Bonus day - Bowman's Beach

I found myself with a few extra hours and as such opted to go and visit Bowman's Beach - a venue that I always enjoy and today did not disappoint either....the blue skies, tons of shells and peaceful times with the birds.....come along and see....

Bowman's Beach has ample parking and plenty of amenities (showers, bathrooms, playground, exercise loop, kayak/canoe launch and picnic tables) - from there it's a beautiful vista over wooden bridges before arriving to wide and quiet pristine beaches......

emphasize on the quiet.

My 'go to' bird today - the Wilson Plover

One of the new offspring

An untagged Reddish Egret was looking for some breakfast - too early for dancing at that point.

Another Wilson Plover

Toe prints in the sand - my guess: a Yellow-crowned Night Heron

This Wilson Plover looks young and scrawny but I believe this to be an illusion from its posture..

and I say that because it has a black band across its chest - indicating that it's a breeding adult.

Without skipping a beat - several Black Skimmers flew on by - probably heading to Fort Myers Beach and/or Bunche Beach to join others.

Well, as it is usually customary - all good things must come to an end and it's time for me to go - I take time to look back and a moment to express my gratitude....

there are more things to do and more decisions to make....starting with this fork in the road....either way, I believe it will eventually all be okay.

Bowman's Beach

My friend Jewel is in town and she is on the beginning stages of learning about birds, I was more than happy to accompany her to the beach for some further study.....Bowman's Beach seemed like a good idea and it turned out to be perfect.

Our first sighting was a Short-billed Dowitcher, he must have gotten separated from the pack because he was all alone.

The sun is rising and the sky is waking up with gorgeous colors.

The Gull coming in for a landing is looking familiar....

Aha! It is! An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull.

A pretty big gull - towering over the Laughing Gulls at twice the size.

Another beautiful surprise - American Oystercatcher with Black-bellied Plover, Sanderling and Willet.

Since their bill is not totally red - that tells me that it hasn't quite reached adulthood yet.

A couple Semi-palmated Plovers were seen.

Several flocks of Sanderling were observed.

My friend again - one of the perks of fall into winter is the sighting of these beautiful Gulls.

On our way out Jewel pointed out this Yellow-crowned Night Heron sleeping in the Mangroves.

What a great way to seal the day!

Great sightings on the beach this morning, check my E-bird list for the rest of the species seen today.

Bowman's Beach

Being that it is June Challenge month - I made a point of visiting Bowman's Beach to see some of the nesting birds - but as it seems the be the norm....there are always more surprises and that's a good thing.

As I headed west - to the path less traveled - I could see the amount of sea turtle nests lined up along this part of Sanibel.

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron was already in business...

A younger Yellow-crowned is following closely behind the adult.

He is ready for the action, eager and willing to learn the ropes

"Okay, fellow.....pay close attention here"

"geeze, how many times do I have to do that?"

I diverted my attention to some movements - and there it was .... a Wilson Plover chick

See how easy they are to miss - they blend right in with their environment and when threatened they crouch down.

The parent wasn't too far away - keeping a close eye and giving verbal cues to its chick

In the meantime, the Ghost crab is keeping a close eye on those Yellow-crowned Night Herons....if he's not careful, he'll be breakfast.

Wilson Plover and Willet

A Mottled Duck sitting on the beach - cleaning up its act....

Did you know it could turn its neck this far - like an owl?

Yellow-crowned Night Heron still on the lookout.

"I'll Look this way and you look that way."

"Whoa! Nobody told me to look up too!"

"This was not part of the deal!"

"Did you invite him?"

you fill in the blank.....

 All in all, a great morning walking the beach and spending time with my feathered friends.