New year - new beginning

A new year has begun on so many different levels for me and a lot of it has been challenging. One of those moments happened when my computer and monitor died after serving me well for 7 years, but I thought "fear not" I had religiously backed up all my photos. Though when I went to retrieve them I sadly realized that it had stopped backing up 1.5 years ago. I realize that I could have checked it along the way - so my bad - and for that I feel a lump in my throat especially when I think about those life birds that were captured but more importantly my grandson's sweet face. Gulp, it is hard to let go and start all over again.

So, brushing up and moving on - I'm working with a new PC - a challenge in itself, but at last - my camera is still working and I was able to download my photo editor Picasa to get my photos ready for this blog...so without further ado....come along and visit the Lighthouse area of Sanibel....

I arrived just in time to see the sun rise along with the Black Skimmers

A Snowy Egret slowly waking up to this new day

The Brown Pelicans on the other hand were already hard at work taking advantage of all those school of fishes that were present this morning.

This Ring-billed Gull had a mourning call, I wish I understood Gull talk.

The same call was going on when another Gull joined in

In the meantime I almost missed these Ruddy Turnstone by my feet - they blend so well with their surroundings.

I came to the conclusion that this Gull likes to gather attention and why not - it's worthy of many looks.

A Great Egret was quite comfortable on the railing of the new fishing Pier.

A live Lightning Whelk was on the edge of the gulf and slowly making its way back in.

This fishing vessel had me chuckle when I noticed its given name....how appropriate!

"Maybe there's a Brown Pelican's vessel out there".

More Egrets!

And our regulars - the White Ibis with their baby blue eyes.

I bet that Snowy is thinking about those Sand Fleas that the Ibis are consuming.

Ha! Look who arrived! A Lesser Black-backed Gull.

And then in the blink of an eye - an Osprey swooped down to gather some nesting material...

something nice and soft for those new chicks....now, that's something to look forward to for the new year.

A quick beach getaway

I live one mile from the beach and I hadn't been there in the past 3 weeks - I was way due for a visit.

The little peeps today consisted mainly of Sanderlings - this one was feeding on an Urchin

A Lesser Black-backed Gull found pieces of fish among the sea debris.

Sadly, a view of the water released from Lake O - every time we have excess rain it is released down the river which trickles down our way - the water turns brown and affects the sea grass - which affects the sea life....it's a domino effect of the worst kind.

And I don't like it one bit.

A walk along the Lighthouse brought me face to face with a Gopher Tortoise on the edge of its burrow.

I believe he smiled for the camera.

I've yet to see juvenile Gopher - I look forward to that day, should I ever be so blessed.

A Mourning Dove paid a visit to the Gopher's stomping ground.

Found within the beach debris - what appears to be a Common Loon....it most likely perished from the red tide we had recently.

Facing the cool wind was a nice mixture - can you i.d. each one? From left to right: A Ring-billed Gull, a Willet, a Black Skimmer and a Royal Tern.

Several Ring-billed Gulls and Royal Terns and a phrase that comes to mind....I believe I'll rest my case.

Checking the beach out

The surf is still roaring as I can hear it a mile away - so off to the beach to check things out. Come along....

It is now low tide - very windy and rather chilly...

A Ring-billed Gull is all tucked in and trying to stay warm.

A Lesser Black-backed Gull (adult)

This one I believe is a first year Lesser Black-backed Gull.

A Sanderling playing peek-a-boo.

 

 

 This is how high the tides came up this morning making it impossible to have a walk on the beach...there is still water remaining on the walkway - soon it will all return to normal and the tourists will happily flock back.

Beach - S.W. Florida style

I've heard from several different sources today that snow is already on the ground up north - so, to warm things up, I'm sharing with you what I saw on the beach this afternoon.....enjoy

Emphasis today was Gulls and Terns.

People and dog entering Gull territory.

Dreamy