Bird Nerd & Words

In memory of my late grandfather, these simple words I have to say. " On the bow of the boat I am free, On the bow of the boat I can breathe, On the bow of the boat I will see. And on the bow of the boat, I be. " -An homage to you, my biggest fan. Written by Julia Wiggins

"Yuk Yuk Yuk Yuk Yuk" permeates my lawn as I hear the staccato thuds of pounding beaks upon the electrical poles outside my house. The sounds repeat and I delight in knowing three crowned gems are here to rattle my cage today. Pileated Woodpeckers are one of the largest, if not the largest woodpecker to North America. I have found this species frequent more deciduous, older pines forests. Their cavities carved out by a larger than life bill create homes for their young of which they rear in the spring. According to Cornell literature, their supply of food is sourced from local carpenter ants. Though when wood beetles, worms. and other insects present themselves the woodpeckers are opportunistic feeders. Distinguishing woodpecker holes can become quite an art form, a useful ID tool for bird nerds a like. Just as their pecking resonate tone against granular surface will produce a profound ID, the oblong shape left in dead pines will serve as evidence to their presen...

Chase ahead regardless your decided outcome.        Take pieces of each memory, molding your approach to people and good conversation.        Let life lay simplicity at your feet, revel in good times, fight through the bad.                                       If anything, find peace in your                                       reflections Written by Julia Wiggins.

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...