Punta Gorda with the Caloosa Bird Club

I'm a bit behind in posting and I guess my excuse is that I am now semi-retired and I don't have as much free time as I used to....but better late than never, right?

This outing took place this past Monday - Elaine, Libby and myself met up with the Caloosa Bird Club and set out to explore several different areas as we have in the past....come along and see.....

In the past, this particular trip usually takes place toward the end of December and since we found ourselves at the beginning of the month - we really had to look hard to find ducks.

Nevertheless, a trio of Lesser Scaup was a welcoming sight.

As was the three pairs of Hooded Mergansers.

Shortly after we found ourselves at the Ponce de Leon park - this Great Egret watched as we entered.....

then we had to get passed these Black Vultures...

this one gave us the 'go ahead'.

Ponce de Leon has this facility that holds several types of birds which have been injured and would not otherwise make it out in the world, we entered and delighted on many of the species. This particular Yellow-crowned Night Heron was not caged but seemed to enjoy hanging around.

Though I wondered if it was having a bad day.

Perhaps it didn't appreciate being compared to the Black-crowned Night Heron sitting in the background.

Then we made a visit to Olie's Pond where it seems to be customary to see the Black-bellied Whistling ducks.

I enjoyed the scenery from this angle with the reddish looking tree and the 'pink snow' flowers on the grass.

As we neared the end of the circle around the pond, I took some time to watch this Great Blue Heron amidst the creamy water lilies.

We also spotted a few Ring-necked Ducks and commented among ourselves with wonder as to why it is not called a Ring-billed Duck.

The find of the day was this Least Bittern which was quite a challenge to locate - see how well it blends in?

And as customary to our outings - we always go and have lunch while we do our bird list....however for some unfortunate reason we ended up missing our turn and found ourselves over the bridge....but fear not, our fearless driver found us a quaint spot along the water - we hoped that our group across the way saw us wave to them as we enjoyed our lunch while watching this Spotted Sandpiper along with the beautiful vista.

 

Sanibel Garden Preserves as the sun rises

Bright and early - that's my middle name. I arrived at the Sanibel Garden Preserves with the hopes of finding the Swallow-tailed Kites perched on the snags but instead found many others that had eluded me in the past.

I had a feeling that it was going to be a great day - how could it not with such beautiful vistas!

Ha! Surprised to see this Yellow-crowned Night heron here.

As I proceeded down toward the tower, I came upon this little pond with Great Egrets all around the edges - as if a meeting was taking place and I was intruding.....I continued on my way.

The Killdeer was ever watchful and vocal when he flew.

The Great Blue Heron and the Black-crowned Night Heron shared the pond...lots of room to go around, Little Blue herons, White Ibis of different ages and Anhinga were also enjoying the area.

The Marsh Rabbits stayed by the entrance and watched me as I made my way back.

This was the first time that I saw so many Black-crowned Night Herons at the Sanibel Garden Preserves.

A singing Cardinal lead the way.

A pair of vigilant Great Crested Flycatchers, also quite vocal....

Sometimes too fast for me to capture their image.

Good bye said one of many Red-bellied Woodpecker. My E-bird List for this morning's venture http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18118924

 

Migrants visiting with the locals

Some front was supposed to move in - perhaps tomorrow. In the meantime I took a drive through Ding Darling and later visited the Sanibel Lighthouse - it's always nice to be out there - catching sight of my feathered friends and birding buddies.

This is not a usual sighting along the wildlife drive.

 The Double-crested Cormorant looked like he had swallowed the canary or maybe he's just smiling and happy to see me.

It always feels special to spot the Night Herons and the little ones are really precious.

These guys were hanging out by the Caloosa trail at the end of the wildlife drive.

He waived me on as I passed through the exit door.

Off I went to the lighthouse and I was treated to a lot of Indigo Buntings, often times sitting in a tree by the dozen.

A nice little burst of yellow when the Prairie shows up.

This looks like a female Scarlet Tanager. - If I got this one wrong, please don't be shy to share.

I love this White-eyed Vireo and it feels especially nice to be able to capture those eyes.

The Cowbird - a Shiny female.

 Another great day birding - I hope it holds out for a while longer. My E-Bird lists http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17921068

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17921132

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Monday morning = Caloosa Bird Club gathering and today we met at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. We were blessed with comfortable breezy weather and swell company.

Our first sighting this morning was a bunch of Brown-headed Cowbirds mixed in with the pine cones - spotted....you guessed it.....in the parking lot.

Then we checked out the bird feeders and sure enough the Painted Buntings were around - what a nice burst of color!

Then, the star of the day, a Barred Owl....

I kept hoping that he would belt out his "Who Cooks for You?" but he chose to remain silent.

The Carolina Wren on the other end were quite vocal throughout our journey in the sanctuary.

A young Yellow-crowned Night Heron

And a Black-crowned Night heron - not quite so young and not quite adult yet.

Several Anhingas were seen too and some were sitting on nests.

The teenager Black-crowned Night Heron

Don't you just love this place? It makes you want to follow that path with great anticipation for the surprises that waits for you.

The Great Egret with its breeding colors - check the green lore!

Cedar Waxwings were above us - hard to see but the silhouette is a sure giveaway.

The third Barred Owl - what a special day this is turning out to be.

He's ready for some peace and quiet.

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

A Red-Shouldered Hawk sitting on his nest.

The cherry on top - an Indigo Bunting

Our fearless leader for the day - Thank you Arthur. A great variety and a fun morning. My E-Bird List for today http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17482664 with 46 species.