Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/105484
Sarasota News Leader January 25, 2013 Page 88 Dear Eric, From your excellent, super clear photo you would have recognized this Boat-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) immediately — had it been a male and not a female! For my readers this is a super example of birds that display sexual dimorphism. Vive la différence! Thank you for this opportunity to show the difference between a male and female bird. And how nice to see a Boat-Tailed Grackle sitting in a pretty natural setting at the Celery Fields rather than hanging around the dumpsters in the Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar area on Siesta Key. Yes, these Grackles have adapted very well to urban living. One interesting fact about "your" Grackle — its dark eyes indicate that this is a Florida and Gulf Coast Boat-Tailed Grackle, our very own native. The "foreign" ("up North") Boat-Tailed displays a light-colored yellow eye; it is equally striking in appearance. I hope your neighborhood still attracts a wide variety of birds and Alexis is enjoying the little Great Egret, whose behavior she found so enchanting. As for your immature Red-Shouldered Hawk, so intrigued by you and your outdoor activities, may its presence continue to grace your garden, not mine! Otus ABOUT OTUS Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-Owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otus. So please send your questions and photos to askotus@sarasotanewsleader.com. Thank you. A female Boat-Tailed Grackle makes herself at home in the marsh at the Celery Fields. Contributed photo