Yellow-crowned Night Heron

I went out to the Lighthouse this morning in the hopes of finding some migrants but it was too early apparently - a front is supposed to pass through this area a bit later today, so I will have to return. In the meantime - a visit to the Indigo Trail at Ding Darling seemed to be a good alternative. A pair of Yellow-crowned Night Heron was observed from the education platform, take a look....

I saw this pair with Elaine a couple of weeks ago and again this morning.

It was at the same location and we both recalled how we noticed that one of the Heron has yellow/brownish legs and wondered about it....shouldn't both Heron have the bright red legs during mating season?

They continue to add sticks to the nest but we are not seeing any eggs yet.

Either way you look at it - they are beautifully stunning birds and a joy to watch.

It's always fun to visit Ding Darling - worth the trip. And who knows, you may even get to see one of those Mangrove Crabs along the way.

Lighthouse and Indigo Trail

I had several things lined up on my agenda today and I carved some time in between to spend some time with my feathered friends. I hadn't been to the lighthouse in some time and I figured it was high time to visit.

Ahh, what is it about a sunrise and the promises of a new day! It just takes my breath away and brings spirit bumps all over.

This Great Black-backed Gull did not go undetected from my eyes.....

after all, he towers over everyone else.

Did I mention that it was very windy today? The birds, including this Snowy Egret, were doing overtime and working hard at staying grounded.

This young Brown Pelican was hanging around the pilings of the pier.

Bullies are everywhere!

All's well - just a bit ruffled.

A bit more light now to admire the Great Black-backed Gull.

I spent some time watching an Osprey with some nesting material in his talons and how he just hovered in the wind.

Off he went, his lady is waiting for this - so that the nest can be in ship-shape condition.

One last skyward look before I peel myself away. A lecture is taking place at Ding Darling and I need to get ready.

It is now early afternoon on the Indigo Trail - a Tricolored Heron was it by the boardwalk - he ate his fill.

I had the hopes of photographing a Green-winged Teal. I got good looks in between branches and leaves - this male is really gorgeous.

Have you ever noticed how Ducks are always smiling? Life is just ducky after all.

On my way out of the trail, I spent a bit of time with a Screech Owl.....

very special, if you ask me.

 

Indigo Trail

A short stroll along the Indigo Trail this morning brought me the peace and joy that I was yearning for.....have a look

So, this is where the Blue-winged Teals have been hanging out! - several of them were hidden within the mangrove roots, could hardly see them but their chatter was heard.

The Black-crowned Night Heron on the other hand was very quiet and settling down for a nap.

Pretty....well, in a spider kind of way.

Pretty regal looking, don't you think?

A visit on the Indigo Trail in Ding Darling

I had heard of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron having a nest with chicks not too far from the Education boardwalk/gazebo, so I decided to check it out.

It didn't take me long to find a Yellow-crowned Night Heron, however, sadly the nest was empty

An adult White Ibis was present

and so was this female Anhinga - dressed in her off the shoulder black dress.

I watched this Heron for quite some time and I noticed that water droplets were dripping rather consistently from his bill - I've yet to find the answer to this observation.

Do you think they feel the loss when their nest/chicks are consumed by predators?

Across the way, a young Green Heron was actively looking for food

while the lady Anhinga looked on.

He stopped his pursuit upon hearing a group of people coming along the boardwalk.

watching and listening to one of the visitor pointing out to

a Red Mangrove Tree snake.

In the meantime, a Tricolored Heron landed nearby.

Here is something interesting - this is actually a pellet that was left on the railing of the boardwalk - right next to one of those educational boxes that explains exactly what it is - do you think the Ibis knows how to read?

I made my way down the trail and smiled while watching family marveling with discoveries and taking family photos mementos, soon after I pointed them out to a gator resting nearby - they were really happy to see that.

Gator: the most sought after wildlife while visiting the refuge.