Swamp Sparrow Surprise

Several appointments and engagements have kept me from visiting the Bailey Tract and it was with great anticipation that I entered the trails this morning.

Right away I was reminded that it was full moon, beautiful sight.

I spooked a Little Blue Heron and several Blue-winged Teal as I crossed the bridge to get a better view of the Common Gallinule.

AKA Moorhen - there were two of them in this particular spot, others were seen later.

The Little Blue Heron landed after his short flight.

What a web this spider weaved!

The Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher was heard before he was seen - they are such a lovely creature.

Here is my precious surprise, a Swamp Sparrow.

I sat still and hoped that he would as well so that I could capture its photo and study it further when I got home....

I was blessed and very grateful for those fleeting moments - how sweet!

A Gray Catbird - notice the dark cap and the rufus vent.

A Palm Warbler in the Goldenrod - a perfect compliment, don't you think?

I love the Bailey Tract and especially this time of the year for the glow and rich color that the atmosphere provides.

Even the Red Cardinal seem to have brighter and fresher plumage.

Another Palm Warbler - this one is feasting on seeds.

White Ibis - white as snow and striking with its pink bill and baby blue eyes.

On my way out I spotted my 5th Marsh Rabbit....what a beautiful morning this was, I am blessed to be living so close to this trail. My E-Bird List

 

Lakes Park with the Lee County Bird Patrol

It's a beautiful sunny day here in S.W. Florida and what better time than to join the Lee County Bird Patrol on their monthly bird walk. This morning, Gail - a friend of mine - was on board to lead it....another bonus to participate.

Since we arrived 30 minutes early, we decided to take a walk in the fragrance garden - hoping to catch sight of hummingbirds

We did get to see many butterflies as well blooms, blooms and more blooms everywhere

It was time to get back and join the group.....our first sighting was

this beautiful immature Little Blue Heron which is slowly morphing from total white to total blue....don't you just love the in-between stages?

We also saw this Common Moorhen family - walking and wading/swimming together

the chicks were non-stop chatter, mom being very cool and patient

from a distance we could see a gator making his way toward the family - it didn't go unnoticed by the mom....she told her chicks to get to shore asap

In a heartbeat - the chicks moved with lightning speed while being silent - the mom on the other end started to make noise and diverted the gator to an opposite direction. The entire family was saved and the gator was fooled...this time.

Awww.....sweet.....a Red-winged Blackbird mom sitting on her eggs

proud papa keeping a close eye on us.

Then we found three juvenile Green Herons that have recently fledged the nest

A female Red-winged Blackbird.

A Loggerhead Shrike was watched while he captured his insects dish.

This little beauty .... a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was sighted in the wooded area

On our way out - we said farewell to our lady friend - and wished her good luck....knowing very well that she knows exactly what to do. Nature is pretty spectacular, don't you agree?

 

My Sunday drive

What a way to start the day! A tree fully decorated with Palm Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers....how many can you find?

The Yellow-rumped has arrived at the Bailey Tract.

The Mockingbird - I believe that he has gotten to know me because he doesn't even move when I go by.

The Brown Pelicans were flying - solo and in groups......to the Gulf they go.

The Palm Warbler - which at the time I mistakenly believed that it was a Prairie because of the bars on the belly and the yellow under the eye - however, the tail is a telltale for sure.

Sweet Phoebe who sings "Phoebe".

The Coot Family - snug as a bug in the reeds.

The Common Gallinule - or is it Moorhen?? An adult with a juvenile.

The Bailey Tract Ani Pond with 4 Grebes.

Here's another Mockingbird - curious and quiet.

A Tri-colored Heron - posing still. Check out those pink eyes!

The Anhinga - all dried up and ready for another swim.

Here is what I think is a Northen Harrier - I know....bad photo....but I'm hoping my friend Robert - the raptor expert - will clarify.