I have had a unique opportunity lately to photograph an incredible variety of birds right in my own backyard. I would like to share these photos with you.

Backyard Birds: Blue Jay

Blue jays are a common sight at backyard bird feeders. They can be loud and noisy, but they are definitely entertaining.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching especially the youngsters, as they explore their new world. They are very curious, extremely observant and notice even the smallest details.

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[You can click on any picture to reveal a larger full-size image.]

Great Egret

[Pictures Below]

The great egret is a beautiful and large wading bird, usually observed around freshwater lakes and ponds, as well as marine estuaries. They eat fish, small reptiles and amphibians (such as lizards, salamanders and frogs), and crustaceans.

They can be distinguished from several similar species with a few unique characteristics. They have long, thick yellow beaks and black legs. In breeding season, the males display a feathery plume.

In the 3rd picture, you can actually see the bone structure in the wing. The sun was backlighting perfectly.

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Royal Tern

I’ve had a very unique opportunity to observe royal terns up close recently. For about 3 weeks now, a pair of royal terns have been foraging the freshwater lake here. Although they have been known to fly up to 65km inland in certain places on the Atlantic coast, it is rather unusual for them to forage in freshwater.

I have a theory that they may be coming inland due to a lack of adequate natural habitat along the overcrowded coastlines here. Perhaps there is less competition here.

Note these terns lack the typical black “skull cap” that most terns possess year-round. The males display the black skull cap in its entirety during breeding season only.

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Belted Kingfisher

The belted kingfisher was a surprise that turned up a few weeks ago, also. I love these birds, but saw a lot more of them back home around the rivers than I ever have here.

With their distinct blue, black, and white markings, they are both exquisite in appearance, but also enjoyable to watch as they cry, “kree, kree, kree!” zooming low across the water at full speed.

This is also a very skilled predator, as I rarely see one miss. In one swift move, I usually see him either dive into the water to land a fish or scoop one up from the surface, and then fly to the opposite side of the body of water enjoying the spoils.

This little guy has been pretty elusive. I hear him every morning and throughout the day. And I do see him all the time.

However, he’s rather wily and he’s gone in a flash if he even sees the slightest movement. I am relegated to taking photos from well behind my patio door for the most part.

These photos are among the few I have managed to snap while outside. However, these weren’t the best because he was at least 75-100 yards away. I think the only reason I was able to get these was because he was grabbing take-out at the time!

The Kingfisher is such an incredibly beautiful bird and has such character. This little guy is no exception. Every time he spots me spying on him, he raises that crest, scolds me soundly, then repositions to the other side of the lake.

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Wonder what I’ll see next? Me, too! Stay tuned! In the meantime, if you would like to see more pictures of freshwater birds in the Everglades, please visit The Florida Everglades – Not Just Another Swamp or Tricolored Heron – Birds of South Florida. [<— Both clickable links]