I only birded at Gemini Springs twice during July. In my defense, Arthur and I spent much of the month up in Illinois visiting family and friends. Also, it’s crazy hot here in July. Anyway, on those two outings I saw 25 species of bird. Nothing new for my all-time list but Barn Swallow was new for me at the park for the year. The complete list is at the end of this post.
Last July I didn’t publish a summary post like this one. I only birded at Gemini Springs once that month (!!), with a total species list of 23 birds. Since I have so few photos to share from this year, here is a photo of a baby Barred Owl I took at the park last year. I had much better luck with baby owls last year.
Young Barred Owl | 02 July 2012
On July 7th Arthur and I took a late morning walk at the park. We were treated to a loose group of seven Swallow-tailed Kites soaring over the fishing pier.
Shadow of Arthur and your blogger | 07 July 2013
Swallow-tailed Kites | 07 July 2013
Even Anhingas get hot in Florida in July | 07 July 2013
My other visit was on July 13th, when butterflies dominated the landscape. The number of Gulf Fritillaries especially was remarkable. They were everywhere!
White Peacock | 13 July 2013
6 Gulf Fritillaries | 13 July 2013
Gulf Fritillary | 13 July 2013
July 2013 bird list, Gemini Springs
Anhinga – Anhinga anhinga
Great Blue Heron – Ardea herodias
Great Egret – Ardea alba
Little Blue Heron – Egretta caerulea
Tricolored Heron – Egretta tricolor
Turkey Vulture – Cathartes aura
Osprey – Pandion haliaetus
Swallow-tailed Kite – Elanoides forficatus
Red-shouldered Hawk – Buteo lineatus
Common Gallinule – Gallinula galeata
American Coot – Fulica americana
Mourning Dove – Zenaida macroura
Red-bellied Woodpecker – Melanerpes carolinus
Great Crested Flycatcher – Myiarchus crinitus
Blue Jay – Cyanocitta cristata
American Crow – Corvus brachyrhynchos
Fish Crow – Corvus ossifragus
Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica
Tufted Titmouse – Baeolophus bicolor
Carolina Wren – Thryothorus ludovicianus
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher – Polioptila caerulea
Northern Parula – Setophaga americana
Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis cardinalis
Red-winged Blackbird – Agelaius phoeniceus
Boat-tailed Grackle – Quiscalus major
