CWA Lagoon

Some reports of a Whimbrel being seen at CWA Lagoon prompted me to make a visit, come along with me....

I was going to say that I arrived bright and early except that I got there so early there was no 'brightness' about it - but, the birds don't seem to mind as they were already there feeding away.

I bumped into Janet & Aaron Kirk and we all admired this Great Blue Heron and how classic his pose was.

I'm liking how the sky is turning blue, the stairs to heaven are a definite plus and I'm hoping the weather will clear up.

The Black Scoter is still hanging in its regular spot - patiently waiting for others to join her in the fall.

A bit of pink from the Roseate Spoonbill is bringing some brightness to a dreary day.

Oh My! What do we have here?

It's a Black Tern! This bird holds a sweet memory from a few years back when Carol & John Herr and I visited this very spot and saw our very first Black Tern - we were very happy with our find - what a great day that was!

A pair of them is very sweet and in breeding plumage too!

The Black Tern is slightly bigger than the Least Tern which is our smallest Tern.

And, my go-to bird has arrived and I'm glad it is only sprinkling at this point and that I

can take its photo.

Nearby is an American Oystercatcher with a green band.

The Whimbrel in the company of Marbled Godwits.

Some fancy footwork from a pair of Reddish Egret - quite entertaining.

More Roseate Spoonbills in their pretty pink.

Some footloose from the Marbled Godwit

while the American Oystercatcher was busy shaking the water off

....all clean now.

A SemiPalmated Plover was hunkering down.

Everytime I make it there, I always wonder why I don't make the trip more often as it is such a lovely spot.

I just love this bird with its bubble gum pink bill.

On my way back I made a quick stop at Bowitch Park - this lovely immature Little Blue watched its reflection in the little pool.

A Gray Kingbird kept diving down for flying insects before returning to its mangrove perch.

A young Sandwich Tern - interesting how the bill is yellow....but soon enough it will blend in with the rest of the flock.

 

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.