Birdy Bailey Tract!

I am so glad that I had planned to get to the Bailey Tract this morning - it turned out to be a fantastic birding experience....come and see....

The first pair of Blue-winged Teal were basking in the morning light.

A White-eyed Vireo was singing his heart out.

One of the Prairie Warbler that I saw.

An Eastern Phoebe.

A Pied-billed Grebe.

I found more Blue-winged Teals along the Middle Dike

As I watched them - I was pleasantly surprised to discover a.....

Sora - very, very sweet.

As I watched it, I was reminded how difficult it is to spot them....as they blend right in.

I was happy to report my sighting to those two fine, hard working folks ;)

After taking ample photos of the Sora - I proceeded down the North Dike where a.....

a Bald Eagle was perched - watching the surroundings.

Further down we were entertained by many warblers while this Catbird made an appearance.

A Palm Warbler sat long enough for me to take its photo - many other warblers were seen however they were much quicker than my ability to capture them....all in all it was great!

My E-Bird List for today

An early bird - that, I am!

An early start today brought me much joy and plenty of surprises.

As soon as I passed the Bailey Tract's welcomed Kiosk - I started hearing the birds....you know....the little guys that dashes from one bush to another. I believe I was standing still for at least 20 minutes just enjoying the moment and savoring the views. After a bit, I peeled myself away and headed down the trail.

When I reached the mid path of the Middle Dike, I could hear chatter in the air.....

A Little Blue Heron caught my attention while I scanned the sky....

a harsh scolding brought my gaze into the bushes to catch sight of a House Wren.

The Pied-billed Grebe seemed oblivious to the raucous going on.

Now, do not wipe your screen - these are not dust spots but rather Tree Swallows getting closer to the water level....

They started to land on these dead twigs....

and some more came.

Those previous limbs were full, so they landed on yet more limbs....these limbs provided some interesting visual effect.

I deem this a "Tree of Life".

Across the path - a silent Gray Catbird.

After a short hop,skip and a jump - I crossed Island Inn road and arrived to the Sanibel Garden Preserves.....an Eastern Phoebe greeted me.

One of the many Yellow-rumped Warblers.

The Red-bellied Woodpeckers in their preferred environment.

A Prairie Warbler.

Another Red-bellied Woodpecker

Near the tower - a flock of White Ibis are resting on a limb...peacefully...

until the Anhinga came and wanted to claim it as his own...

The White Ibises kept on moving in order to give him the space that he seemed to need....

soon they all left - the Anhinga seemed satisfied.

One of several beautiful male Kestrel that I spotted today.

A quick glimpse of a Great Crested Flycatcher.

So, folks, you all come back you hear, the birding is great and time is fleeting.....come one, come all.

My E-Bird List for today

Swamp Sparrow Surprise

Several appointments and engagements have kept me from visiting the Bailey Tract and it was with great anticipation that I entered the trails this morning.

Right away I was reminded that it was full moon, beautiful sight.

I spooked a Little Blue Heron and several Blue-winged Teal as I crossed the bridge to get a better view of the Common Gallinule.

AKA Moorhen - there were two of them in this particular spot, others were seen later.

The Little Blue Heron landed after his short flight.

What a web this spider weaved!

The Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher was heard before he was seen - they are such a lovely creature.

Here is my precious surprise, a Swamp Sparrow.

I sat still and hoped that he would as well so that I could capture its photo and study it further when I got home....

I was blessed and very grateful for those fleeting moments - how sweet!

A Gray Catbird - notice the dark cap and the rufus vent.

A Palm Warbler in the Goldenrod - a perfect compliment, don't you think?

I love the Bailey Tract and especially this time of the year for the glow and rich color that the atmosphere provides.

Even the Red Cardinal seem to have brighter and fresher plumage.

Another Palm Warbler - this one is feasting on seeds.

White Ibis - white as snow and striking with its pink bill and baby blue eyes.

On my way out I spotted my 5th Marsh Rabbit....what a beautiful morning this was, I am blessed to be living so close to this trail. My E-Bird List