Wood Storks at the Pond Apple

I spent quite a bit of time this morning along the Shipley Trail and the Pond Apple Trail, the special occurrence that took place today was the return of the Wood Storks along the retention ponds area - it was super fun to watch them .... the photos will speak for themselves.

 It was quite entertaining to watch and especially to listen to their bill clapping. Once in a while they would separate and go their own way and then before you knew it - they repeated the whole process all over again. Folks, there is no better way to spend a morning! Go Birding, it's fun!

The Shipley Trail - FOS American Robin

The Shipley Trail which borders the Bailey's Homestead and the new home for SCCF's native Nursery is progressing nicely - the nursery is open and the Homestead will follow on the early part of next year.

Come and take a look at all the progress...

This is viewed from the parking lot - in the back is where the Shipley Trail is.

The Bailey Homestead.

The Windmill which borders the trail and the homestead property.

The fresh water pond.

I made my way to the Shipley Trail which overlooks the Bailey Homestead.

A bit of history on the Windmill.

I walked to the reclaimed water area which sits behind Matzaluna Restaurant and at the end of the Shipley Trail - technically this area is also known at the Pond Apple Trail - the two trails connect. This morning several birds were already resting from their breakfast feasts.

A Tricolored heron.

A pair of Killdeer.

From the trail head of the Pond Apple Trail I am looking across the ponds and into the tall Australian Pine.....

where the pair of Bald Eagle is presently resting.

Further along, some little frogs were seen jumping the bridge (railing) into the nearby vegetation as I approached.

Plenty of purple moon flowers can be seen along the trails.

I love to be on a trail - looking ahead yet not knowing what I will encounter....an adventure awaits.

On my way back I noticed a few more Killdeers, as I raised my binoculars to count them I am surprised to see how many there are....

the more I watch, the more I see - I counted 24.

A Young Anhinga claimed a wood post - he watched intently as I walked slowly by....

after I passed him, I turned to watch his demeanor - he made me think of: Ready, set, GO!....but he fooled me because he stayed put after all.

Back along the boardwalk - I noticed the pollen dwellers.

And my surprise for today - an American Robin - my first of season sighting....the Robins have been making their way down south and looks like this fellow has arrived in Sanibel - how precious!

A young Indigo Bunting was also spotted along the trail...

in the midst of the Yellow-rumped Warblers, which have become a dime a dozen.

Folks, the birding is getting better and I would venture to guess that the wildlife/birds are approving their new grounds that surrounds the Bailey Homestead/SCCF nature Gardens ...check my E-Bird list for today - 33 species!

 

Shipley & Pond Apple Trail

There has been a lot of progress at the Bailey Homestead and the Shipley Trail is looking really lovely....come and take a look....

As I entered the trail, I couldn't resist admiring these Cassia blooms....

also a new sign has sprouted on the north side of the trail...

and look at these vines producing natural arches...

in the background more Cassia blooms.

The trail took me to the reclaimed water pond area and WHOA! Now, judging from the distance between the eye balls and the tip of his nose, I'd say this is a 8-9ft gator....I hadn't seen one that big in that pond before.

An Eastern Phoebe welcomed me as I made my way to the Pond Apple Trail.

I was glad to see that the DQ Eagle was around, well camouflaged in that Australian Pine, wouldn't you say?

A Better view of the Bald Eagle - I wonder where his mate is.

He took off while I was watching and he flew to another Australian Pine by the reclaimed water pond....see the tree....

and the Bald Eagle in the tree - gotta love this Canon SX50 camera - not too many outfit can bring you this close to your subject.

A Pileated Woodpecker flew quickly by me while......

I was watching this lady Anhinga

I made a point of scouting the entire water's edge just to make sure the gator was not laying on the side of the road waiting to surprise me.....aha.....

turns out he was using the path to bask....

I was right on my estimation - this is a big gator

a sneaky grin too. Soon after he up and went into the water when he realized more people were coming.....the path was clear to proceed.

A male American Kestrel is more my cup of tea....

Back to where I started I can see a Great Blue Heron feeling quite comfortable in these new digs.

 The construction is just about done, as a matter of fact the SCCF nature garden has made its move and will have a soft opening next week, the Bailey Homestead is scheduled to open early 2016. I will keep you all updated and I will pass the word around that it's a great spot for the birds to stop by. My E-bird list for today.