dragon49

Ty - looks like the juveniles are white - not a new ID for me, but I learned something.

Cool - Yet another new ID for me!

All taken this morning or this afternoon in Boynton Beach, Florida: #1 - Tricolored Heron #2 - Great Blue Heron #3 - Green Heron

Taken this afternoon in Boynton Beach, Florida:

Taken this afternoon, in Boynton beach, Florida. Most-likely a new ID for me as I don't remember ever seeing this bird.

Taken this morning in Boynton Beach, Florida: I'm pretty sure the one on the left is a Cattle Egret, but have no idea what the other two are:

No pictures here, although I just got a new camera with a much better zoom, so maybe I'll be able to get some good pictures of some of the ducks "in the act." There are a lot of Muscovy ducks in my area, and there will be a lot more in the future. 🙂 In my area, I see Muscovy ducks mating all of the time, but never out in the open. It happens in areas such as in the bushes past the curb, or other areas in the vegetation, a little hidden from view. Since animals don't have shame, I was wondering why they don't mate out in the open. My best guess is that the males take the females to a hidden spot in order to protect themselves from aggressive competing males. If this isn't the case, then maybe it's just more comfortable for them not to be in the direct sunlight. I'm far from a "birding" expert, but am getting to know the local species pretty well and this is a clear pattern. I was wondering if some of the real experts here can either agree with one of my theories, or otherwise explain the mating behavior.

Major upgrade to the rats I saw daily in New York City. 🙂

To tired after a long day to pontificate over a description, but needless to say, I love these South Florida Muscovy Ducks!

I love South Florida! I usually walk around the community during my lunch breaks, and get to see these precious creatures:

I love the way Anhingas can swivel their heads!

Taken this morning in Boynton Beach, Florida:

Taken this afternoon in Boynton beach, Florida:

Is this female and the prettier one I asked about male, or was the other bird just a better picture because I was much closer?

Taken this afternoon on Boynton Beach, Florida: