Here we go on our little “Big Year” goal to see 500 species in the lower 48 during 2015. We are very fortunate to have great birding places near St. Petersburg, FL. If you are unfamiliar with the area we recommend signing up for the Bird Brains List Service. This list service covers the entire state of Florida but we rely on it for important sightings in Pinellas County. The members are very helpful and post regularly.

Our first stop was the Duck Ponds & Tierra Verde eBird Hotspot where we found 17 species of birds. Only two species of ducks which is unusual for this time of year – Redhead and Ring-necked. Tierra Verde is a very reliable location for Roseate Spoonbill.

We continued to Fort DeSoto Park where we always have high species counts due to the location and diversity of habitat. Check out the north beach and lagoon, gulf pier and east beach turn around for shorebirds, gulls, and terns. Try the Mulberry tree/ranger’s house, north and east beach woods for migrants during the spring and fall. Stop by the Park Headquarters at the flagpole for a map.

We were happy to see 43 species including Red-breasted Mergansers and Nanday Parakeets.

 Other great birds included: American White Pelicans, American Oystercatcher, Belted Kingfisher, Black Skimmer, and 100 Dunlin. Of course, we saw all the usual herons and gulls.

The next stop was Lake Maggiore Park to look for the Common Goldeneye first reported back on December 13 and the continuing Canvasbacks. We dipped on both but did find a Caspian Tern to add to our day list.

Overall a great first day of birding! We are 10% of the way to our goal of 500 US birds.

Total Species: 53     Year Birds: 53    Life Birds: 0

Here’s the list: 2015 Bird List