Tag Archives: Lake Morton

Latest Birdwatching Adventure to Lake Morton

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View at Lake Morton

View at Lake Morton

We made a short birdwatching trip over to Lake Morton in Lakeland, FL recently. Dan wanted to check out something with his camera and of course I tagged along. As I have mentioned lately, my back is acting up, so I just walked about 40 feet and sat on a bench. It is amazing what you can see at the lake just sitting in one spot. I was about that far from the shore to watch all the activity swimming by.

First I was greeted with a momma Mallard swimming with her to babies.

Momma Mallard and 2 Babies at Lake Morton

Momma Mallard and 2 Babies at Lake Morton

Then a Black-necked Swan went the other way.

Black-necked Swan at Lake Morton

Black-necked Swan at Lake Morton

White Pelican made several circles over head:

White Pelican Flying Overhead

White Pelican Flying Overhead

A Male Ring-necked Duck swam by:

Ring-neck Duck Swimming

Ring-necked Duck Swimming

My attention turned to one of the Avian Wonders I am so amazed at watching. “Big Foot” Coot came by. I always like to watch their feet. Then a group of them came by and while watching them walk away from me, I actually saw a bit of the underside of those amazing feet. Here is a series of photos of the Coots:

It always amazes me how they can walk without stumbling over their own feet. Their feet are so useful in the water, but on shore they seem “weird” to me. See Birdwatching – American Coot.

Took this photo from the internet:

Lobed Feet of American Coot - Underside ©Beakycoot

Lobed Feet of American Coot – Underside ©Beakycoot

The last bird we watched before leaving was a favorite around here. A Great Blue Heron stopped by.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

There were other birds around, but for now, this gives you a little bit of my latest blessings from birdwatching. Not bad birdwatching for just sitting in one spot. The Lord is Good.

“He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number.” (Job 9:10 NKJV)

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Birdwatching – American Coot

C is for Coot and Corvids: “C” Birds”, Part 2

Child’s Book of Water Birds ~ The Coot

Rallidae – Rails, Crakes & Coots

Lee’s One Word Monday – 10/17/16

Lee’s Five Word Friday – 7/22/16

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Lake Morton Swan Roundup – 2016

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Catching Swans on Lake Morton for the Annual Roundup ©Fox13

Catching Swans on Lake Morton for the Annual Roundup ©Fox13

“And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,” (Leviticus 11:18 KJV)

In 2014 I wrote about going birdwatching at Lake Morton – Lake Morton Birdwatching after Round-up . Well, they are currently in the midst of doing so again. Today’s paper mentioned the annual round-up and thought you might enjoy seeing this years version. First, here is a video from last year:

Fox 13  had this article – 36th annual Lakeland Swan Roundup Underway.

“For some reason, Steve Platt, the Lakeland Parks and Recreation guy in charge of the 2016 Swan Roundup, agreed to let me on a boat to go after the target of the morning.

This is the 36th annual swan roundup. It takes place on picturesque Lake Morton.

lakeland_swan_roundup_20131023084708_640_480

On the day one, Tuesday, city employees catch the swans. The following day, local veterinarian Dr. Patricia Mattson and her staff give the swans physicals. They weigh, vaccinate and microchip the birds.

“The Lake Morton swans are a community icon and families have been interacting with the birds for decades,” explained Bob Donahay, director of parks & recreation. “It is very important to us to make sure our Lakeland flock is doing well so we schedule the swan roundup each year with the primary purpose to check on the health of our birds.”

Dr. Mattson, and the folks who preceded her, Dr. Geoffrey Gardner and his dad, Dr. Wade Gardner, provide their services for free.

This year, the goal was to catch close to 70 swans to get them ready for their physicals on Wednesday.

“The swans are consuming too much white bread and the heavy gluten diet, with very little nutritional value, is taking a toll on Lakeland’s swan population,” Dr. Mattson offered. “Many of the swans have a calcium deficiency because they feast on bleached white bread and this is just one of the items that will be reviewed during the swans’ annual health checkup.”

I got onto the boat, laid on my stomach, and held a big fishing net in my right hand. In an instant, I was zipping across the water. There ahead, floating peacefully was the target — a beautiful white mute swan.

still1018_00004_1476794307496_2178129_ver1-0_640_360

As we got closer, the swan realized something was up and began to swim faster and faster away from the rumble of the rumble of the motor. As we closed in, thinking I would never pull this off, I try to net the swan, and to my amazement, I did. It was quite an adrenaline rush.

