Date: 24 January 2014. Bits about Birds.

© janice142
 

I am not sure about dirt dwellers but do know that as a boater I take a great deal of interest in the world surrounding my home. Perhaps that is because at anchor the view changes so often. At night there is nothing like looking up at the stars.  Orion's Belt and the Little Dipper belong to me -- my daddy told me so. The Big Dipper belongs to everyone. I do share, so enjoy. Still, it is the wild life that fascinates me most.
 

A few days ago I saw the pair of Pekin ducks display behavior I have never seen before. I am sure most have seen Pekin ducks before. Below are the pair that hang out around the Carrabelle River basin where I am anchored.
 

They (the breed) is quite popular in films. You have seen them in  Swiss Family Robinson and a few other Disney movies. Pekin ducks do not fly and they do respond well to food, much like men!
 

In any event, a few days ago I spotted this duo chasing the cormorants off the sand bar where many of our feathered friends hang out when the tide is low.  The cormorants would try to relax on the sand, and these two would chase them into the water.  I'd never seen the Pekin ducks doing that and so noted it in my Log Book. 

Wild things make me happy, and often notes on the sights are included in my Log Book.

 

Then today I looked up and spotted a pair of ospreys flying in formation. They are rather magnificent and with their masked face quite easy to recognize. They are larger and heavier birds of prey.

One broke off and headed for the sand bar. On the sand bar was another large bird. At first I thought it might be a buzzard but then noted the golden head. Could it be an immature eagle? Frankly the head did look much like a golden. I'm not an expert but did pull out my bird book for a little more information. [Birds of North America is  my "go to" book for identifying birds seen along the waterfront.]
 

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  The BALD EAGLE'S TAIL is quite distinctive, and the OSPREY'S BANDIT FACE is equally easy to spot.
   

I continued to watch the osprey dive bombing the eagle on the sand bar until finally the eagle took off. And yes, it did hang on to the fish in it's talons. The tail seemed to be about 2/3rds black and the rest white. Hmm.  Because of the colors on its butt I am guessing this is an immature bald eagle but it might be a golden.  Perhaps a local here in Carrabelle will have spotted it too and be able to offer a definitive identification.
 

The two birds headed for the trees just south of me and I lost them.  I'm guessing though that the eagle wasn't going to give up dinner, at least not willingly.
 

That fish was fresh and looked just the right size for my dinner. If I had a fresh fish, well, I would want it too. Perhaps baked with a bit of broccoli on the side.  Yes as a matter of fact, I do need to get to shore for more groceries!

And on that note, I shall wish you a good day.
 

If you're a local Carrabelle resident, did you spot at golden eagle this morning?
And, has anyone else seen a Pekin duck being aggressive?  That was new for me!
 

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