Jetty Park 1/20/13

We went to Jetty Park early Sunday morning to see if the Razorbill reported Saturday afternoon was still around. I felt hopeful as we pulled up and saw a small crowd of people checking out some action in the channel. It turned out to be a submarine navigating its way out of the port, which was pretty cool to see, but not quite as cool as a Razorbill would have been...

Gulls never seem to let any birds (or people) eat in peace. If a bird is brave enough to return to the beach with its catch, they can be sure a hot pursuit is imminent. As we walked out on the jetty, we saw this Ring-billed Gull getting a taste of its own medicine as it was relentlessly tagged teamed  by a Great Black-backed Gull and immature Herring Gull (I think).

The Ring-billed Gull didn't seem intimidated and held on to its meal.  I lost sight of them after a few minutes, so I missed the final outcome.

I saw this Bonaparte's Gull floating close to the rocks along the jetty. These handsome birds look similar to the Laughing Gulls that heavily populate the area year round.

This Royal Tern didn't seem to the Sanderling that was foraging underneath him.

There is always a large group of Skimmers at Jetty Park. The flock can usually be seen resting on the beach. A few of the Skimmers decided it was feeding time, and put on quite a show as they skimmed back and forth along the beach.

Jetty Park

My son and I made an impromptu trip to Jetty Park late Friday afternoon hoping to catch the launch of a Delta rocket, as well as, of course, some birds. We were able to manage alittle bit of both!  Jetty Park is located in Cape Canaveral and is home to a beautiful beach, a very large fishing pier, and a campground. We walked to jetty first, catching sight of some fishing Brown Pelicans, Royal Terns, and a few gulls. We then headed up the beach to see a flock of gulls. Ring-billed and Laughing Gulls were there in large numbers.

Laughing Gull
Jetty Park

Ring-billed Gull
Jetty Park

This guy was bracing himself for the very large gusts of wind that were whipping sand across the beach. I realized with only one minute to spare that it was nearly launch time. I was thankful we didn't miss it as this was the third attempt at launch.

We next ventured to the boardwalk, scanning the growth for some song birds. There were several Mockingbirds singing. The sun was beginning to set as we saw two Gray Catbirds playing in the hardwoods. We also saw a Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Gray Catbird
Jetty Park

We then headed back to the beach and I was very glad we did as a very large mixed flock was settling in for the evening. The highlight for me was watching the Black Skimmers.

Black Skimmers
Jetty Park

Black Skimmers

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Birding at the Inlet

Sebastian Inlet State Park is great place to experience some of Florida's finest birds. I was definitely not disappointed on this week's camping trip the inlet. The park is located along A1A south of Melbourne Beach, Florida, nestled between the Indian River and the shore of the Atlantic. The Inlet is most well-known for its premier surfing and fishing, but offers an extensive variety of activities. 

Juvenile Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Pelicans, a very common Florida bird, are quite plentiful here.They frequently can be found trying to make friends with the fishermen. The inlet is definitely the place to be for a front row seat of viewing pelicans in action.

Juvenile Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Brown Pelican
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Heron and Egrets of all sizes, shapes, and colors are also quite plentiful for viewing here.

Great Egret
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Reddish Egret
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Great Blue Heron
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Snowy Egret
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Wood Stork
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, and Black Skimmers were noted on this visit. The park has a protected nesting area for shore birds where numerous birds are offered a place safe from human traffic during their spring time nesting season.

Ring-billed Gull
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Ring-billed Gull
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Black Skimmers
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Shore birds sighted on this visit included Ruddy Turnstones, Willets, and Sanderlings.The only ducks observed were several Red-breasted Mergansers. Northern Mockingbirds, Black Crows, Grackle, and Mourning Doves were also seen populating the area.

Red-breasted Merganser
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Red-breasted Merganser
Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sanderling
Sebastian Inlet State Park