With instruction, I grabbed the massive bird, carefully keeping its wings and big floppy feet from breaking loose of my grip. When we got back to shore, I put it into a holding pen where it will stay until tomorrow.

That’s when the real fun will begin. An assembly line of workers will take each swan one by one to the vet who will weigh it, take a blood sample, and record the findings.

After that, Lakeland’s most loved residents are good for another year.

In Genesis 1:28, originally dominion over the birds was given to Adam. That meant to care for them. I am glad that the city of Lakeland cares about their Swans.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

swans-1476725116-9305

Here are links to more coverage of this event:

Lakeland Patch

The Ledger

Lake Morton Birdwatching after Round-up

No this was not white bread in the following photos:

https://leesbird.com/2013/11/22/birdwatching-at-lake-morton-112213/

https://leesbird.com/2011/10/21/birdwatching-at-lake-morton-october-21-2011/

https://leesbird.com/2013/11/22/birdwatching-at-lake-morton-112213/
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Birdwatching At Lake Morton Finally – Part 2

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Anhinga Drying at Lake Morton by Dan

Anhinga Drying at Lake Morton by Dan

Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. (Genesis 2:19 NKJV)

After I finished posting Birdwatching At Lake Morton Finally Part 1, about 15 minutes later, Dan came in and handed me his photos. Okay, so what to do? Add to the one I just posted or do a Part 2? You are reading Part 2. So, I am going to share his better photos for you to enjoy.

Wood Stork sitting at Lake Morton by Dan

Wood Stork sitting at Lake Morton by Dan

“Even the stork in the heavens Knows her appointed times; And the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow Observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7 NKJV)

The Wood Storks were there. Maybe five or six and at least one Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret. Like mentioned in the first article, there weren’t that many birds around.

He also took photos of the Black Swan, and our immature Limpkin and White Ibis.

Black Swan by Dan at Morton

Black Swan by Dan at Morton

and the red-bill, and the pelican, and swan, (Leviticus 11:18 Brenton)

The “Aflac” Duck and the Wood Ducks were about it. Maybe next time the birdwatching will improve. Once it turns cold up north, our “winter visitors” will start coming to visit and spend the winter with us. Then, the chance for some different birds to show you. Stay Tuned!

I know and am acquainted with all the birds of the mountains, and the wild animals of the field are Mine and are with Me, in My mind.
(Psalms 50:11 AMP)

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Visit Dan’s Site – USNDansPix.com

Birdwatching Trips – Lake Morton

Birdwatching Trips

Gideon

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Birdwatching at Lake Morton Finally

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Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Last week Dan and I actually got to do a little birdwatching. My back has been improving, but not healed. After 12 therapy sessions, I felt brave enough to see what was going on at Lake Morton. It is in Lakeland, Florida and you can park across the street from the lake. Easy walk for me.

Needless to say, I was excited about getting out birdwatching, but the birds had other ideas. There were very few birds other than the normal residents hanging around for a hand out. Guess the winter birds haven’t arrived yet. That top pictures show the lack of birds on the lake.

Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up

Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up

“If you happen to come upon a bird’s nest along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” (Deuteronomy 22:6-7 NASB)

Aflac is not the name of this domestic Peking/Mallard Duck. She is pretty though she is a hybrid. She was busy working on her nest and you can see some of the things she was adding below.

Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up of nest material

Aflac Momma Duck at Lake Morton by Lee Close-up of nest material

Other interesting birds were some immature White Ibises, an immature Limpkin and some Wood Ducks. Like I said, it was rather quiet.

Immature White Ibis at Lake Morton by Lee

Immature White Ibis at Lake Morton by Lee

Limpkin Juvenile at Lake Morton by Lee

Limpkin Juvenile at Lake Morton by Lee

Wood Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Wood Duck at Lake Morton by Lee

Any day we can go birdwatching is always enjoyable. There is usually something that is there to see. Life is not made up of big events all the time, just the everyday normal sights. When we do get to see special birds or whatever, then that makes them extra nice.

Here is a video of that Wood Duck and his mate bouncing around in the water. Trust you don’t get seasick. They seem to have been created to handle floating and bobbing well.

The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. (Genesis 7:18 NASB)

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Fantastic Week-end

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Purple Gallinule Reaching Circle B

Purple Gallinule Reaching Circle B

We greatly enjoyed this past week-end. Dr. James J. S. Johnson, from Institute For Creation Research, who writes for this blog, came to speak at our church. We had not met him personally and so this was a time of getting to know him.

