My first morning bird hike in Florida was dramatic. I am down here helping my snowbird father who had some recent surgery.

About one hour ago this red tailed hawk attacked me! I must have stumbled upon his nesting area. If I had seen the nest, I would never have moved so close for this photo. It is quite scary to have a hawk dive and attack you. His talons looked very large when they were only four feet above my head. I quickly held up my camera on its monopod to fend him off and then immediately exited the area w/o any delay.

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In total I hiked for about 2.5 hours starting a bit before sunrise. The difference in the number and variety of birds between sprint time in Florida and an extended winter in northern Minnesota is amazing.

Wood Stork on Flight

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Wood Stork in Search of Breakfast

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Wood Ibis Duplication!

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Osprey on the Hunt.