White-crowned Pigeon

The White-crowned Pigeon has returned once again to Ding Darling along the Calusa Shell Mound Trail. This pigeon is usually seen in the keys and as such makes this appearance quite a special sight. 

This Pigeon has generated quite a crowd - birders and photographers. Unfortunately, some folks have taken the art of photography to extreme and in essence have generated some actions from Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.

As a volunteer for Ding Darling, I received this note this morning in my e-mail box:

 At the J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, we encourage visitors to respectfully enjoy wildlife at a safe distance.  However, occasionally some visitors go to extra lengths to enhance their experience without regard to the health and safety of wildlife. This can result in the disturbance or harassment of wildlife. Disturbance or harassment of wildlife is defined as any activity that alters or changes the natural behavior of wildlife, which can be detrimental to the animal's health, safety, or productivity. Types of activities that can cause disturbance or harassment are: getting too close to, or chasing wildlife; using flash photography in close proximity to wildlife; playing recorded bird calls; cutting vegetation near a nest; feeding wildlife; or throwing objects at wildlife. Any action that results in the disturbance or harassment of wildlife on a national wildlife refuge is unethical and illegal, and can result in hefty fines or arrest. Witnesses to any of these types of violations are encouraged to report them immediately to Refuge Management at (239) 472-1100. Remember to exercise caution when viewing, photographing, or filming wildlife for the welfare of the wildlife and for the respect of other visitors. 

The Pigeon does seem to be on its toes - so to speak - as I observed him to be on the look out for anyone on the boardwalk. I wouldn't be surprised that it's a result of having been bombarded by flash photography - which was making the bird quite uncomfortable....thank goodness for folks on the lookout for the welfare of our feathered friends and speaking on their behalf.

"Now, if you don't mind, I will go about in search of my favorite morsels.....

.....some juicy Snow Berries - yum!

Ding Darling's sweet surprises.

I had a few surprises this morning - first one being that the gate didn't open at 7 but rather 7:30, then the tide had been gushing in for 1.5 hour, so it was too high for the shorebirds to be around....but, hey, I wasn't going to let that get in the way of great birding opportunities - because, you just never know what you're going to find.

A White Ibis with its pretty blue eyes greeted me as I proceeded forward.

"Be on the lookout", there's more to see.

Several Immature Yellow-Crowned Night Heron were spotted along the way.

By the Tower - a Great Blue Heron, a Woodstork and a Reddish Egret ruled the island that is usually seen at low tide.

A precious Spotted Sandpiper was happily bobbing away.

"Keep on going" he seemed to say.

Aha! "This is looking different", I was telling myself as I raised my binoculars up. Oh my! It didn't take me long to recognize the White-crowned Pigeon. This specie was seen at Ding several months ago and I had not been able to locate it at that time - lucky for me, I got to spot it today.

I am also extremely grateful for my friend Gail who loaned me one of her camera outfit - because without it I would not have been able to document this bird. My camera has not returned from the shop yet and I'm faking my way through a 300mm fixed lens - a much heavier equipment than I am used to - my hat to all of you who carry these long lens around and produce sharp photo, I have great respect for you.

What a beautiful bird and a really sweet sighting!

Further down, I stopped at Wulfert Point and spotted a few warblers, this Yellow-throated gave me great photo opportunities.

This also seems to be the 'highway' for the Yellow-crowned Night Herons, here is an adult.....

and an immature.

 

 

My last stop was at the Calusa Shell Mound Trail. at the end of the Wildlife drive. This provided great shelter when the sky opened up. Vireos and Catbirds could be heard while the sweet smell of the Jasmine (?) penetrated the boardwalk, I felt as if I had died and gone to heaven.

 

 

All in all, it was a fantastic morning for birding - my E-Bird List for today