move on because these ( former Brethren people ) were so bogged down in their former teachings that I gave notice and left them. I stepped out in faith, after my Dutch wife died, and have had some miraculous encounters. I believe in miracles and strangely enough, I told my brother in law a few days ago that God was going to send me a miracle in the very near future. When I stepped out of his home I chastised myself, having never made such a statement before in my life. Yesterday I saw a couple of men who worked on this caravan park and asked for the use of the ladder they were carrying on their truck. To my joy they told me to go inside my home and proceeded to clean out all the gutters, clean the windows and clean all the outside paintwork. Then one of them came to me and returned the money I had offered. Since they both read my news letter they have been so polite and friendly. I telephoned my brother in law and holding up the phone to all the noise they were making outside said “Brother Peter, can you hear my miracle being performed outside ..? ” And he started singing the song ” Expect a miracle when you pray, expect a miracle every day……” I guess having my wife divorce me was so sad but Christ is so real to me these days ( although I weep sometimes ) that I can believe for all things as respecting the evangelistic ministry I love to work in. I’m back to writing short stories but earnestly desire to know what God wants me to do these days. Brother Peter England
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