Reddish Egret chick

It feels a bit odd to be here once again, my time is consumed with way too many things and unfortunately birding is not one of them and I miss it on so many different levels - though I am here now and I am sharing this little beauty - I took an early morning and raced a few miles away before getting ready for work - I got there just as the sun was getting ready to rise and searched for this bird that had been reported....take a look.....

here we have a Reddish Egret chick sitting in the nest, waking up ever so slowly....

its eyes and feathers are totally priceless.

Not too far away its parent could be seen hunting for food.

The chick seems to be restless as it moved around and stretched its wings and even stepping

off the nest and unto the branches. The word out there is that this is the first Reddish Egret nest on Sanibel that we know of, I hope it fledges safely....anyday now.

Good luck little one, we wish you a long and healthy life.

Pelicans at Bowman

After birding most of the weekend - Elaine and I decided to hit the beach for some shelling - HA! sometimes the best plans are meant to be broken.....instead I bring you Brown Pelicans....

To be perfectly honest I have to admit that I didn't use to pay attention to the Pelicans until I developed a passion for birding and now....

every time I see them I notice their intricate differences....the young ones are all brown and..

the older they get the more colorful they become.

And look how flexible that pouch is!

I also noticed today that their eyes are a different color as they age

a perfect example right here.

"What are you looking at?" it seems to say.

A mere few others were sighted - this White Ibis is just begging for admiration and why not!

And the Plovers are pairing up - soon they'll be sitting on eggs.

Three Wilson Plovers - can you see them all?

Pretty tricky wasn't it?

Well, I hope you enjoyed our sightings....come back later for more :)

Down time

I've been pretty busy lately and have seen hundred of people - I was due for some peace and quiet and what better place to be than on one of those quieter beach spot on Sanibel, come along and enjoy the scenery.....

As it is customary for me - the earlier the better in order to catch the sun rising.

I wasn't the only early riser - several Snowy Plovers were already scouting the beach.

Those tire tracks reminded me that it's almost turtle time and soon I will be riding on the beach looking for their crawls.

A pair of Wilson Plover were using some of those tracks in the sand for resting.

Some raucous diverted my attention....I'm not sure what the Eagle was up to but the Osprey wouldn't give him a break.

Back for a second look at those Wilson Plover.

What a beautiful paradise I live in - I can't get tired of this view.

Four Willets hanging together by some driftwood, blending in and out of sight.

More Ospreys - there must have been a dozen in this particular area.

Great view for an Osprey to spot its prey and what a perfect spot to find a

Scotch Bonnet!

Soon after I spotted a Spotted Sandpiper around some brackish water.

Well, I think it's time for me to go and get a meal too....thanks for joining me.

Birding in hot sizzling July

It has been unseasonably hot this year and beginning the day with the first light is in order, beside - what's not to love to be able to witness the sun rise as a new day begins!

Today's adventure takes place at the southern part of Fort Myers Beach aka CWA, so come along...

The Black Skimmers can be found there in great numbers as they use this area for their nesting ground.

Interestingly enough there is a pair of Black Scoters that did not leave with their peers during migration - so, it's a nice bonus for us.

One of many Wilson Plovers spotted along the beach - adults and young ones are seen strolling the beach now.

A nice addition to our list was to see 18 Roseate Spoonbills - these seemed to be in a yoga balancing act.

One of the three Reddish Egrets seen feeding.

Several Marsh Rabbits were along the edges of the beach vegetation munching away while keeping a keen eye on their surroundings.

A Young Great Blue Heron - check the plumage and the legs.

Elaine was sharing a moment with GBHE

Nice little group of Ruddy Turnstone, Snowy Plover and Sanderling.

The Least Terns are still nesting.

A young version,

an adult.

A Wilson Plover - check the black nails on those pink toes.

A single Oystercatcher - it might have been the only one but its striking look steals the show.

A Snowy Plover

A gorgeous Black Skimmer preening

I'd say it cleans up pretty good!

 

 I hope you get a chance to visit this quiet pristine spot and spend some time with those beautiful creatures.