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.

 

Bailey's tract - getting ready for fall

June and July seems to be the slowest months for seeing bird species and August seems to kick start the fall migration for quite a few species.

It was a peaceful morning and the first thing that caught my eye was:

a pair of Garden Spider that built their web side by side, they seemed busy with breakfast too.

This is a 1" spider which builds a large (12" or more) wide web with thick vertical zigzag pattern in the center. They tend to be in sunny sheltered area in gardens and bushy meadows.

A Common Ground Dove - small, sparrow-sized most often seen in pairs walking on sandy paths. Even though it is 'common', it is only seen in Florida.

A Pied-billed Grebe - supposedly a resident of Florida - May to Sept: local, but I hardly see them at the Bailey Tract in the summer time, and this morning was my first sighting since June.

A lady Anhinga - seemingly waiting and resting.

Little Blue Heron - quietly finding its prey.

Across the way - I ventured into the Sanibel Garden Preserve - on the path less traveled but was unprepared for the standing water - should have worn my boots!

I'm glad that I went the extra 1/4 mile because this sighting was worth it .....

a Prothonotary Warbler! He gave me lots of little peeks - here and there - just enough for a clear i.d. Here is a better view of the beauty...

And, as if customary, a Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen inside one of those nest boxes busily feeding its little brood from the sound of it.

And the day wouldn't be complete without taking a good peek at the "magic tree"....

today seemed to be a resting spot for many. My E-Bird list for today.

 

TGIRF - Thank God it's Rain Free day!

Really crazy weather we've been having this week - with more rain than usual, it is clearing up and it's time to head to the Bailey Tract.

It's early yet however I hear company across the way, so before I get going I take a peek...oh my..

not enough light to make sharp photos but you'll have to agree that those little peeps are adorable.

They are still sporting downy feathers.

Patiently waiting for the parent to return with some juicy morsels.

The night blooming cactus were still open - they always take my breath away.

It's time to go and head for the trails....

A tricolored Heron was fishing along the Red Mangrove pond.

A Great Egret by the Smith Pond.

Across the way, at the Sanibel Garden Preserve, the dragonflies were plentiful - happily feeding on insects.

A Great Crested Flycatcher was hanging with his family....

while a cardinal watched.

Look how much rain we've had lately - this area is usually filled with Spartina Grass.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker with bill full of insects - which is highly anticipated by his little brood....

from the sound of it, more than one.

Back at the Bailey Tract - a female Anhinga was seen taking a break and drying up her feathers.

Next time you visit - take a look at the map and choose your trail - there's something awaiting at most every corner. My E-Bird List for today.

 

Summer regulars

Some unexpected bonus time came my way this morning - so, what's a girl to do!! Aha! Go birding, of course.

I made my way into the Bailey Tract - first sighting....

The Mottled Duck family - I'm glad to see that most of the ducks are still around.

Across the way - an adult Little Blue Heron and a Tricolored Heron - they were watching a gator swim away.

A White Peacock butterfly landed right in front of me and sat still, sweet! After a bit, I followed my ears to the Island Inn Road - at first I thought it was kids imitating distant sirens only to realized that it was a family of Coyotes! Sorry, no pics....maybe next time.

At this point I decided to step into the Sanibel Garden Preserve - a Black-Crowned Night Heron was silently fishing in a dark corner.

As I'm rounding the corner - things starts to heat up some....a juvenile Little Blue Heron (above) and an immature Little Blue Heron (below).

A whole family of Tricolored Heron - unusual sighting, for sure.

As I continued forward - white birds became a dime a dozen - Great Egret (above) and Snowy Egret (below).

The water levels seemed to be just right for the waders and the fish were plentiful. Bird happy, fish....not so much.

Down the hatch.

Above my head, a family of Swallow-tailed Kites were whistling while swooping and gliding gracefully.

A young Mockingbird seemed to enjoy the aerial display as well.

This was a great morning and the heat is telling me it's time to return home....I chose this shady trail within the Bailey Tract to take me back....

The End.