I've started to refer to my birding and turtle patrolling days as "A box of chocolate" (Forest Gump) - because as you head out to the trail, you just never know what you're gonna get - one thing that is certain though, is that it is very sweet indeed.
Today was composed of premium chocolate, take a look.
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| As I was making my way toward Island Inn Road, I slowly passed Bailey's keeping my eyes open for the Gray Kingbird - and there it was, his partner wasn't too far away. |
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| I made my way into the Sanibel Garden Preserves and spotted this bird, at first I wasn't sure what I was looking at because of the feathers - now I see that it was a juvenile Mockingbird - at least this is what I think it is. |
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| I wondered what was in store for me as I listened to all the 'chips' around me, trying to identify what I was hearing - tried as I may to spot who was singing....I love those challenges, sometimes I am rewarded with a good view. |
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| A few lady Red-bellied Woodpeckers were seen around the preserve, hanging in and out of the nesting boxes. |
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| A tree filled with Mourning Doves. |
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| "Time to move on", said the Marsh Rabbit - he has claimed this spot as his own. |
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| At the end of the path, I saw a dark bird -not really knowing what I was looking at until I raised my binoculars - and, oh my!, what a nice surprise - A Blue Grossbeak taking a break during his migration path. |
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| I stepped across the way and meandered on - looking for more surprises, at last I returned to the edge of the Sanibel Garden Preserve along Sanibel Blvd. |
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| The Pileated Woodpecker was quite busy chipping away. |
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| The Red Cardinal watched him with interest. |
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| The Pileated and Red Cardinal sharing the tree with a Mockingbird. |
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| And here, folks, is my premium piece of chocolate - A Mangrove Cuckoo. I was following "chips" and my eyes rested on this for a second, when I realized what I was looking at - I don't know if he sensed it or not but I was totally beside myself with excitement - I wanted to capture it with my camera and at the same time wanted to watch him with my binoculars - he didn't stay long and luckily for me I have a couple photos to show for. | |
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| Wow, wow and more wow! I am singing Alleluia to myself while my eyes swelled from the excitement. |
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| After he flew across the way I meandered back into the preserve and 5 minutes later I heard church bells ringing - I though.....how appropriate! |
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| A Prairie Warbler was feasting on bugs and spiders - he was happy too even though he looks "tired". |
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| I reached the end of the preserve and crossed over to the Bailey Tract. |
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| The regulars were in their common location - such as this Tricolored Heron, |
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| The Common Gallinule - keeping his safe distance |
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| showing me which end is up. |
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| The Kingfisher was flying and singing - and as expected, perched as far away as he could from me - yet tantalizing me with some looks. |
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| Snowy Egret. |
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| Anhinga drying out as I made my way back. What a beautiful and rewarding day this was - plenty to see.....I will be back. My E-Bird List for today |
