Lighthouse for possible migrants

I've been watching the e-bird reports on what has been seen and where, I usually plan my days around those sightings if possible.

The Lighthouse had great reports of an Acadian Flycatcher (would be a lifer for me), a Swainson Thrush and a Tennessee Warbler - so, I studied my bird guide and headed to the Lighthouse this morning with Elaine S.

After watching a Hooded Warbler, we switched attention to this little guy - we had ample views and enough clues to conclude after a while that we were looking at a Blackpoll Warbler - probably an adult female, first year, spring.

Then a very sweet view of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Talk about being lucky to have it in full sight

What a beautiful bird - its feathers look luxuriously soft and the colors/patterns are very crisp - like a young man in a tux.

Our local Palms warblers have left already and we are now seeing the Palms that are traveling through as they head north. It's nice to see those breeding colors and rusty cap.

After spending 3 hours at the Lighthouse patiently and failing to see our target birds, we decided to head out and make a stop at the Snowy Plover sight. Two beautiful eggs have been laid in this spot - just out in the open - soon a third egg will be deposited and the Snowy will actively begin the incubation process.

We wondered how such a little bird could pass such a plump egg!

Notice how the shells have been carefully lined up within the nest cavity.

Not too far away, a pair of Willet were resting side by side by the ocean side - not a bad way to spend the day, hey?

As we made our way out of the beach, we couldn't help but watch with awe this beautiful Bald Eagle - most likely a 3 year old still sporting some brown feathers in its cap. I wondered what it was watching so intently.

I just wanted to close this blog today with a photo from a couple of years ago - a striking Hooded Warbler - just like the one we saw today. I look forward to my next sighting. 

Jump start with Monday

My Monday is always reserved for birding with the Caloosa Bird Club - today's destination - Sanibel!

Our first meeting place is at the Lighthouse with the hopes of catching sight of some migrants (the bird kind).

I got there early to start the day with a sunrise - imagine my surprise when I caught sight of Kelly, my program coordinator for the turtle program - what a great way to start the day and to get my juices running for the upcoming turtle season.

Nearby was a Lesser Black-backed Gull feasting on a large Catfish.

Along the Hammock trail - a pair of White Ibis with a Marsh Rabbit were owning the spot....

 

A Prairie Warbler was heard and seen as well as

a couple Hooded Warbler - a male is pictured here. After a bit I headed to the Island Inn Road for our next stop.

 

A Kestrel was spotted looking at me :D

On the north side of Island Inn Road the city has cleared up quite a bit of vegetation - it was calling to me, so I ventured over. Look at that open space!

Other than the Kestrel a family of White Ibis was seen - here is an adult with several juveniles.

The group was joined by more adults and soon they left the area.

I met up with my group and headed over to the Bailey Tract - our target bird was the Sora....

and here it is - taking a drink and cooling his heels.

Across the way a pair of Black-necked Stilts was admired - look at those bubble gum legs!

On the way out of the trail we took extra time to watch the Sora some more. After a bit it was time to head to the Sanibel Garden Preserve. We took the road less traveled and enjoyed the scenery as well as a few species along the way.

 

A pair of Magnificent Frigatebirds,

a few Snowy Egrets and

a Swallow-tailed Kite provided us with a great aerial show. Our aim for this trail was to see a

Mangrove Cuckoo, however he eluded us and instead we ended up seeing a

Mocking bird.... we got excited there for a bit when we thought we had the Cuckoo - so let's just say that we saw a Mocking Cuckoo as well as a good laugh. All in all it turned out to be another great birding day.

 

Migration continues

It was fun to bird the Lighthouse once again - and it started out with a glorious sunrise.

And from that moment on - it seemed as if the birds had basked in that sun glow - such as this Hooded Warbler.

The Red-eyed Vireo on the other hand seemed to stay within the shadows of the branches filled with Gumbo Limbo berries.

Another Hooded Warbler.

And the all time favorite - A Prothonotary Warbler.

This Prothonotary has a relatively long bill and large dark eyes, its diet consists of insects and spiders - I wish he was a year around resident.

Well, all good things comes to an end - almost - I got home and sat outside with Elaine and while we were drinking the view, 2 Orchard Oriole showed up - What a way to seal the day!   My E-Bird List for the Lighthouse.

 

SanCap Audubon bird walk at the Sanibel Lighthouse

This morning was the last scheduled SanCap Audubon bird walk of the season and I'm sorry to see the majority of the people returning  north until next fall. I want you to know that I appreciate all that you've contributed to my learning curve in the birding world and that I'm going to miss you all...so come back soon.

 In any event - this morning's walk was very well attended and  exciting since migration is still taking place....take a look of some of the feathered friends that we bumped into.

Hooded Warbler was still sighted - jumping and flitting about - what a burst of sunshine he is.

Only a handfull of Orchard Oriole was spotted this morning.

The Western Kingbird was just right in the sunlight - his yellow belly even more golden.

Eastern Kingbird are still plentiful.

Here was a nice treat - an Indigo Bunting next to a Blue Grosbeak - not something that happens very often and what a great opportunity to notice the difference between the two.

The Blue Jay - always nice to see around here because it is not a common sight for Sanibel.

More Indigo Buntings

A warbler whizzing by - Yellow-throated Warbler.

The Gray Kingbird - by itself and very stately.

And the White-eyed Vireo - more often heard than seen. 

 

My E-Bird List for today  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17854678