Happy New Year!

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year and may you see all the birds that your heart desires and that goes for me too!

My first birding day this year came on January 2nd with the Caloosa Bird Club and it took place at Bunche Beach....come along and see....

Now, is there a better way to start the day - I think not.

And what a nice surprise to have the Brant so close and what joy to have it still around.

A King's Crown drew my attention - notice the colorful bands and the live mollusk sporting a black and white pattern.

And how interesting to see those egg cases attached - live mollusk lead an interesting life.

This Bald Eagle likes to hang around the platform in the parking lot of the Bailey-Matthew National Shell Museum.

This moment begged for a quote....the crow jumped over the moon.

This Otter and the rest of the photos were taken today at the Bailey Tract - I started early in the very dense fog....it made for a quiet and peaceful morning as I observed wildlife all around me welcoming the new day.

This Wilson Snipe did not escape my eyes even though it was quiet as a mouse.

An adult Wood Stork landed in the shallow water while....

a much younger one perched in a tree and watched from above.

A lovely Roseate Spoonbill joined in and soon...

the White Ibis kept it company too.

This wraps up another beautiful morning - I feel blessed when I'm surrounded by nature and this morning provided me with all that I needed.

 

A Brant!

As the birding world goes - new reports come and go and sometimes they are really close to home....and as such.....a reliable birder reported a pair of Brant off Bunche Beach and....lucky for me....I was not working today - so, off I go....

The air is warmer today and promises of a sunny day sounds good to me. Elaine and I made our way to Bunche Beach and walked to the east end of it.

There appears to be a few birds here to keep us occupied for a bit of time.

Among them all we discovered 8 Forster Tern...

seemingly all decked out in their holiday colors of red and white.

Of course the Brown Pelicans are getting more and more colorful as the season goes.

A pair of Bald Eagle grabbed our attention with their lovely song.

And back at our group....

beyond them we spotted a few Black Scoters and a Horned Grebe in the distance...

we had been relaxing and enjoying the view when we got wind of the Brants being seen along the causeway. Well, let me tell you that it's not so easy to gather up all the equipment and practically or should I say non-practically....sprint through the wet sand as we hurried to get there before it left...and lucky for us.....

we found it! It was at a distance and with the scope we were able to find it. This is reportedly a rare find and I'm thrilled to have seen it....

well, actually felt as if I could fly with glee.

I had to go back and get my car, shortly after I joined Elaine at her house for a cool refreshment with a lovely view....and as always....good things must come to an end and....

it's time to go. What a great day!