Dan and I, Dr. Jim (my name for him) and Golden Eagle (Baron) went birdwatching on Saturday. We took him to our favorite birding spot here, Circle B Bar Reserve. We saw 31 species, several “life birds” for him and one “life bird” for me, an Orange-crowned Warbler.

The Birders at Circle B Bar Reserve

The Birders at Circle B Bar Reserve

After we left there, we went to Lake Morton. I wanted two things to happen, but it didn’t. Was hoping to let them feed the Wood Stork over there and see a Wood Duck. Not to be. We saw one Wood Stork, but he must have already been fed. We did get to feed some of our other friends there. All total, we saw at least 19 species there. Also, the Lord prepared a great day for us. (Rained good part of Sunday, but Saturday was beautiful.)

Feeding White Ibises at Lake Morton

Dr Jim Feeding White Ibises at Lake Morton

While describing our trip later, I misused the word “boring” which got mistaken. What I meant was that compared other visits to those two places, the number of species were less than normal. Birdwatching adventures are never “boring.” How can they when you are out enjoying the Lord’s great creation? Amazing! Fabulous! Superb! Those are better words.

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; (Job 12:7 NKJV)

“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)

As Dr. James told us in his presentations, the Lord uses so much variety, provision, and design in each of His created beings, humans included. If we just slow down, God’s hand can clearly be seen. (my paraphrase) Just with the birds, the wing structure, specialized beaks, programmed travels, interconnection between bird and plant, and on and on. Oh, Praise the Lord!

Anhinga Lake Morton by Dan

Anhinga Lake Morton by Dan

 

I am including the list of birds seen at both places. Also, a short video of a Snowy Egret using his foot to stir up something to eat. Wonder how that habit came about? Could it be that the Lord programmed that in it because of promising to provide for them?

“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? (Luke 12:24 NKJV)

Also, Dr. Johnson’s talks showed slides with examples of these points. (From an excerpt)

Witnesses for God’s Truth – “This presentation reviews 5 different kinds of witnesses for God’s truth, each of which takes away excuses from anyone who pretends to have no witness of God and His glory:  (1) the physical creation, including our own physical bodies; (2) the uniqueness of humanity; (3) Scripture; (4) Christ’s incarnation; and (5) one more witness that we all are accountable for, and this one is quite scary!”

Lessons from the Zoo –  “Did you know that the animal kingdom, in all of its diversity, reveals God’s creative genius and glory in uncountable ways?  Why does God like and create variety in creation? How do the various animals living today, as well as other animals (like dinosaurs) which lived in earlier times, confirm the Bible’s account of creation – and refute Darwin’s evolutionary “natural selection” idea? This presentation provides a series of examples of big and little animals that display God’s handiwork in amazing ways. Mammals, reptiles, insects, spiders, fish, shellfish, jellyfish, and more!

Tricolored-Snowy-Great Egret-White Ibis at Circle B

Tricolored-Snowy-Great Egret-White Ibis at Circle B

Circle B Bar Reserve, Polk, US-FL
Nov 8, 2014 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Us, Dr J and Baron – 31 species

Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Anhinga
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
White Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Roseate Spoonbill  6
Black Vulture  50
Turkey Vulture  50
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Purple Gallinule
Common Gallinule
Stilt Sandpiper
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Gray Catbird
Orange-crowned Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Boat-tailed Grackle

Lake Morton, Polk, US-FL
Nov 8, 2014 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Us, Dr J. and Baron – 18 species (+1 other taxa)

Mute Swan
Black Swan
Black-necked Swan
Muscovy Duck (Established Feral)
Mallard (Domestic type)
Blue-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Anhinga
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
White Ibis
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Blue Jay
Palm Warbler
Boat-tailed Grackle

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Lake Morton Birdwatching after Round-up

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Green Heron at Lake Morton by Lee

Green Heron at Lake Morton by Lee

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count. (Psalms 40:5 NASB)

We finally took some time to go see what birds were at Lake Howard. I was a little disappointed that the winter birds haven’t started arriving yet. It is either that, or the fact that they have been re-working the shoreline at the park. They are making it more “people-friendly,” but seem to be making it less “bird-friendly.” Trust that is not going to keep our Wood Ducks, Ring-neck Ducks and Ruddies away. None of them were present.

I really didn’t check the whole lake though. I have been having some leg issues and haven’t been birdwatching lately. In fact, I only crossed the street and birded right there by the shore. You might keep me in your prayers. Had a Doctor appointment today with encouraging word, especially that surgery most like can be avoided on my feet. Friday, another appointment to start some physical therapy for my left leg. It has been weak and causing me to “waddle” like the ducks. Never heard of a “Lee Duck” have you? Hope not.

