As a bird enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a species for the first time, or the satisfaction that comes from seeing a familiar face in a new context. In 2015, I had the opportunity to experience these delights firsthand as I set off on a birdwatching journey around Volusia County, Florida. The following is a summary of my observations, where I have noted the diversity, abundance, and habits of the local avian species, as well as some change over the seasons.
Spotting the Uncommon Species
A surprising diversity of birds was observed during this study. Notably, the Blue-Winged Teal was spotted in October, marking its winter presence. The Wild Turkey was also a common sighting in various habitats, while the Double-crested Cormorant made an uncommon appearance in late October and early November. A rare but spectacular sighting was the Pied-billed Grebe, seen in both aquatic and marsh habitats during the same period.
The Anhinga and the Great Blue Heron, both uncommon but year-round residents, were frequently spotted across different habitats, including anthropogenic, aquatic, and marsh settings. The Cattle Egret, another uncommon species, was mostly observed in agricultural areas and disturbed habitats. Interestingly, the Osprey, known for its fishing prowess, was observed primarily around aquatic and marsh habitats.
Seasonal Visitors
In terms of seasonal visitors, some species like the Northern Harrier and the American Kestrel were observed during the winter months, while others such as the Chimney Swift and the Great Crested Flycatcher were spotted during the summer. Some birds, like the Eastern Kingbird, were seen only during migration.
Abundance and Habitats
It was evident that certain species were more abundant than others. For instance, the Turkey Vulture was spotted in a variety of habitats, including aquatic, flyover, and marsh, suggesting its abundant presence. In contrast, the Black Vulture seemed to prefer anthropogenic and disturbed habitats.
The Bald Eagle was seen across a range of habitats, indicating a healthy population. Similarly, the Red-shouldered Hawk was regularly observed across a spectrum of habitats from agricultural to marsh.
Seasonal Variations
The observations also suggested seasonal variations in bird populations. Species like the Snowy Egret and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird were observed mostly during summer, whereas the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Swamp Sparrow were spotted during winter.
Final Thoughts
My birdwatching journey in Volusia County during my undergrad offered rich insight into the avian life of the area. The diverse habitats from marshes to forests provided a home for a wide range of bird species, each with its own unique behaviors and preferences. This experience was a vivid reminder of the intricate links between biodiversity, habitats, and seasons.
I invite you to explore the birding wonders of Volusia County for yourself. Perhaps you’ll spot a rare Pied-billed Grebe swimming serenely in a marsh, or witness the impressive hunting prowess of an Osprey. Whatever your experience may be, happy birdwatching!
– Alex Zelenski (CEO)