Owl, Woodpeckers, Plovers, Kites - Oh My!

Boy, where does the time go?? It's been a couple of weeks since I've had time to sit down and gather up my thoughts and photos to create a blog. Since I'm so far behind - I've decided to share bits and pieces of what I had the opportunity to observe for the past 2+ weeks - so come along and take a look....

This Black-bellied Plover was observed near Bowman's Beach - soon it will change and start to get some black spots on its belly before turning totally black.

A group of Royal Terns which drew my attention, I found it especially interesting to see the different color bill - the brighter red was a sure indicator of breeding - they sure are looking elegant.

A few days later I visited the Pond Apple Trail with my friend Lisa Hoyt from Michigan. Some of our sightings were these two Red-bellied Woodpeckers....notice how red the belly is on the bird above.

A Palm Warbler all decked out with its rusty cap and bright brown & yellow plumage....soon it will reach its summer destination and will breed its little brood.

Along the retention ponds we also found this Cattle Egret as well as...

this Tricolored Heron - check its bill and legs!

On our way back along the trail I spotted this Louisiana Waterthrush....

sweet spotting especially since this was a 'lifer' for Lisa. This migrating bird has probably reached its destination by now.

A few days later we found ourselves with the Caloosa Bird Club in Pine Island - check the view from this private pier!

A neighboring pier had a little group of Dunlins and a Semi-palmated Plover.

Of course a trip through Cape Coral requires a stop at the ball field to check on the Burrowing Owls - this one enjoyed a sun bath.

Several days later and after working 4 very busy days - I was due for some peaceful relaxation and what better way to do that than head to the beach to catch a brand new sunrise - this is the tip of Sanibel island with the lighthouse on the left.

A Black-bellied Plover leisurely finding some juicy morsels for its breakfast.

The 'newer' Sanibel Pier - the only feathered friend found along the railing was a Reddish Egret patiently waiting for a hand out.

I cringe when I see those beautiful birds getting used to being fed and especially hanging around a fishing pier - it's just a matter of time before it gets tangled into monofilament and/or hooked which could cause much damage and then some.

I then got off the beach and cruised down the 'utility lane' along the lighthouse in search of some migrants going through - it was pretty quiet on that venue except for a handful of Prairie Warblers - they were busy feeding before resuming their trek north.

It's black circles looks much better than mine.

And today, a day later, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Elaine - a visit to the Bailey Tract took us along the Ani Pond where much of the action was taking place - this Black-necked Stilt drew my attention.

We then extended our hike to the Frannie's Preserve where we located a beautiful Swallow-tailed Kite.

Seen here preening while in the company of two Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

Not too far away - its mate seemed comfortable sitting and watching.

Nearby a Pileated Woodpecker was preening - making me realize that it was the first time I observed one doing so.

Then we came across a little pond that was filled with birds - a Snowy Egret here....

A Great Egret there, a few White Ibis and...

a young Roseate Spoonbill - wow!!

At some point the feathers were flying.

What a treat this turned out to be!

Thank you for reading - stay tuned - I plan to return to the Lighthouse area in the very near future with the hopes of bringing you some migrants reports.

Delicious treats.

I'm tempted to call today's blog: "A box of chocolate" because it does have a little bit of everything and each one different from the other. Come and see....

With the sun rising earlier these days, I am provided with plenty of light to begin my trek by 6:30 - the coolness in the air makes it more pleasant too. The drawback is the lack of light for my photos but that's okay too - the Green Heron greeted me as I entered the Bailey Tract.

Then I heard a beautiful song and I wasn't sure who was singing - boy oh boy - what a nice surprise!

A Louisiana Waterthrush

Even though he was behind plenty of twigs, his identity and charm brought me a lot of joy.

As the sun came up - the colors started to come alive and there is nothing better than a Northern Cardinal to brighten things up. Did you ever notice that they have pink legs?

And another singing his heart out - a Carolina Wren.

After a bit, I stepped over to the Sanibel Garden Preserves and I instantly had surround sound of Red-bellied Woodpeckers - this particular guy had a berry and was getting ready to enter his abode to share it with his little brood.

Around the corner I could hear quite a raucous, so I followed the sounds unto the path less traveled and came face to face to an orchestra of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons and Great Blue Herons too.

I was tempted to crop this photo to remove my shadow but I would have lost the feel within this vista - so, it stays.

Here's an interesting pair - A Great Egret with yellow bill and black feet, and a Snowy Egret with a black bill and yellow feet.

This is the other portion of that body of water - I could have used a panoramic setting to get it all in....if I had one that is.

The Great Egret investing time in its precious feathers.

An immature Little Blue Heron. In its juvenile state it is totally white and when it becomes an adult it will be totally blue. I like this in-between stage with the white and blue feathers - quite a striking effect.

After a bit, I returned to the trail and found this Black-crowned Night Heron resting in the mangroves....

soon to get some shut eyed.

A pair of Mourning Dove.

The pond by the tower had a duck -most likely an hybrid because none of his traits fits any of the ducks that I know.

Notice how dark his head is and the olive bill.

I lightened this one heavily to demonstrate its features up close.

As I step back onto the Bailey Tract, I got amused by this Black-necked Stilt and his body movements....a hip opener, my yoga teacher would say.

Why did the turtle cross the streets?

The grass was much greener on the other side, of course.

One of many Green Herons that I've encountered today - this one is getting ready to have a meal.

I started my trek with a song and it looks like it is ending the same way - not a bad day!

Happy Birding!