Have I ever said that the American Bald Eagle is my favorite bird? Last summer I placed two decals on our Camper Van, each with a Bald Eagle on them. Bald Eagles migrate to Florida for the winter, seeking open water and food. Florida has year-round residents, but the winter months sees an influx of these northern migrants for nesting and feeding, with the Florida breeding season occurring from fall to spring. I guess experts can tell the difference, but to most of us we have no idea if they live here year around, or if they are just another "Snow Bird".
This tree (above) has had an Eagle's Nest in it for many years. It has survived hurricane strength winds, but it always needs adjustments to the nest. So far this year, I have only seen the one Eagle hanging around...it takes two to make a nest. Still hoping a "mate" might come along so the nest can be fully utilized.
I see this same eagle flying over the coast between Anclote River Park and Anclote Gulf Park. Along this mile long stretch of the Gulf of America, it is flying high over the other birds of prey, such as the Osprey the Turkey and Black Vultures. Normally this nest would already have eggs or hatched eggs in it. Sad to see it so empty.
Above he/she is in another tree close to the nest. I wish I could tell the difference between a male and female...females are typically larger than the males. But with only one hanging around, it is hard to say...my guess is that this is a male though, but I can't tell you exactly why other than saying, "It is a gut feeling...."
This is an Osprey's nest...it is a natural nest located in the parking lot of Key Vista Nature Park, another park about a miles driving distance from Anclote Gulf Park, but only 1/2 mile by the way the crow flies.
This is the same nest, and you can clearly see that there are two Osprey present. My guess is that there are eggs in the nest, but they have not hatched yet...should be soon though. The reason I don't think they have hatched is because the Osprey don't seem to be feeding anything in the nest. Also, once they do hatch, there is a distinct high pitch chirp that the little ones make...I have not heard that sound yet.
These Osprey nesting platforms encourage ospreys to nest and raise their young, aiding in population recovery efforts. They keep the Osprey safe from sites like dead trees, which might be vulnerable to collapse, or hazardous man-made structures like active power poles. Like the Bald Eagle, the Osprey have a migration population, and a year-around population too. The above nest, by-the-way, has had two adult birds in it, I just have not got a picture of both in there at the same time. There are MANY Osprey nest, either on a platform or in a tree, all over Florida. Every day I take Indy for a ride. We drive between 8 to 14 miles...when it is 14 miles we visit four county parks along the Gulf of America. There are COUNTLESS numbers of Osprey nests along this route. Interesting note: Florida is home to one of the largest osprey populations in the United States. Approximately 20% of the U.S. osprey population (excluding Alaska) nests in Florida.
Great Blue Heron (left) and Wood Stork (right)
Along our route as we near home, we typically stop at the Public Library. This time of year, there are many birds, such as these two above. Now and then we will see an Osprey dive into the pond and grab a fish. It is not unusual to hear of cars being hit by fish dropped by Osprey. Once dropped, the fish becomes food for the seagulls and the large black birds.
At Anclote River Park, there are many boats that are anchored near the boat launching area, and along the river up-stream towards Tarpon Springs (the last one above is a boat that is anchored in the river, Tarpon Springs is located up river, which is to the left in this picture with the Sponge Docks about 2 miles away from this point.) As long as the boats are not anchored in the river waterway, or too close to the docks, then there is no time limit and no docking fees. Some of the boats seem to be there long term, others come and go. A few of the "come and go" type seem to have people living on the boat, and they have skiffs that will take them from their ship to the shore. There is a limit how long a skiff can be tied up to the docks.
Boaters returning from an outing on the Gulf...or perhaps travelers headed for a short stay in Tarpon Springs??? You never know...except the boat on the left was docked on the north side of the river in the Sponge Docks area when I drove through there the next day.
These last five are the more typical fishing boats. Some days, especially weekends, the parking for vehicles with boat trailers at the park is around 90 spots on asphalt, and another 50 or so on grass...I have seen where all the asphalt spots are taken...at $10 per day per spot, although you can buy a yearly pass. You cannot park all night and stay in your vehicle, but I am sure some do.
We have had seasonal/typical winter weather. Tonight will be in the upper 30's, with temps in the 50's tomorrow. By Thursday we will be back in the 50's at night, and in the low 70's during the day. Today, due to the cold, there were only a handful of boat trailers parked, and only one boater pulling out of the water, while we drove through. I expect the same for the next few days, but with temps in the 70's next weekend, I am sure things will pick back up.