I read this thread, but haven't posted. I just want to tell all you Florida folks that you captured some very nice photos of the Winter birds as well as the water birds!
I always envy those of you in the Northern states because you get some really interesting birds that I don't think we get here in Florida, even during migration. And those of you here from other countries .... WOW!!! Some pretty neat birds you've shared photos of! I have enjoyed all the photos!
I host the typical birds year round such as Cardinals and Blue Jays. I also have a mating pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Plus 3 different species of Doves (White-winged, Mourning, and Common Ground). Unfortunately, I also have a Red-shouldered Hawk or two here that has on occasion attacked the Doves, leaving only a large pile of feathers. I hate when that happens. I have lots of coverage in my yard, but Doves don't seem to be the smartest birds at the feeder.
In Winter, I also host Painted Buntings, Indigo Buntings, Gray Catbirds, various Warblers, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Twice (in 2011 and just recently), a Hummingbird bander came to my yard to capture, band, and release the hummers. Just this past year (2014), I contacted a different bander south of me about the Painted Buntings, so she comes up at least once a year to capture, band, and release those birds along with anything else she catches in her nets or traps. It's very interesting to see the birds up close, hold them to release them, and study them briefly during the banding activity. Being captured and banded does not seem to scare them off afterwards and I often see those same birds at my feeder until they migrate north for the Spring/Summer.
Something I discovered about some birds is that they like to lick the nectar from blooming nectar plants. Seems many have a love of nectar (not just hummingbirds). I video-taped a Cardinal and Painted Bunting pulling the flowers off some of my Salvia plants. The Cardinals will strip the flowers from my bushes and trees in a matter of days! LOL!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...