Across the Cape on a bird chase

We took a long tour of Cape Coral today and went out in search of several species - it was a very good day - take a look.....

A Burrowing Owl

A Monk Parakeet

Killdeer

Red-shouldered Hawk - juvenile

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - juvenile

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Cooper Hawk - juvenile

Great Horned Owl

A Bald Eagle family

Two Florida Scrub Jays

 They have been fed by a local lady and they have no fear of human and come to you if you put your hand out or will land on your head, warning - wear a hat or else you'll feel every single little toenail on your scalp.

Interesting pond with misc ducks,coots,ibis etc.

A very yellow Palm Warbler

Nanday Parakeet

Go birding folks, you just never know what you're going to come across - it makes for a great adventure and a fantastic day!

Bald Eagle and Cooper Hawk

It's the first of September and I can feel the excitement building up in anticipation of migration, it's interesting too that my turtle season is winding down at the same time - perfect!

So, I was just finishing up with a sea turtle nest inventory when a Bald Eagle flew into my sight and landed in an Australian Pine - I ventured closer to get a better view. In the process I also noticed something else way up but couldn't make it out - like a crazy birder, I ran to my car to get my binoculars and camera to come back and get a better look.

Ah! Now I see - a Cooper Hawk watching the Bald Eagle down below.

After a bit I made my way to the other side of the tree to get a better view.

How do you like that? The sun is in my back while I look at the moon with a Bald Eagle above it.

Pretty regal, isn't he?

And before I knew what was happening, the Cooper came down and the Bald Eagle took to the sky with the Cooper in tow. I think this is a great way to start September, don't you?

Visit to the Shipley and Apple Trail - long overdue.

I received an e-mail the other day from the Environmental Biologist of the City of Sanibel wanting permission to use my photos during a SanCap Audubon presentation - topic: "Nature Trails" and it reminded me how long it had been since I last visited the Shipley and Pond Apple trails - so, with no further ado....let's go and check it out...

The Palm Warbler welcomed me with open wings.

The retention pond was abuzz with activities - here the Cormorants are drying and resting.

Several Killdeers were there as well....

and the Wood Stork too.

"Don't you just want to come, have a seat and enjoy the view?"

Wood Stork meet Cormorants.

Overhead I hear the chatter of an Eagle....

I knew just where to look too, as they have been using this Australian Pine for several years now.

Exchanging notes with her mate.

As I proceeded down the trail, I spooked a Cooper Hawk deep into the woods.

I reached the head of the Apple Trail and noticed changes in the vegetation - a lot of it has been removed to make way for that new bike path - with the heat/sun/rain of our summer, I'm sure it won't be long before it fills back in.

A pretty succulent and spineless plant that blooms and reproduces like there is no tomorrow.

A Dove Tree - we have quite a few of those.

A Pileated Woodpecker listening for insect movements.

The Great Blue Heron kept his distance and eventually flew off when I came around the corner.

An immature Anhinga in the forefront and an adult male Anhinga in the background.

Here's a close up of the immature Anhinga.

The Wood Storks gathered up in the middle island - smart move.

The immature Anhinga being curious and watching.

The adult male Anhinga - jet black he is.

A few White Ibis amongst the Wood Storks.

Quite striking, don't you think?

Did you notice how sharp that bill is? It is used as a spear for catching fish.

Another immature Anhinga.

A Gator - half watching me.

A female adult Anhinga.

The male is all black, the female has a brown neck and black body, the immature is all dull brown.

Some Cormorants swimming by.

A great stroll through the Sanibel trails.