Yellow-crowned Night Heron

I went out to the Lighthouse this morning in the hopes of finding some migrants but it was too early apparently - a front is supposed to pass through this area a bit later today, so I will have to return. In the meantime - a visit to the Indigo Trail at Ding Darling seemed to be a good alternative. A pair of Yellow-crowned Night Heron was observed from the education platform, take a look....

I saw this pair with Elaine a couple of weeks ago and again this morning.

It was at the same location and we both recalled how we noticed that one of the Heron has yellow/brownish legs and wondered about it....shouldn't both Heron have the bright red legs during mating season?

They continue to add sticks to the nest but we are not seeing any eggs yet.

Either way you look at it - they are beautifully stunning birds and a joy to watch.

It's always fun to visit Ding Darling - worth the trip. And who knows, you may even get to see one of those Mangrove Crabs along the way.

Bunche Beach - Guided Bird Tour

On my way to the Guided bird tour - put out by www.birdpatrol.org , I made a point of stopping along the causeway in order to catch the first rays of the day.

I was not disappointed.

I was greeted at my destination, Bunche Beach Preserve in Ft.Myers, Florida

I checked the facilities, the parking fee machine and the general area. I caught sight of this Mangrove  Buckeye (thanks Bob, for the tip).

The Common Ground Dove flitted about - I think he had first dibs on the place this morning.

I made my way down to the beach as I was way early and walked to the East, a Bald Eagle flew overhead as I was drinking in the sight. This Piping Plover welcomed me and made me smile as he reminds me of my grandson with softness and big bright eyes.

A Semipalmated wasn't too far.

A Short-billed Dowitcher was busy probing and feeding.

Toe prints in the sand.

Another Piping Plover and this one has bling! I couldn't get near enough to be able to read off the numbers.

A Mangrove Crab playing hide-n-seek. I let him win because I noticed that my group was forming and it was time for me to join in.

A Yellow-throated Warbler greeted the group and a White Eyed Vireo was singing in the bushes. A few Cardinals came by and sang to us too.

The leaders of the group set up their scopes and talked about the various shore birds that we were seeing. This group here has Sandwich, Least and Black Terns as well as Black Skimmers and Laughing Gulls.

Who do you think the shy guy is?

If you guessed a Marbled Godwit - you were right!
This was a great guided trip with very knowledgeable folks - I look forward to the next one and for the opportunities to learn more along the way.

My E-Bird List