Storms are great!

If you would have told me once upon a time that a storm would be a blessing - I would not have believed you. It turns out that every time a front comes through and pushes rain and wind our way it affects the migrants that are trying to head north for their breeding season, of course it's a bonus for us birders since we get to see them in their beautiful plumage. This weekend turned out to be particularly nice - we had Hummingbirds by the dozen in addiction to.....well....before I blurt it all out, come along and see....

Now, it's true that we see Black-and-white Warblers on a regular basis however some of them are migrating through and are so hungry that they don't care if you are only a few feet away - which provides us with ample good views.

One of the many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that landed at the Lighthouse, interestingly enough they were all mostly females.....boy are they hard to photograph especially with a camera that takes forever to focus.

With the Great-crested Flycatcher - taking its photo is a lot easier. Don't you just love its attitude?

The Gumbo Limbo tree could have easily been called the Red-eyed Vireo trees as there were so many feasting on the ripening fruit.

Warblers, warblers, warblers ..... they were everywhere and we were all giddy about it. This Black-throated Green Warbler found a juicy bug.

A beautiful Chestnut-sided as well as many others - truly loved the Seagrape flowers and all the little bugs that were in it.

A Bay-breasted Warbler gave us ample views and much delight.

A very lovely Ovenbird - check out the orange crest!

After a bit we went to the Pond Apple Trail and had a delightful greeting when we entered - this Rose-breasted Grosbeak stopped us in our tracts.

Shortly after we found the bird we were looking for - an Eastern Wood Peewee - sweet!

This morning I returned to the Lighthouse and found more of the same - a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak feasting on the Gumbo Limbo berries.

Well, I felt really blessed because I had been wanting to find a Hummingbird for several months now and this weekend found a few dozen - I guess it pays to be patient. Thank you. My E-bird List for the Lighthouse.

Bonita Springs little out of the way gems.

This morning Elaine and I drove south to Bonita Springs - map in hand and open hearts to adventures we were ready to seize the day.

We arrived at the crack of dawn and set out to find the Hidden Cypress Preserve and somewhat getting side tracked near a road called: Cutting Horse Lane. We walked between a Utility site and a creek, we observed several species - sorry no photos as there wasn't enough light for my camera (she's picky). Check my E-bird List, we tallied 28 species.

Then, off to the next spot

Upon pulling into the parking lot we noticed another birder - turns out he was watching Bay-breasted Warbler and Chestnut-sided Warbler - nice sightings! After watching them for a bit we ventured forth to explore Cullum's Bonita Trail.

I was able to capture bits and pieces of the Bay-breasted Warbler which was constantly moving - nevertheless it was a challenging fun. These birds are hard to identify in the fall and that sends me back to the books for further study.

Along the trail there is a launching pad for kayaks and canoes....that pad is really nice and low - important factor when you are entering your vessel.

That trail led us to the Bonita Nature Place - across several steps that had been positioned to make climbing those small hills easier - yes....hills in Florida....hard to believe.

A bat house was holding several bats - they were watching me unless they sleep with their eyes open. I wanted to add them to my bird list but Elaine pointed out that they are mammals.

This bench sits on the top of a cliff with the river flowing down below.

The Imperial River - pristine and as it has been for many decades - thanks to Mr. Cullums and his 'future' vision.

Elaine and I enjoyed listening to his stories.

The trail is well kept, the place is a hidden gem...many benches can be found along the way and should definitely be taken advantage of while taking in the surroundings. My E-Bird list for Cullum's (note: birds were mostly seen in parking lot).

We were back on the road, still searching for our destination when we passed this vegetable/pumpkin nursery - some nice Sunflowers were sending their rays our way.

Aha! Finally found it....no wonder they call it Hidden Cypress Preserve - (on Wellfield Road)

It was a bit late for birding and after a bit we decided to walk the edge of the property where we ended up seeing a lot of birds - resting/eating.

A few Roseate Spoonbills in flight

The landing gears coming down first.

Several Wood Storks were present too.

A Great Blue Heron with a White Ibis and a Snowy Egret - they positioned themselves by the water pipe which funneled the excess water from the preserve across the way.

Well, folks, I think this turned out to be a great experience and well worth the travel. My E-bird list for this location. 

Migration through S.W.Florida

I haven't been posting much lately, especially since my camera went into a coma. I've been out on the field with my binoculars and observing the migrants as they go through while keeping track of my findings. I find it hard not to be able to keep photograph documentation and have also realized that I missed sharing my days with you all. So, with much further ado - as they say - I am here today to share what I have seen out there while using my stock photos. Thanks for bearing with me while I patiently wait for my camera to come back to life.

Magnolias were spotted this past week - beautiful bird with bright yellow, striking black and a big black block under its tail - the perfect clue for identification.

This female American Redstart as well as many others were seen at the Six Mile Cypress Slough.

Cuckoos were seen too! The Black Billed and the Yellow Billed. The Yellow-billed has been a regular at the slough for a week now.

Reports of the Prothonotary has been reported - the last time I saw one was this past spring migration. A stunning bird if I must say so.

Ovenbirds - everywhere I go.....Bailey Tract, Sanibel Garden Preserve, Lighthouse, Ding Darling Caloosa Trail and Six Mile Cypress.

The Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers are singing their hearts out and if I'm lucky I get to see them too.

Do you recognize this "identification" spot? This is the Magnolia Warbler.

A Prairie Warbler - This little guy has dark circles under his eyes and I can identify with that :)

The acrobatic Black And White Warbler - always a great sighting as they buzzz around while climbing up/down/upside down along the limbs and trunks.

Here's a sweet Ovenbird with all its identifying features in clear view - even though it likes to hide in deep foliage - sometimes I get lucky.

A Female Chestnut-sided Warbler without any chestnut color on its side - but note the lime green above, very striking indeed. I photographed it at the Lighthouse earlier this year and got to see it yesterday at the Six Mile Cypress Slough. My photos have helped me to identify what I am seeing this fall, I don't know about you, but for me as a new birder - it's not always easy to recognize a bird that I've seen only once before.....some are easier, some not so much.

Another Black and White - creeping sideways - don't you wish you could do that too?

A Red-Eyed Vireo - they are quite plentiful at the Six Mile Cypress slough and also on the Caloosa Trail at Ding Darling.

Now, this is a bird that is easily spotted and identified - A Summer Tanager. Seen yesterday at the Slough.

A Yellow-throated Vireo, look at the yellow eye ring too.

Kingbirds have been plentiful around Sanibel - they were one of my first fall migrants to spot - coming in drove across the island. I've seen them at the Lighthouse, Bailey Tract, Sanibel Garden Preserve and this weekend they were at my house! They are seldom alone.

The White-eyed Vireo - well named, I think.

The Tuffed Titmouse as regular resident at the Six Mile Cypress slough and since they were so very present while I was there, it seems fitting to include them. I found out too that since they are so vocal - they tend to attract others, so when you hear the Titmouse, look around - you may very well be surprise to see who else is hanging around - looking to see what the commotion is all about.

A Downy Woodpecker - the smallest of them all - woodpecker-wise. This one is a male - telltale sign is the red spot on its head.

Of course, It wouldn't be fair not to include this little fellow who often belts out a beautiful serenade across the slough - who would have thought such a little bird could sing so loudly? Don't let the size fool you.

The Summer Tanager waved me on yesterday - it surely brought a smile on my face. I love migration and all the excitement that goes with it.

My E-bird List for the Six Mile Cypress Slough - I'm pretty sure that it is missing a few species since I couldn't identify them all, but either way - it was a great day - take advantage of the fall migration because you won't be able to see a lot of those birds until the spring. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19981160