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Introduction
This is the second in a series of guides for newcomers to Old Bridge Village and for anyone else who is interested in birds or who asks “I wonder what species of bird that is”.
I have also covered some species which I have seen during our boating experiences with the OBV Yacht Club.
For each bird, I’ve included brief details on how to recognize it and places where the species may be seen. It should be pointed out that some of these birds are not here all the time and that plumages within a species may vary depending upon age and sex.
You’ll also find “Jimmy’s notes” -- “personal extras” that provide additional recognition details or other interesting information.
Why is South West Florida so good for Birds and Birding?
The answer to the question “why do so many people come to South West Florida” is the same as “why do so many birds come to Old Bridge Village”: warm weather, plenty of local food of all different types and abundant water (fresh or sea) found throughout a range of environments (sea, river, canal, pond etc).
There are about 800 species of bird found in North America and over half of these species can be found in Florida. In essence, Florida is a birders’ paradise but the reader should beware that many species, like people, are sensitive to environmental issues and are found only in a certain type of habitat. It follows then, that if you want to add a “tick” to your birding checklist, you will have to visit a number of different locations, at different times of the year and at different times of the day.
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Bird spotting tips
1. The best time is first thing in the morning (when birds have to move and feed)
2. You can also see them last thing in the afternoon when they are settling down and are resident
3. Singing birds are generally resident, male and breeding
4. Breeding birds stay in the same territory
5. You can’t beat a good pair of binoculars
6. You’d be surprised what you see if you sit quietly down and watch your bushes, trees, mangrove patches etc. In fact, anywhere where there is cover.
7. Flocks of birds often move together first thing in the morning and at dusk.
8. Birds can be trained to come to feeders; different food items attract different species
9. Buy yourself a good bird book with actual photographs of birds and not line drawings or artists’ impressions.
10. It is quicker to identify different species by actually going out with a fellow bird watcher and by sharing your knowledge. A lot of birds can be recognized by gait and by silhouette.
SEE ALL THE BIRDS
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