02/07/2026

Samuel Clifford

Data 000005

Date: 2/7/2026

Location: Jacksonville Zoo, Jacksonville Florida

Time: 9am – 1pm

Weather: Sunny

Temperature: 50° – 60°F

This data collection isn’t meant to include behaviors of enclosed birds but in the rarest of circumstances. Even though this data was collected at the Jacksonville Zoo, the birds discussed were wild birds that could be seen around.

Upon arrival three Black Vultures were observed riding a thermal across the parking lot. Around the parking lot there were a few Boat-tailed Grackles around. Various White Ibis’ could be seen around the park. Some were displaying normal behavior that had been seen at Grand Bay. They were standing in shallow water & using their bills to search for food. Others, however, were on buildings & among seating areas outside for restaurants. They were eating scraps of human food left on the ground.

The largest group of Ibis’ were among the Caribbean Flamingo enclosure. Yet, the behavior of a different bird caught my eye. In the middle of the exhibit on a branch only slightly above the water was an Anhinga.

The Anhinga had a fish that seemed too big for its esophagus. Yet the bird kept throwing the fish into the air & grabbing it & readjusting its beaks grip on the fish. It did this often & could sometimes be seen dipping the fish into the water before continuing. Other times it would shake its head & neck rapidly. After repeating these behaviors for more than 8 minutes it was finally able to swallow the fish & could be seen dunking its beak in the water & I assume drinking it. For a quick moment it could be seen rubbing its beak on the log it was standing on. After a short moment it shifted to the other side of the limb & went higher up on it & extended its wings & tail feathers. This seems to help dry its wings & aid digestion according to research. 

Finally, among the Caribbean Flamingos, White Ibis, & Anhinga was a Black-Crowned Night Heron that was resting on a limb in a tall tree. It didn’t move much & was in the shade making it difficult to see.