The Limpkin, which looks like a  heron or ibis is actually considered to be more closely related to cranes.  The Limpkin feeds almost solely on apple snails.  In order to open these snails the end of the long bill has a gap which makes the bill act like tweezers to pull out the snail.  We also saw a pile of neatly stacked empty shells.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron is the most widespread heron in the world. It feeds on fish, lizards, snakes, rodents and fish.  It's habitat is fresh water marshes, swamps, streams, lakes, and agricultural fields.  They are most active at dusk and at night, feeding in the same areas that other heron species frequent during the day.  This heron was not far from the Limpkin sighting.

For those who returned to the store, we watched a slide show reviewing some of the birds that were seen at the park.  The slide show also had an accompanying CD which had bird calls on it so we were also able to hear the birds more clearly.

We also talked about local backyard birds that we see in our backyards every day, and the plants to add to your landscaping to attract them.

Offering Fats with Fruits

Suet is a great winter food. A pure fat substance, suet provides high energy when insects are more difficult to find. We have many suet choices with additives such as fruits, nuts and insects to make them even tastier to the birds. Full of essential fat, fruits and more, Nuts & Berries Suet and Jim’s Birdacious® BugBerry™ foods are sure to keep your birds warm.

Energy-packed Cylinders

Bird food cylinders are a win-win for you and your birds. Cylinders, like the Nutty for Nuts, are long-lasting allowing you fewer trips to fill the feeder. The birds stay longer eating at the feeder instead of grabbing a morsel and quickly flying away to eat it elsewhere. Nutty for Nuts is packed with high-calorie peanut and tree nut energy to help the birds stay warmer. There are no shells, providing a quick energy snack for birds and no mess for you.

Open Water = Warm Birds

Water sources in winter are a wonderful way to attract a variety of birds, such as the Mockingbirds and warblers, that don’t normally visit feeders. They provide a reliable source of water for bathing and drinking. Bathing is especially important in cold weather to keep feathers in top condition. Available drinking water allows birds to maintain a healthy metabolism to stay warm.