Cypress Slough with Caloosa Bird Club

What a sweet spot to go birding. I especially like to visit this area during the summer time - the area being surrounded by water and shaded by the trees always makes it feel at least 10 degrees cooler and that, my friend, is a great bonus in the Florida summer heat.

First sightings were in the parking lot - many more warblers were seen zipping about the tree tops - a bit fast for me to capture.

A Tuffed Titmouse with a companion.

The Carolina Wren was singing its best tune.

A few Great Egret were seen across the way - nesting in the trees.

Beautiful fauna grows in the shady waterways.

Doesn't that look appealing? And, no John, I wasn't talking about you. :)

The resident Black-crowned Night Heron in his blue suit.

Those eyes, oh my!

A Water Moccasin - well camouflaged.

The Palm Warbler bid us farewell.

 My E-bird list for the day http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17292805

40 species were seen by 35 people today - Good Birding.

Cypress Slough

The Cypress Slough was as beautiful as ever - the more the sun rose, the more the colors intensified. I especially love the clean air and how it feels good to fill up my lungs while I'm there.

I was hoping to catch a few warblers this morning and my warbler neck can testify that I have. The Black and White Warblers made multiple appearances throughout the slough.

The squirrels were everywhere too - jumping from tree to tree playing monkey.

This flew right in full view while I was standing on the deck at the Otter Pond - I never tire of seeing the Black-crowned Night Heron.

His bloody red eyes and long white plume surely does stand out.

Then a Limpkin! The only times that I've seen a Limpkin was when I visited Harn's Marsh.

A nice surprise indeed.

The Green Heron decided to come over to check out the area - Look how beautifully green he looks while basking in the sunlight.

Very precious.

The Otter Pond never disappoints - today was extra special.

The White Ibis looked striking in the dark environment.

Here is a great crew of knowledgeable birders - it was a stroke of luck to bump into them this morning and to be able to trail along. They spotted many, many warblers.....tried as I may, I coulnd't get a photo worth it's salt. Even my very first sighting of the Tuffed Titmouse - oh well, maybe there will be another opportunity to photograph this little beauty. I did get to feast my eyes on him with my bins and I am now calling The Tuffed Titmouse my birthday eve surprise.

More sightings.....A very, very good day indeed.
My E-Bird List - 33 species total while at the Slough
Then, as I drove home - I counted another 21 species - among them were a Stork and a Glossy Ibis.

The Slough

I had the opportunity to re-visit the Slough today and it was as welcoming as ever. First, my friend Anne and I were greeted by the birds in the rookery just before their departure for the day and it was with awe that we witnessed them fly toward and over us.

A beautiful view just an hour later - it is just amazing how it changes as the sun rises - the colors come alive and the water starts to sparkle.

The Wren family seemed to be all over the Slough - singing, darting and filling its belly.
Shortly after, we were joined by Meg who introduced us to a part of the boardwalk where more warblers can be spotted. 

This was where I was finally able to zoom in to a Black and White Warbler - how striking and so elegant in its plummage.

There were many more warblers which were spotted there and with it came the warbler neck effect - LOL - the pain was well worth it.

"Stompy" - as nick-named by the volunteers of the Slough - was seen today by many visitors - my photo here was from a previous visit where he lounged in peace and quiet.
FYI - Some of the warblers seen today: Worm-eating Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellow throat, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler and the Black and White Warbler. There were also many, many Blue Jays, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Carolina Wrens. Oh.....lets not forget the Downy Woodpecker which graced us by a few appearances here and there.

Visit at the Slough

 I got a good laugh out of this one when I opened it up on my computer - a bit x-rated.

 The turtles looked like they were ready to start marching, though they were staying put and basking in the sunlight.

 Sparkling white fungi growing on a log - it just had a special quality.

 The elusive Downy Woodpecker - so quick, so sweet and very hard to capture on camera....he made me work for that one.

 Beautiful lilies growing in the pond - so delicate - yet the ferocious gator share it's habitat.

 This pretty yellow flower was planted in a butterfly garden - set just by the entrance to the slough, many butterflies were busy feeding and fluttering around.

 I love the Slough - it is peaceful, it brings serenity to my soul and it happens to be a "cool" place to be at in the hot summer of southwest Florida.