The early riser gets the bird

I just love this time of the year, the sky is clearer and the air is cooler - there are more birds and the trail is still quiet.

My visit to the Bailey Tract and the Sanibel Garden Preserve this morning provided nice surprises.

Doesn't this Mockingbird look lovely as he is being kissed by the morning light?

I guess I could say the same about this Eastern Phoebe, his song was a nice bonus too.

Several White Ibis adopted this bare tree, the Osprey decided it was just too crowded and left.

I liked how the clouds/humidity started to move in the area - it sure created interesting hues in the vista.

A young Bald Eagle perched on the tower - which provided me the answer as to why all of a sudden all the birds left.

When the dust settled a few unknowing Eurasian Collared Doves came to roost nearby.

On my way back I stumbled upon a House Wren right out in the open, he had the better viewing side.

A regal Merlin digesting his dragonfly.

You know the ducks are underway when you see a nice crowd of Blue-winged Teal.....I'm ready.

 

Birding in the fog at Winkler Point

After having such a great experience birding the Winkler Point - I felt the urge to return and to share it with friends. After connections were made and plans were sealed, we met up with our fearless leader Meg....armed with bug spray and water ready shoes we embarked the trail on this misty morning....come and see...

There's Jewel embracing life and having fun.

 Malaleuca Trees - what is left of them - borders some of this Preserve, giving it an eerie feeling.

We visited a few American Wigeon in the small pond, being careful not to spook them.

 While we stood enjoying the vista, we were blessed with the sighting of 2 Savannah Sparrows and the sweet sound of Clapper Rails.

We reached the Salt Flats - the fog relentlessly hovering above us.

In a way giving us the benefit of being hidden from view and providing us more opportunities to feast our eyes on

the beautiful American Avocet.

The Greater Yellowlegs were present too....

 as were the Dunlins (background) and Short-billed Dowitcher (foreground).

In the midst of this fog - the sun was rising.

 Kelly - the biologist from SCCF was really happy to see the American Avocet, can you tell?

I never get tired of watching this elegant bird.

We soon found a Merlin perched and watching intently for his next prey - giving us plenty of time to capture his photo.

Several White Pelicans were admired as they flew above us in great numbers.

A group of Snowy Egrets crossed paths with the White Pelicans - the sky was clearing and the white birds were like sparkling lights.

 A Reddish Egret in the immature stage - not something I see very often, Meg helped with identification.

One more look at the big pond with all the ducks - a swell hike this turned out to be! I'm grateful for my birding friends and for the opportunities to gather together and share our common passion. My E-Bird List for today.

Peaceful path

It had been a week since my last visit at the Sanibel Garden Preserve and the Bailey Tract and I felt the need to be in a peaceful place this morning - while visiting my feathered friends, it was a nice surprise to see the Swallow-tailed Kites right were I saw them the last time.

This morning there were 10, all perched in trees - getting ready for the day.

I left the Kites behind and proceeded to the pond next to the cell phone tower - this Ibis has a sweet personality - just looking at his face, I could see great character.

The red face and white eye is indication that this is a breeding adult.

A Cattle Egret was perched with a juvenile Ibis and an Anhinga.

The Belted Kingfisher shrill was heard and I soon spotted him as he landed on the top of this dead branch - sweet spot for me to study him.

I soon made it back to the beginning of the trail and was surprised to see that the Kites were still here.

This is where I stood - as evident in my shadow - while observing the Kites.

Interesting to see them perching within those branches.

 My E-Bird List for the Garden Preserve http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17868791

I made my way across to the Bailey Tract - one of the Black-necked Stilt pair was busy feeding along the Middle Dike.

Then I spotted what I thought was a Kestrel and wondered why it was still around - however - when I got home and put the pics on my PC, I realized that I had been looking at a Merlin.

This male Common Ground-Dove was busy foraging the open ground.

Then I looked up when I heard the sound of the Red-eyed Vireo.

Boy! Was I pleasantly surprised to see that I've finally capture the "red" eye - sweet.

Eastern Kingbird came over for a visit along the Airplane Canal.

The wild flowers are plentiful and change with the season - this fresh clump of Southern Fleabane was appealing to the eye and happens to bloom year around in south Florida.

The Merlin was still around.

The Great Blue Heron flew over my head and landed on a tall branch by the Smith Pond.

This position reminded me of families of Great Blue Herons that I have seen nesting over the past few months.

Off he went - deeper into the vegetation....not a small feat for such a big bird.

 I was glad that I chose to spend time there this morning - it was soothing and rejuvenating to my soul. My E-bird List for the Bailey Tract http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17868846