Drive-By Birding

[pharmakon]

So I FINALLY made it out to the Viera Wetlands today for the first time after several months of wanting to go. I must say it was a little different than I imagined. Lots of birds, but honestly it felt like a trip to Lion Country Safari (A drive through Zoo in West Palm if you didn't know).

I planned on getting out and walking the trails like I usually do in other places, but here it seems everyone just drives around, so I did like the rest of the crowd, hence the title of the post.

mmmm lunch time!

Love these ducks, there were hundreds!

Ok not the best picture, but there's a story behind this one. I had never seen this before today: The heron threw the fish up on the bank and repeatedly speared it with his beak until it stopped moving!

Probably my favorite bird. I don't know what it is, but I almost missed it because it blended in so well. Most of the birds here wander around like they don't care if anything is watching, but not these, they creep around all sneaky like and hide in the bushes. (humor me for being new to this

Sand Hill Crane tending to her(?) nest.

Another Heron

Another one of my sneaky friends looking for a snack.

I hope you liked the pics, I had a blast taking them!

 

[Shocknawe]

nice shots

 

[billygoat]

Really like the last pic, the plumage you caught is awesome. . .

 

[icassell]

I think your hiding bird is a bittern. Nice images

 

[pharmakon]

Thanks for the comments everyone. And icassell, after looking it up I'm pretty sure you're right on that ID.

 

[MHarvey]

Great shots, that heron and fish is really cool! Your unknown is an american bittern. Very cool bird to see, if you do actually see it!

 

[Kethaneni]

Great pics, especially for a drive-by and there are many species of birds too.

 

[benlonghair]

I don't think it's a bittern, I think it's a green heron. Here's a couple pics of one I got this past summer. Their necks pull way back into their body when not striking.

EDIT: Great pics though. I especially like the second one.

Here's the wikipedia link for the green heron.

Here's the pic that makes me think yours (and mine) are green herons.

Final edit: I might be wrong about the ID of your bird after reading the wikipedia entry on American Bitterns.