Sweet Migration

I mentioned to a pal recently that birding is like a box of chocolate - you just never know what you're going to get and the same applies while migration is taking place, though the weather and the wind tends to play a big factor and this year it's all been 'odd'. In any event, this past week I finally got to see some of the late migrants going through, come and take a look....

Our local Palm Warblers have gone north for some time now, in this instance I had a Palm coming from the South and stopping by for a bite to eat before continuing further north.

An interesting little fellow - was it a finch? - was it a Dickcissel? - well, how about an Indigo Bunting! I've got so much to learn yet.

A Black-throated Green Warbler gave us the greatest view ever, we figured that he just landed, was totally exhausted, famished and he didn't care who was nearby.

Now, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak is one gorgeous bird!

The resident Gopher was keeping a sharp eye on things.

A lady Rose-breasted Grosbeak - this is one of those exception as far as the female being drab - not so much in this case if you ask me.

Another view of the Black-throated Green Warbler.

A female American Redstart posing for a split second.

A Red-eyed Vireo, I had many great views of many of them and I'm sure that I will recognize this fellow in the future, no doubt!

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak pair.

Not a migrant but a great way to start the day with the sunrise - this White Ibis was actually gathering some sticks.

And guess who? If you said Blackpoll Warbler then you win the applause!

Quite a few Yellow-billed Cuckoo have been seen for the past couple of weeks and that's greaaat!

Ahhhh....the Gray-cheeked Thrush....what a beauty!

And today's eye candy goes to the Scarlet Tanagers - we had 2 male and 1 female - lucky gal!

Happy Mother's Day to me and to all the moms out there.

 

Bailey on Sunday

My home away from home is definitely the Bailey Tract - as soon as I set foot on the trail, it just feels right and today was no exception. I had a great time listening to all the songs surrounding me....the chuck-will's-widow for one and the Common Yellow-throat - oh, how I love his spring tune.

I was glad that I had enough light to see him.

The sun is coming up and my favorite color is aglow.

Along the Middle Dike, the Common Gallinule family was awake and ready for the day.

Oh my! What a nice surprise! An American Bittern in the tall reeds - somewhat blending in with its surrounding...

I was far enough away to observe it without disturbing it. I later reported my bird list to e-bird and I was surprised to get a 'rare' box, supposedly this fellow should have left to northern grounds by now.

Not too far away, a Prairie Warbler alerted me to its presence by singing - what a bright sunshine they are!

A skip over to the Sanibel Garden Preserve provided me with great views of the Swallow-tailed Kites.

How lovely to have them sitting still and preening away!

And here's another sweet surprise - a Cape May Warbler in its breeding plumage - most likely on its way north.

And the lovely Killdeer family - sweet!

I was going to delete this photo until I saw the smiley face - do you see it?

I'm smiling as I look at these Sabatia and thinking about my friend Elaine Jacobson, her spirit lives on.

A Dragonfly hanging on and seemingly floating in the golden air.

Peek-a-boo from a Common Buckeye

A lovely Peacock Butterfly stealing the 'star' show.

My last sighting - a Blackpoll along the Bailey Tract - a nice treat that will go on my 'Bailey' list. Another great outing - now I'm ready to face the day.

 

Coming and going

Spring season brings about many changes, my winter friends are heading to their northern homes, the birds that have been here for several months are leaving toward their nesting grounds - in the meantime we have birds that are passing through and some that have arrived and are now nesting. Having said that - I've been spending more time locally and I'm sharing with you what I've seen the past couple of days....

A female Painted Bunting at the Shell Mound in Ding Darling, as well as....

a Blackpoll Warbler and....

a Black-throated Blue Warbler, sweet! While I was walking the boardwalk I met some folks and one gal shared some info about a Chuck-will-widow. This was quite a good tip to come across as I've never seen one - so, off I went to observe this camouflaged fellow....

I can see why it would be difficult to find when it is on the ground....

surrounded by dark twigs/foliage etc. I limited the amount of time greatly as I didn't want to distress the bird.

This morning I found myself along the beach with the moon glow in my back and the sun rising to the east. A Mottled Duck came in for a landing but missed a bit - hence the sand on its breast.

I think it's going to be another great day!

The Snowy Plovers were up already and busily feeding along the shoreline.

This one was resting along the whelk egg cases - blending in quite well too.

Its mate wasn't too far away.

My second stop today took me at the Lighthouse where I set my eyes on a beautiful Ruby-throated Hummingbird - wow on its red throat!

Not too far in the parking lot, we found a Painted Box Turtle - what interesting design on its shell!

By the Lighthouse a Grey Kingbird was chasing insects and returning to this twig to eat it.

Around the corner a Gopher Tortoise was getting ready to return to its borrow.

Another beautiful view of that Ruby-throated Hummingbird, I'm blessed today.

The Magnificent Frigatebird sealed the day.