Here are some of the photos taken Saturday by the shore of Lake Morton. There are still some swans in the pens after the recent yearly round-up of the swans. They gave them all vaccinations. Rounded up well over a hundred of them.

Mute Swan in pen at Lake Morton by Lee

Mute Swan in pen at Lake Morton by Lee

And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, (Leviticus 11:18 KJV)

I found this very interesting video from YouTube when they did the round-up in 2010.

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This link is to this year’s story about the Swan Round-up. (It has some neat photos)

http://www.theledger.com/article/20141001/NEWS/141009972/0/

Enjoy a slide show of some of what we saw.

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Wordless Birds

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Latest Wood Stork Encounter

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Wood Stork at Lake Morton by Lee

Wood Stork at Lake Morton by Lee

I know all the birds of the mountains (and Lake Morton) , And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (Psalms 50:11 NKJV)

We finally had a chance to take a short birdwatching adventure to Lake Morton over in Lakeland. I have been battling a cold and cough for the last three weeks. Our trips to Lake Morton don’t require much walking and it is one of the few places that people feed the birds.

When someone parks their car, before they can get across the street, the birds start walking towards them. Needless to say, the birds are expecting something.

Wood Stork up close by Lee at Lake Morton

Wood Stork up close by Lee at Lake Morton

As I was walking across the street, here they came; Wood Stork in the lead because of its long legs, White Ibises next, followed by the waddling shorter legged birds – Mute Swans, Mallards, Muscovy Duck and then the fly-ins – Boat-tailed Grackles and the Gulls. The Wood Stork met me at the curb.

Of course when you have a treat for them, you become the “Pied Piper.” Apparently, someone must have recently fed them, because they were gathered loosely together. Once I got to the table and sat down, the group gathered around. I was enjoying them so much, I didn’t take many photos then.

White Ibis on Table by Lee

American White Ibis on Table by Lee

Once the food gave out, of which I didn’t have much to begin with, they moseyed off to rest in the shade until the next visitor with a bag of goodies came. One White Ibis hopped upon the table behind me, but too late because the bag was empty. Took its photo, but it was almost too close.

Woodstork & Lee by Dan at Lake Morton

Woodstork & Lee by Dan at Lake Morton

One of the resident Wood Storks walked up in front of me and stood there. I reassured him that I had nothing else, but he (or she) just stayed there. I started talking to it, motioned to come closer, and it did. I could have reached out and touched the Wood Stork, but chose not to with that long beak. Have you ever heard a Wood Stork’s beak “snap” when it grabs food? It is loud. No, I like my fingers!

Wood Stork close-up by Lee at Lake Morton

Wood Stork close-up by Lee at Lake Morton

We sat face to face for about 4 minutes of so; me talking and him just standing there looking at me.

Even though they are “ugly,” they are really neat. Have you ever seen a Wood Stork in the air? They are so beautiful and graceful, but up this close? I assured him that the Lord had created him and that He makes no mistakes.

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. (Psalms 147:5 NKJV)

Wood Stork flying over Lake Morton by Lee 2009

Wood Stork flying over Lake Morton by Lee 2009

 The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, But are her wings and pinions like the kindly stork’s? (Job 39:13 NKJV)

Wood Storks belong to the Ciconiidae – Storks Family and are also one of our Birds of the Bible.

Oh, I almost forgot. Since the Wood Stork was so close, I took a close up of its feet.

Wood Stork's Feet by Lee

Wood Stork’s Feet by Lee

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Sunday Inspiration – Birds and Peace

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White Pelicans in Flight - Circle B Bar by Dan

White Pelicans in Flight – Circle B Bar by Dan

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:3 KJV)

Today’s is more about the song that Sean is playing. “I’d Rather Have Jesus Than Anything.” These photos are of birds and places we have had the privilege of visiting to watch the marvelous avian wonders that the Lord Jesus Christ Created. The Lord gives us a peace as we live for Him that is hard to put into words. Maybe as you watch these photos (Lord knows, I’m no photographer, just a birdwatcher who carries a camera) that you can sense the peace I have as I go birdwatching. Also, the Lord has given me a great husband that enjoys seeing these birds as well as I do and he IS a good photographer.

You can know this peace also, when you accept the Lord as your personal Savior.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

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“I’d Rather Have Jesus” by Sean Fielder (from Faith Baptist Church)

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The photos in this slideshow and the ones on the other site are not quite the same.

