Birding Sanibel

Started the day by heading to the Causeway in the hopes of seeing the Black Scoters that had been spotted the past couple of days....well....no such luck - but the sunrise was a great reminder that any day birding is a good day.

Then, I was off to pick up Libby to help our little group with the Christmas Bird Count for the San-Cap Audubon.

Guess who is behind this silhouette?

A beautiful Great-crested Flycatcher treated us to a song and great view.

After the bird count - we decided to go through the Wildlife Drive at Ding Darling since it was still morning and the tides were still low.

First sighting were the Dunlins - they were gathered under the mangroves in huge number - they made quite a nice chorus while feeding.

The white pelicans are always such a nice sight.

The Hooded Mergansers were a nice treat today. And look, there's a Willet? playing peek-a-boo.

A Dunlin on the left and a Least Sandpiper to his right - what a difference in size!

The Dunlin - notice the bill with the downward tip.

More glorious White Pelicans.

Another eye candy for me today - the Red-breasted Mergansers.

They make a nice pair, don't they?

A beautiful ending to a great birding day.