Sunday at the Bailey Tract

I love this time of the year - and at the present we are having beautiful balmy and sunny weather - what's not to love. It started with a bit of fog and it warmed up in no time at all - the trail is void of folks and the birds are waking up, " Let's go!"

The Yellow-rumped Warblers were in great numbers this morning and filled with hyper energy as they zipped by.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were also eager to fill their belly.

There was over two dozen Blue-winged Teals and they were chatting away - they sure were entertaining.

After being seemingly out of sight for a few weeks, the Common Ground Doves have returned and they are feeding along the trails.

The Red Cardinals have become quite melodious and are entertaining to listen and watch.

Several Palm Warblers were observed too - they were feeding heartily - soon they will go back to their breeding grounds.

At least the Mottled Ducks will stay and have their families.

This Tricolored Heron begs for a quirky quote.

Here's a great example of how important it is to learn the bird by shape (Grey Catbird) - especially when it is in a dark recessed corner.

There's something to be said about sunny days and how the colors perk me up.

A young Little Blue Heron was quite focused on getting something else to eat.

A skip over to the Sanibel Garden Preserve provided me with great views of a Kestrel and

an Eastern Phoebe, what a great way to end the day!

Wilson Snipe & Gator surprise

A foggy morning greeted me at the Bailey Tract - I tend to enjoy those because they provide me with a state of serenity....and off I go.....come along and join me....

Do you see what I mean - can you feel it too?

A pair of Red-shouldered Hawk were quite vocal though and it made it easy to find them.

A quick skip over to the Sanibel Garden preserve rewarded me with great open views of a Wilson Snipe....

did you ever notice that the tail is coral in color?

Soon after a little Eastern Phoebe puffed and posed for a quick photo - thank you!

Back at the Bailey Tract - several Mottled Ducks are gathering up, some were quacking away and others were preening their beautiful feathers.

A fairly large Gator was spotted from across the pond - probably hoping for the sun to warm it up.

Side by side - a Common Grackle and a Yellow-rumped Warbler - a fun opportunity for size comparison.

A closer inspection of the Gator showed a satisfactory grin with the restful spot.

On my way out - a Gray Catbird looked at me and I thought to myself "How fortunate to be able to see so many species today right out in the open!" I shall keep alert for what comes next.

The Bailey Tract - continue

TGIF and it's a free day to do what I like to do....and off to the Bailey Tract I go!

A Green Heron turned out to be my first photographed subject today.

And lucky for me - it came really close to where I was standing. It's interesting how there are so many during the summer but come winter time and we really have to look hard to find one.

A Red Cardinal should be called a Christmas Bird with its brilliant red coat.

Talking about 'red', this Brazilian Pepper bush is looking healthy and striving through the native vegetation.

A peek-a-boo play by the Common Gallinule.

And look who I bumped into today - Jim, the president of the San-Cap Audubon group with Phillis and his daughter-in-law Debbie.

An Osprey was just around the corner vocalizing with another - it will soon be mating season.

And as predicted I found the bright male Anhinga in its usual spot.....birds are creature of habits just like we are.

A singing Phoebe redirected my attention as I..

was on my way out, further down the lane the Great Blue Heron bid me farewell.

It was an enjoyable morning even though I failed to locate the Smooth-billed Ani.....maybe one of these days in the very near future.

 

Telegraph Creek and Bob Janes Preserves

Elaine and I took a drive to North River Road today with the hopes of finding a few species that we haven't seen this year - a Towhee and a Turkey - some folks have reported them at this location so we are hopeful.

We were happy to see that boots were not needed and that the trail was well marked.

It did not take us long to find a pond that was just on the other side of the property boundaries, we were thrilled to find not one but....

three Wilson Snipe - our first of the season.

I don't know about you but if I could I would love to own this beautiful property.

Apparently the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks feel the same way.....

because they were everywhere.

Crows and Grackles were plentiful and it was nice to see them all share the space peacefully with the Red-shouldered Hawk.

It was peaceful for us too.

Once we reached the top of the loop we were greeted by an Eastern Phoebe.

The Telegraph Creek is along the edge of those two preserves, the water level was low and it was hardly moving.

As we headed back we couldn't help but notice some of the fauna and how different it looked from another angle.

The pasture along the edge of Bob Jane's preserve - the cows were far away but we still had to keep an eye where we were stepping.

Another look/see as we exited this parcel.

Yummm, some tasty looking mushrooms - but we'll pass on the tasting part.

We found a bench and sat for a few - admiring the peaceful view and wondering who erected these ropes and how they were accessed.

As the morning progressed more and more raptors were showing up - a Short-tailed Hawk is photographed here.

The Salt bushes were in full bloom and the seeds were joyfully blowing in the wind.

One of many Wood Storks flying overhead - heading for that beautiful pond, I'm sure. I wished we could spend more time especially since we hadn't found a Towhee or a Turkey but after walking 5.35 miles we were ready to wrap it up. Another great time being spent outdoors - we are blessed to be living in sunny Florida. My E-Bird List for today.