During last weekend: Heat affects birding

 It has been hot here in Florida and that affects birding. 

• Reduced Activity and Foraging: Birds become less active during the hottest parts of the day, limiting their foraging and breeding activities. 
• They may seek shade and cooler spots to rest and conserve energy.

As a result, I didn’t have many opportunities to capture good pictures.

One bird that didn’t seem to be bothered by the heat were the Laughing Gulls.

 I managed to take a few pictures of these birds in flight.

 The Herring Gull is large and pale gray with a white head, pink legs, and a strong yellow bill marked with a red spot. They are winter visitors to Florida, often seen along beaches, piers, and harbors, scavenging for fish or scraps.

The Laughing Gull, on the other hand, is a year-round resident and one of Florida’s most recognizable gulls. In breeding season, it has a black head, red bill, and a raucous, laughing call that gives the species its name. They thrive in coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to busy boardwalks, and are quick to swoop in on snacks left unattended.

Together, these two gulls capture both the seasonal rhythm and the lively spirit of Florida’s shorelines.

Another bird that I photographed was the boat-tailed grackle.  

Female Boat-tailed Grackle.

The Boat-tailed Grackle is a striking blackbird found along Florida’s coasts and wetlands. Males are glossy black with long, keel-shaped tails (like a boat’s hull), while females are smaller and brown with a slimmer build. They’re noisy, bold, and often gather in large flocks around marshes, parking lots, and boardwalks. Their loud, varied calls and confident presence make them one of the most noticeable birds in Florida’s coastal areas.

Sandhill Crane in Florida

 

 

 

Sandhill Cranes in Florida — Majestic Neighbors of the Wetlands

If you spend time near Florida’s lakes, marshes, or even open pastures, you may hear a distant, rolling bugle that carries for miles. Look up, and you might spot a pair of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) — tall, graceful birds that have become an iconic part of the Sunshine State’s natural scenery.

Year-Round Residents

While millions of Sandhill Cranes migrate across North America each year, Florida is home to its own non-migratory subspecies: the Florida Sandhill Crane (A. c. pratensis). These cranes live here year-round, nesting in freshwater marshes and open prairies. Standing nearly four feet tall with wingspans over six feet, they’re hard to miss — especially in breeding season, when pairs perform their famous courtship dances, leaping and bowing in perfect sync.

Mating for Life

Sandhill Cranes are monogamous, often mating for life. Pairs work together to build a nest of plant material in shallow water. Typically, the female lays two eggs, but often only one chick — called a “colt” — survives to adulthood. Parents are fiercely protective, and it’s not unusual to see them boldly confronting predators, from raccoons to hawks.

Where to Spot Them

In Florida, you can encounter Sandhill Cranes in state parks, wildlife management areas, and even golf courses or suburban fields. Common viewing spots include Crews Lake Park in Pasco County, Paynes Prairie Preserve, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

A Delicate Balance

Although Florida Sandhill Cranes are not currently endangered, they’re considered threatened by the state due to habitat loss. Wetland drainage and development have reduced their breeding grounds, and they are especially vulnerable during nesting season (January through June).

Photography Tips

• Keep your distance: Cranes are protected by law — it’s illegal to harass or feed them.

• Go early: Morning light enhances their red foreheads and soft gray plumage.

• Watch the behavior: Dances, bugling calls, and parenting moments make for compelling wildlife shots.

Why They Matter

Sandhill Cranes have lived in North America for millions of years — fossil records suggest they’re among the oldest bird species still alive today. In Florida, they’re more than just another bird; they’re a symbol of our wetlands’ beauty and fragility.

 

Hummingbirds

 

Hummingbirds in Florida – Tiny Jewels of the Sunshine State

Florida may be famous for its herons, egrets, and spoonbills, but it also plays host to one of the most dazzling avian visitors—the hummingbird. Known for their iridescent feathers, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds are a true delight for bird lovers and photographers alike.

Species You’ll See in Florida

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird – The only species that breeds in Florida. Males sport a brilliant red throat that flashes in sunlight, while females have a plain white throat. They arrive in spring, nest during the warmer months, and some overwinter in the southern parts of the state.

  

  Ruby-throated hummingbird.

• Seasonal Visitors – In winter, a few other species occasionally appear, such as the Black-chinned Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird, often spotted by dedicated birdwatchers in gardens and parks.

When and Where to Spot Them

• Spring & Fall Migration – Peak times for sightings, especially along the Gulf Coast and in gardens with nectar-rich flowers.

• Year-Round in South Florida – Warmer temperatures mean that some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds stay all year.

• Best Locations – Botanical gardens, coastal nature reserves, and backyards with feeders and native flowering plants.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard

1. Plant Native Flowers – Coral honeysuckle, firebush, and salvia are favorites.

2. Use Feeders Wisely – A simple sugar-water mix (4 parts water to 1 part sugar, no dye) works perfectly. Clean feeders every few days to prevent mold and bacteria.

3. Provide Shelter – Small trees and shrubs offer perching and nesting spots.

Fun Facts

• Hummingbirds beat their wings about 50 times per second.

• They have excellent memories and will return to the same feeder year after year.

• Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial, often chasing away much larger birds from their food sources.

From last weekend

I’ve been a bit busy this week and haven’t had time to post my favorite photo from last weekend—sorry about that! So here it is.

I like this one because of the hummingbird’s pose; it looks as if it was observing me.

Laughing Gull in flight

 

Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), likely a juvenile or non-breeding adult based on the plumage.

Key identifying features:

• Dark-tipped bill (blackish).

• Dark wings with lighter underparts.

• Grayish back and wing coverts with brownish tones—common in immature gulls.

• White head with some smudging, not the full black hood of breeding adults.

Seasonal variation:

• In breeding season, adults have a full black hood.

• In non-breeding season, the hood fades to a smudgy gray or partial cap.

• Juveniles often show more brown in the wings and mottled markings on the head.

Another favorite from last weekend

I knew this would happen—after a long weekend and 300 photos later, picking a favorite feels impossible!
But hey, here’s another one I really like. Who says you can’t have more than one favorite, right?

Birds in flight, how do I do it?

Birds in flight photography is one of the most challenging aspects of bird photography. It’s not just about having a camera with great autofocus and a fast lens to track the bird; a lot relies on having the right camera settings. In this situation, shooting in Auto Mode simply won’t cut it.

So, how do I approach it? I’ve configured my Canon R6 with custom settings specifically for Birds in Flight, saved to the C3 memory slot. This allows me to quickly access my optimized settings with a simple switch to C3. I prefer shooting in Shutter Priority mode, setting the shutter speed at around 1/3000 to freeze the motion, while letting the camera automatically handle the aperture and ISO. This approach simplifies the process and keeps me focused on the action.

The results speak for themselves, as seen in this stunning capture of a red-shouldered hawk in flight.

 

Or this other picture of a juvenile Mississippi Kite.