Bird Nerd & Words

I always knew spring time had arrived when dad stuck his pointed finger out the truck window saying "Jules, kites!" Swallow-tailed Kites are an interesting breed found throughout the North and South American continents. They breed in North America roosting in the states of Florida and South Carolina. They winter in Central and South America, feeding on a variety of insects. To add, there are two distinct subspecies of Swallow-tailed kites: one native to Central and South America, the other a visitor to Florida. A distinctive feature at first glance being their forked tail, an assistant when gliding through the air. Looking up on a hot summer day, driving past open fields close to water and tall pines will produce sightings of one to two. Their habitat in the great outdoors are swamp areas peppered with cypress trees. Plentiful bounty of game snagged from open branches occupy their time. Seldom will you see them perched,...

Approaching my first day of blogging I am excited to share some interesting adventures going on in my life. Jay Watch is under way as I approach week 2 of my surveying. For those that do not know, the only endemic (meaning found no where else on earth) species of bird found in the state of Florida is the Florida Scrub Jay. The Jay is colored a slate or silvery grey and a deep cerulean. About 9-11 inches in height they boast a raspy call that spans their territory well. The impressiveness of their call adds to the efficacy of their existence. It correlates with their habitat: a scrubby pine area. This eliminates all potential for sound carrying properties. The frequency and tone of their call: a raspy reep sound, clicking noises produced by females, and a plethora of territorial shrieks, lend in their ability to throw their voice. Communication with other members of the family unit indicating feeding time, hierarchy, and danger are paramount to the success of...