Reddish Egret and Swallow-tailed Kites

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted on my blog - life has put a few sticks in my wheel lately which has slowed me down in many venues. Today I'm regrouping following a brief morning walk on the beach and what better time than the present to compile a few of my favorite latest pics.....come along and check it out.....

It was on July 5th that I capture this Reddish Egret family - one of the parent was on top of the vegetation....

 while the young one was watching from a few feet away while stretching/practicing its wings.

It seemed to be snatching some insects here and there - most likely waiting for the parents to deliver better morsels.

The chick didn't stay up but 30 minutes before retreating to its cozy nest. According to some recent reports the chick is now on the beach and following its parent - learning to fish but mostly begging to be fed. I wish it well and also hope that it moves away from the pier area but it's probably unlikely.**********************

 Now, here I am 10 days later.....I come out of my beach walk and spot this dozen of Swallow-tailed Kites roosting along the road - I raced home to get my camera and I was glad to see that they had not left yet.

 What a beautiful sight this is! Watching them was quite a blessing and for a brief moments I was able to forget about what is going on in my life right now.

 This is now two summer in a row that I've not been able to do much bird watching and I've missed seeing the progress of a lot of baby birds growing up.

In any event, this sighting is truly precious and I treasure each minutes in their presence....soon they will depart and head south.....there's always next year, right.....well, that's what I said last year too.....go figure.

 

 And that's why it is best to live in today and appreciate all that there is in the now.

Owl, Woodpeckers, Plovers, Kites - Oh My!

Boy, where does the time go?? It's been a couple of weeks since I've had time to sit down and gather up my thoughts and photos to create a blog. Since I'm so far behind - I've decided to share bits and pieces of what I had the opportunity to observe for the past 2+ weeks - so come along and take a look....

This Black-bellied Plover was observed near Bowman's Beach - soon it will change and start to get some black spots on its belly before turning totally black.

A group of Royal Terns which drew my attention, I found it especially interesting to see the different color bill - the brighter red was a sure indicator of breeding - they sure are looking elegant.

A few days later I visited the Pond Apple Trail with my friend Lisa Hoyt from Michigan. Some of our sightings were these two Red-bellied Woodpeckers....notice how red the belly is on the bird above.

A Palm Warbler all decked out with its rusty cap and bright brown & yellow plumage....soon it will reach its summer destination and will breed its little brood.

Along the retention ponds we also found this Cattle Egret as well as...

this Tricolored Heron - check its bill and legs!

On our way back along the trail I spotted this Louisiana Waterthrush....

sweet spotting especially since this was a 'lifer' for Lisa. This migrating bird has probably reached its destination by now.

A few days later we found ourselves with the Caloosa Bird Club in Pine Island - check the view from this private pier!

A neighboring pier had a little group of Dunlins and a Semi-palmated Plover.

Of course a trip through Cape Coral requires a stop at the ball field to check on the Burrowing Owls - this one enjoyed a sun bath.

Several days later and after working 4 very busy days - I was due for some peaceful relaxation and what better way to do that than head to the beach to catch a brand new sunrise - this is the tip of Sanibel island with the lighthouse on the left.

A Black-bellied Plover leisurely finding some juicy morsels for its breakfast.

The 'newer' Sanibel Pier - the only feathered friend found along the railing was a Reddish Egret patiently waiting for a hand out.

I cringe when I see those beautiful birds getting used to being fed and especially hanging around a fishing pier - it's just a matter of time before it gets tangled into monofilament and/or hooked which could cause much damage and then some.

I then got off the beach and cruised down the 'utility lane' along the lighthouse in search of some migrants going through - it was pretty quiet on that venue except for a handful of Prairie Warblers - they were busy feeding before resuming their trek north.

It's black circles looks much better than mine.

And today, a day later, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Elaine - a visit to the Bailey Tract took us along the Ani Pond where much of the action was taking place - this Black-necked Stilt drew my attention.

We then extended our hike to the Frannie's Preserve where we located a beautiful Swallow-tailed Kite.

Seen here preening while in the company of two Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

Not too far away - its mate seemed comfortable sitting and watching.

Nearby a Pileated Woodpecker was preening - making me realize that it was the first time I observed one doing so.

Then we came across a little pond that was filled with birds - a Snowy Egret here....

A Great Egret there, a few White Ibis and...

a young Roseate Spoonbill - wow!!

At some point the feathers were flying.

What a treat this turned out to be!

Thank you for reading - stay tuned - I plan to return to the Lighthouse area in the very near future with the hopes of bringing you some migrants reports.