- April 17, 2024
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Marie Pelicano photographed these birds flocking on the shore of Lido Key. Shorebirds’ lives depend on healthy coastal features such as beaches, water and dunes.
John Caviglia captured this photo of a flock of white ibises flying over Longboat Key Club Moorings. White ibises are one of the most numerous wading birds in Florida.
Janet Russo captured this photo of a white pelican enjoying a fish in her backyard pond in Bradenton. Less common than brown pelicans, American white pelicans are larger and usually live further inland on lakes and marshes.
Mary Tygh Parks captured this tricolored heron stalking through the water near a great blue heron at Celery Fields in Sarasota. Tricolored herons are smaller than great blue herons, which are the largest herons in North America.
Jeannie Sparks photographed this green heron at Celery Fields in Sarasota. These small herons tend to live solitary lives in densely vegetated areas.
Gordon Silver took this photo of a male sandhill crane showing off for two females at Grayhawk Landing in Manatee County.
Roger Fault photographed these anhingas at the Venice Rookery. An anhinga often is seen perched above water drying its outspread wings, or with its neck and head sticking out the water as it fishes for food.
Mary Tygh Parks photographed these limpkins sharing lunch at Celery Fields in Sarasota.
Mary Tygh Parks photographed this roseate spoonbill landing on the water at Myakka River State Park. Once nearly eliminated in the United States, the roseate spoonbill population has made a comeback, but they are still vulnerable.
Gordon Silver captured this photo of a great egret reflected in the calm water at Myakka River State Park.
Mary Tygh Parks photographed this snowy egret posing at the Venice pier.
Samantha Bisceglia photographed this young osprey leaving the nest on Siesta Key for the first time after many attempts. Fish-eating, hawk-like ospreys are commonly seen soaring over coastal water and nesting on high perches.
Jeannie Sparks captured this shot of a wood stork stalking food in a Lakewood Ranch marsh. The large, heavy-billed bird is the only stork native to North America.
Mary Tygh Parks photographed this purple gallinule having a bite at Celery Fields in Sarasota.
Everywhere you look in Florida — flying overhead, walking along the side of the road, or even swimming under your paddleboard — there are birds. We gathered a few of our favorite Florida bird photos submitted by readers to our weather and nature photo contest.
Coastal birds depend on healthy environments, including oceans, beaches, dunes, marshes and mangroves. Leaving trash, fishing line and other human belongings on the beach can injure shorebirds (and sea turtles) and obstruct feeding and nesting. If you see an injured bird, please contact Save Our Seabirds at 941-388-3010.
Submit your weather and nature photos at www.yourobserver.com/weather!