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Birdwatching at Lake Morton – 11/22/13

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Various birds at Lake Morton by Lee

Various birds at Lake Morton by Lee

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24 KJV)

Today we finally were able to get a little birdwatching in. I have been sick for the last 3 weeks fighting bronchitis and felt well enough to enjoy some time with our avian friends at Lake Morton. Lake Morton is in Lakeland, Florida. It is one of the few places around where people feed the birds. You can hardly get out of your car and cross the street before they start heading your way. The local birds have been “well-trained.”

Lee at Lake Morton by Dan

Lee at Lake Morton by Dan

Off we went, with a few tidbits in hand and my new hat. Since the skin cancer cells were removed from my neck recently, I was told to stay out of the direct sunlight.

Most of the normal residents were hanging out. There were lots of Mallards, American White Ibises, Boat-tailed Grackles, plus some Great Blue Herons, Anhingas, Great Egrets, Mute and Black Swans, and the Bald Eagle made His appearance.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at Lake Morton by Lee

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at Lake Morton by Lee

Some of our winter visitors were hanging out also. There were lots of American Coots

American Coot (Fulica americana) at Lake Morton by Lee

American Coot (Fulica americana) at Lake Morton by Lee

There were many Ring-necked Ducks – The Male

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) Male at Lake Morton by Lee

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) Male at Lake Morton by Lee

And the Female

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) at Lake Morton by Lee

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) Female at Lake Morton by Lee

If you look at that first photo up close, way out in the middle of the lake you will see small ducks. This is a good as I could zoom in on them. They were Ruddy Ducks. Well over 50 of them on the lake floating around.

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) at Lake Morton by Lee

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) at Lake Morton by Lee

Also, way off across the lake were two American White Pelicans with the usual Double-crested Cormorants swimming along with them. Again, this is zoomed way in.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) with DC Cormorants at Lake Morton by Lee

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) with DC Cormorants at Lake Morton by Lee

I also caught an Anhinga setting along the shore.

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) at Lake Morton by Lee

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) at Lake Morton by Lee

The Ring-billed Gulls are back down and this one seems to be a younger one.

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) at Lake Morton by Lee

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) at Lake Morton by Lee

All in all, for about a 35-40 minute visit to the lake, we enjoyed checking out these and several more I didn’t mention. The Lord gave us good weather until it started sprinkling. Then I made a fast retreat to the car. No since getting sick again.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (Isaiah 55:10 KJV)

See:
Birdwatching Trips
Lake Morton Trips

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Birdwatching at Lake Morton and S. Lake Howard

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With all that has been going on lately, we have not had much time or chance to go visit the birds. When Tropical Storm Debby came by, she dropped quite a bit of rain in the area. Some “true” birdwatchers were out and about seeing some really neat birds that were blown off course. We played the “fair weather” birders and stayed indoor where it was dry. Some areas had 12-15 inches, but we had about 6 inches of rain here at the house.

On the 28th we stopped by Lake Morton, in Lakeland, on the way to an errand. We took the cameras and knew the local birds would be there. Not too many surprises other than I counted over 30 Mute Swans. This is even with all the eggs that were stolen from the nests. Also, I found several Wood Ducks swimming around, an immature Wood Stork, and three “Aflac” Mallard Ducks sitting in the shade of a park bench.

On the 2nd, last evening, we took our cameras with us and spent a few minutes taking photos of the flooding at South Lake Howard Nature Park. The water has receded some from earlier. At one point last week, the “island” was under water completely. We saw it then, but didn’t have a camera with us as we drove by.

Decided to share some of the photos of the two visits. We saw – Mute and Black Swans, Wood Ducks and Wood Storks, Mallards, Ospreys, Laughing Gulls, Great Egret, Anhingas, Red-winged and Boat-tailed Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, White Ibises, Great Blue Heron, Limpkins, Muscovy Ducks, Common Gallinules, and heard Monk Parakeets and a Red-bellied Woodpecker. Not bad for about 30 minutes at Morton and 10 minutes at the Nature Park. Some of the photos are just of the water. Trees are standing in water that normally are on dry ground.

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Luke 6:48 KJV)

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All photos are by me. Dan hasn’t showed me his yet. Bummer, his are always better. If you know what kind of Gull that is, leave a comment, please. I think they are young and I am not the best at IDing them.

