#orlandoexpeditionweek

[aneighborhoodnaturalist]

During breeding season mature great egrets grow large, delicate display feathers from their backs. They mate in monogamous pairs over the course of the season and it is unknown whether they’re pair structure Carrie’s over from season to season.

(Great egret)

Orlando Expedition “Week” - Day 14, Post 1

[aneighborhoodnaturalist]

A Ruvu weaver relative, the red-billed quela, is believed to be the most numerous wild bird on the planet with a population estimated to peak at 1.5 billion individuals. The quela is sometimes referred to as “Africa’s feathered locust” due to the impact their colonies can have on crops.

(Ruvu weaver)

Orlando Expedition “Week” - Day 11, Post 2

[aneighborhoodnaturalist]

Double-crested cormorants, much like owls, will regurgitate pellets of indigestible parts of their prey, particularly bones.

(Double-crested)

Orlando Expedition Week - Day 7, Post 1

[aneighborhoodnaturalist]

Bird flight exists at the intersection of low body weight, high muscle energy/efficiency (and the metabolic capacity to power those muscles), and unique body structure (wing shape) to take advantage of lift.

(Glossy ibis)

Orlando Expedition Week - Day 6, Post 4

[aneighborhoodnaturalist]

Common gallinule mated pairs share parental duties for their eggs. Females will lay twice a year. One clutch will typically be 8 eggs early in the year and another of between 5 and 8. Gallinule are also notable in that their nests might be reused by different females.

(Common gallinule)

Orlando Expedition Week- Day 6, Post 1

[aneighborhoodnaturalist]

If you noticed that it was a little quiet around here then:

1) Thank you for noticing, and…

2) Get ready for some noise!

We just got back from a 5 day trek to Orlando, Florida and have a lot of amazing sightings to share (along with the usual mockingbirds). Follow along here or with the hashtag #orlandoexpeditionweek! And keep an eye on the website ‘Expeditions’ page for a summary coming soon!