By VERNA BROCK
I have been enjoying some very random bird watching lately. One of my aunts was an avid bird watcher, even making special trips to spot specific birds to help add to her list of feathered finds. She kept meticulous records of what she spotted, and where. It was an opportunity for much celebration when she was able to add a long sought after species to her notebook.
I, on the other hand, am content to simply observe some of our more commonly found winged friends here-abouts. Recently I spotted a pair of falcons behind Centennial Bank whilst waiting to purchase produce from the Tomato Lady. Even though the birds were very high up in a Magnolia tree, I could discern they couldn’t be hawks. Watching them wheel and dip in the sky, it was apparent they are some sort of falcon, and my best guess is Peregrine. Several varieties of falcons pass through our environs as they migrate, including the Kestrel. I have also spotted a falcon in a tree across the street from the library in Medart, so eating must be good in the armpit of Florida,.
I am especially excited every time I spot any Swallow-Tailed Kites wafting on updrafts in our Wakulla skies. Once declared completely gone, extinct, from here, and they now appear regularly above us in their full avian splendor. Black and white, silhouetted against blue summer skies, the kite sails effortlessly above us in its relentless search for food. These exquisite creatures never fail to inspire awe in me, and I am incredibly grateful they’ve made a comeback in Wakulla.
More common, but equally beautiful, are the Red Tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks. You can spot them on electric wires strung all along our highways and byways. They often frequent fence posts, or any sort of structure that gives a view of possible prey. My church has a pair that returns every year to raise young. They can be observed on watch, perched upon the tall metal swing set, or any of the tall trees in the churchyard. Should you have the good fortune of having a pair of resident hawks on your premises, enjoy!
The most impressive bird I observe on my travels around the county is the Bald Eagle. I can occasionally spot one near Wakulla Springs, as it wanders afar from the sanctuary of the state park. Funnily enough, it seems to enjoy gaining altitude by slowly rising straight above the black top, until it can veer off across the trees on one side or the other. Slow flap…flap…flap, rising several feet with each motion, and then effortlessly floating off and away on the warm wind. What a privilege to witness! Are we not among the most fortunate of people to live in a wildlife paradise such as this?
Don’t forget, next Sunday there will be music and fellowship at the Woodville United Methodist Church. The music begins at 6:00 pm, and dinner follows in the social hall at 7:00. All are welcome!
Open house at our schools will be tonight (Thursday), and classes begin next Monday. Woo-hoo!! Let the fun begin!