Harn's Marsh in Lehigh Acres

It had been a few weeks since my last visit to Harn's Marsh and I've been reading reports of everyone's sighting making me want to revisit sooner than later - so plans were made and off we go....

We searched for a Solitary Sandpiper but found a Lesser Yellowleg instead - I'll take it :)

The Limpkins on the other hand were numerous and easily located.

The lovely Coots with their bright red eye and lobed toes.

The tricolored heron are getting more colorful as the spring progresses.

A group of Green-winged Teals was spotted in the distance and a Dowitcher impromptu flight was caught in the act.

A group of young Wood Storks.

A Red-shouldered Hawk squacking led us to its progressing nest.

A large Bumble Bee feasting on pollen and blowing in the wind - it was working hard.

And this concludes this outing - it was rewarding as always, this Swallow-tailed Kite sealed the day....my first sighting this year!

A morning at the Slough

This morning Elaine and I headed for the Six Mile Cypress Slough - a wonderfully peaceful boardwalk that takes you through a gentle forest that often provides delightful surprises and today was no exception, come along and see.....

But first it is customary to peruse the parking lot area - this squirrel sure made us smile.

And this was before finding this rock within the butterfly garden - the little note attached to it said to either keep it, leave it there or move it elsewhere - pass the 'smile' around - I know just where to put it.

Shortly after entering the boardwalk we found this juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron....

look how well it blends in.

A very colorful Green Heron made a quick appearance too.

An adult Black-crowned Night Heron was spotted drinking some water.

A male Anhinga was busy preening its plumage....

notice how bright the eyes are and how lush his plumes are....it's breeding time!

The slough wouldn't be the slough without its ever expanding Woodpecker families....

A male Pileated was quite busy finding insects to eat while the youngster watched.

We were looking at the Snail Eggs when a Gator decided to pass by

It made us smile to see it as the Great Egret looked on.

A Red-Shouldered Hawk gave us good looks...

while the Tufted Titmouse carried on with their melodies.

This turned out to be another swell morning and it is now time for us to leave and make room for all the folks coming through the boardwalk.

Wilson Snipe & Gator surprise

A foggy morning greeted me at the Bailey Tract - I tend to enjoy those because they provide me with a state of serenity....and off I go.....come along and join me....

Do you see what I mean - can you feel it too?

A pair of Red-shouldered Hawk were quite vocal though and it made it easy to find them.

A quick skip over to the Sanibel Garden preserve rewarded me with great open views of a Wilson Snipe....

did you ever notice that the tail is coral in color?

Soon after a little Eastern Phoebe puffed and posed for a quick photo - thank you!

Back at the Bailey Tract - several Mottled Ducks are gathering up, some were quacking away and others were preening their beautiful feathers.

A fairly large Gator was spotted from across the pond - probably hoping for the sun to warm it up.

Side by side - a Common Grackle and a Yellow-rumped Warbler - a fun opportunity for size comparison.

A closer inspection of the Gator showed a satisfactory grin with the restful spot.

On my way out - a Gray Catbird looked at me and I thought to myself "How fortunate to be able to see so many species today right out in the open!" I shall keep alert for what comes next.

The Bailey Tract

I found myself at the Bailey Tract quite a few times this week following a good report from Libby about a Smooth-billed Ani. Try as I may, I was not successful in my endeavor.....however....spending time birding on the trail is always a bonus, come along and see what I came across....

On my way to work and with an early start, I was able to locate an American Bittern across the water - it was quite busy and focused on its next meal.

In the distance - a Red-shouldered Hawk was drying up, unfortunately that's all the time I had, however I think it kicked start the day with a great punch!

The following morning I was there bright and early - I watched the sun rise with the hopes of being lucky and finding the Ani.

In the meantime a very vocal Belted Kingfisher was observed - talk about attitude and confidence!

Meanwhile a young Little Blue Heron was enjoying a foot bath nearby.

A very damp Pied-billed Grebe was the king in his claimed pond.

A Great Blue Heron seemed to enjoy that sunrise as much as I did, I bid it farewell until the next time.