Sunday's rituals

We had quite a few strong storms last night and some much needed rain too, this is welcomed as it cools the air some -  so, armed with my bins, camera and bug spray - I headed to the trails.... come along and see what was there....

One of the benefit of the lack of rain recently is that the ponds get very shallow, it brings the fish in a concentrated area and as such we get a gathering of the Egrets and Herons - sharing a meal together.

The Common Gallinule have been multiplying successfully this summer - I counted at least 20 this morning, most of them were immature.

A Juvenile Little Blue - it looks very elegant in this posture.

Summer also brings many more Magnificent Frigate birds in our area too and I love it - these two were quite a bit closer than usual.

Mr. Cardinal - looks like he's been around the block a few times.

A skip over to the Sanibel Garden Preserves - I found 4 Swallow-tailed Kites roosting.

And thank goodness I was looking down as I was walking along the pond otherwise I might have stepped over this very little turtle and that would have been horrible.

I have a dilemma as to whether this is a Slider or  a River Cooter - both species are in the Pond and Box Turtle Family. These are active mostly during the day and like to basks on logs.

Some of our White friends were around the corner - A Great Egret and Snowy Egrets.

I couldn't resist but admire this bright colorful bush filled with berries.

This Osprey was working the Smith Pond along the Bailey Tract Preserve - he gave me a funny look as he flew by.

And off he went to continue on with his fishing business.

I would have bypassed this colorful wild flower if it hadn't been for a tiny feather slowly floating down capturing my attention as it landed in it. There is so much to see and so little time to take it all in.

In some Mangrove recess, this Tri-colored Heron caught my eye making me think of a beautiful Monet painting.

This bird itself is worthy of an artist's paint brush.

Once again, it's been relaxing yet  an invigorating experience, at the same time it brought me much peace - I look forward to my next visit already. 

My old stomping ground - new sighting!! Fork-tailed Flycatcher

It felt really good to get up and get ready to go to my old stomping grounds this morning. The Swallow-tailed Kites have been reported by the Post Office, so this is my first pit stop....

it did not disappoint - there they are still waking up and getting ready for the day....

one of the nearby nest had the parent sitting in, I believe the chick is still sleeping.

I made my way to the Sanibel Garden Preserve from there and I could still see that group of Swallow-tailed Kites. I then headed to the pond by the tower where I noticed a bird that had some familiarity and yet provided clues that were not at all familiar.

I instinctively knew that I needed to take as many photos as I could while I had a visual on this bird - photos are always helpful to identify the ones that I'm not sure about.

I was looking at the head which reminded me of an Eastern Kingbird but the tail is sooo long!

Once the bird flew away I started looking at my bird apps coming up empty - so I sent my photo to my friend Libby Wolff who identified it: a Fork-tailed Flycatcher! Oh My! At that point I looked forward to arriving home and to study what I just stumbled upon.

Audubon states: This spectacular wanderer from the tropics occurs virtually every year in North America. Although it is impossible to predict just where it will appear, the majority of records are along the Atlantic Coast, and there are more records in fall than in other seasons. Most Fork-tailed Flycatchers reaching our area probably come from southern South America: long-distance migrants that have made major errors in navigation. (perhaps the tropical storm is responsible) In any event, I am grateful for this rare sighting.

As soon as it departed, a flock of Cattle Egrets flew by.

With a joyful heart I walked away until I saw this young Red-bellied Woodpecker - doing quite well.....

fending for itself.

The Red-shouldered Hawk seemed quite focused.

Then, stepping into the Bailey Tract to see who's around - a young Little Blue among many others caught my attention.

A young Marsh Rabbit - innocent and trusting.

A bright female Red-bellied Woodpecker was communicating loudly with her beau.

Then I spotted an American Lady Butterfly (thanks again to Libby for this info).

Many young Green Herons are popping up everywhere.

This Northern Cardinal quickly vanished from my gaze....looks like he's been using those feathers a lot.

And the Magnificent Frigatebird waved me farewell until the next time, as always I leave the area with a huge smile on my face....every day birding makes for a great day!

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.