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Redhead at Lake Morton – 1-20-12

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Saturday we headed over to Lakeland for some errands and took the cameras along. We stopped by Lake Morton to see who was there. Turned out to be quite a few interesting birds and got our third “Life Bird” of the year. This time I even was able to video it. There was a couple feeding the birds cracked corn and bread. They had quite a menagerie around them. They came from all over the Lake and we just stood there and photographed away. In amongst the Ring-necked Ducks was this Redhead. We searched all the birds, but he was the only Redhead to be found.

“The Redhead (Aythya americana) is a medium-sized diving duck, 14.5 in (37 cm) long with an 33 in (84 cm) wingspan.
The adult male has a blue bill, a red head and neck, a black breast, yellow eyes and a grey back. The adult female has a brown head and body and a darker bluish bill with a black tip.

The breeding habitat is marshes and prairie potholes in western North America. Loss of nesting habitat has led to sharply declining populations.

Females regularly lay eggs in the nests of other Redheads or other ducks, especially Canvasbacks. Redheads usually take new mates each year, starting to pair in late winter.

Following the breeding season, males go through a molt which leaves them flightless for almost a month. Before this happens, they leave their mates and move to large bodies of water, usually flying further north.

They overwinter in the southern and north-eastern United States, the Great Lakes region, northern Mexico and the Caribbean.

These birds feed mainly by diving or dabbling. They mainly eat aquatic plants” (Wikipedia)

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. (James 3:7 NKJV)

The people feeding these birds were practically proving this verse. Even the Great Blue Heron has come out to feed in the past.

Here is a list of all the birds I listed with eBird.org for 1-20-2012 at Lake Morton.

My Lake Morton List

Mute Swan 20 (Not even counting ones on north side of lake)
Black Swan 1
Muscovy Duck (Domestic type) 5
Mallard (Domestic type) 30 (Also at least 7 White Pekin type ducks)
Redhead 1

Ring-necked Duck 15


Ruddy Duck 1


American White Pelican 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
White Ibis 18
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 1


American Coot 40
Limpkin 2
Ring-billed Gull 10
Rock Pigeon 5
Tree Swallow 10
Boat-tailed Grackle 11

See also:

The whole Lake Morton Album

Redhead (duck) – Wikipedia

Sharing The Gospel

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Birdwatching at Lake Morton – October 21, 2011

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Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) Juveniles by Dan at Lake Morton

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) by Dan at Lake Morton

Today Dan and I went by Lake Morton for just a short while. We were on our way to have lunch and do some shopping. It was a great day without a cloud in the sky. The temperature was a pleasant 63° (17.2º C).

When we were last there, there were 5 young Limpkins and I want to see how they had grown. We spotted 4 of them sunning themselves. They have lost that fuzz on their heads and the spots are becoming quite distinguished. Dan took a great picture of one of them closeup.

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) Juvenile by Dan at Lake Morton

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) by Dan at Lake Morton

I can tell by their faces that they are still young. Here is a photo of one when it still had its fuzz.

Limpkin baby taken 9-12-11 by Lee

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) baby taken 9-12-11 by Lee

A Great Blue Heron decided to be friendly and came walking toward me while I was feeding some of the ducks. When I tossed him some food, he ate it and kept coming closer. I kept tossing it food and it kept coming closer. What a delight! If I were brave, I would have tried to hand feed him (or her). As I have said in other blogs, this is only one of two places we feed the birds in this area.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) by Dan at Lake Morton

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) by Dan at Lake Morton

What did we see today? Besides the 4 Limpkin youngsters and the Great Blue Heron, we spotted Black and Turkey Vultures, a Great Egret, Anhingas, more Great Blue Herons and a Snowy Egret. Those were seen on the way to Lake Morton in Lakeland. At the lake we saw 15-20 Coots (they are back), 3 Wood Storks, 15-20 Mallards, 10 “Aflac” Ducks, Muscovy Ducks, a Great Egret, Laughing Gull, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Black Swans, Boat-tailed Grackle and 10 Ring-necked Ducks (they are back). Our winter visiting birds are finally returning.

Dan feeding a Black Swan at Lake Morton

Dan feeding a Black Swan at Lake Morton

I caught Dan feeding one of the Black Swans. Then I found a Muscovy Duck sitting on a nest with the male standing guard in front. To me, they seem “not so pretty”, but the Lord created all the birds and I am sure His Eye is on the Muscovy as well as it is on the Sparrow.

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

Muscovy Duck on nest at Lake Morton by Lee

I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (Psalms 50:11 NKJV)

What a perfect day for birding and even though we weren’t there long, the Lord let us see His Creation again, up close and enjoy them.

This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:23-24 NKJV)

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