Birds about town

I have yet to undertake any dedicated birding trips in Gainesville, but I've added a few birds to my life list by keeping an eye open.

I spotted a loggerhead shrike just hanging out on top of a fence on the southwest end of the horse pasture on the UF campus. I noted its striking mask, smallish bill, black wings with white bits, and black tail with white side feathers. I thought it was quite pretty -- it has that smooth coloring effect like Cedar Waxwings do.

I also spotted a bunch of vultures eating something next to the road east of Gainesville on the SR-20. I was in a car, but was struck by two things: they didn't fly away as the car approached, and, despite the close view I had, I didn't see any red faces. I suspect they were Black Vultures instead of Turkey Vultures, but I think I'll wait to tick them off the list until I get a better view of one.

In St. Augustine I spotted an Eurasian Collared Dove. I noticed the black mark on the neck, so there's not much ambiguity there.

And, of course, I've seen lots of English sparrows, cattle egrets, and one cardinal.