Algiers Beach on Sanibel

I often bike to the Gulfside City Park (also known as Algiers Beach by the locals) and from there walk a few miles on the beach, this morning was breezy and as always it provided me with gratitude for the day. 

A Willet was gracious with its time and let me observe it - I enjoyed the intricacy of its plumage.

A group of White Ibis always show up at sunrise making them glisten along the breaking waves.

This Willet was quite happy with its bits of crab.

"Lift off" by Snowy Egret.

A Laughing Gull catching its breakfast on the crashing waves...

showing his plumage which seems to be in great need of extra "wheaties".

 

Beach - S.W. Florida style

I've heard from several different sources today that snow is already on the ground up north - so, to warm things up, I'm sharing with you what I saw on the beach this afternoon.....enjoy

Emphasis today was Gulls and Terns.

People and dog entering Gull territory.

Dreamy

 

Franklin's Gull

A Franklin's Gull made an appearance at Bonita Beach last year and this week, my first and second attempt to find it was unsuccessful but the third time was a charm - and interestingly enough we saw three of them this morning, what a sight!

The Franklin's Gull is uncommon on beaches and it's quite a treat to find it, it is common on Great Plains - it winters on west coast of South America. It is very rare in winter in southern CA and Gulf Coast. So, with much further ado....I present you the Franklin's Gull.

Very similar to the Laughing Gull but smaller in size, in bill, in legs and shorter wings.

Being along the coast we were surrounded by the Black Skimmers and Sanderlings.

Here's Franklin next to a Royal Tern.

More flights - taking off and/or landing -

The Franklin did some of that too.

First year birds have clean white underwing with limited black tips on primaries and very neat and contrasting partial hood.

A Franklin with a Laughing Gull - here the size difference is obvious.

While it stretched its wing the all-white outer tail feathers were obvious.

Pretty amazing, hey? My E-Bird List for this morning.

 

Toad Thursday! Why not!

Today started with no expectations but rather a small plan of taking a walk along the shore - and surprises were welcomed.

I arrived early which was indicative by the fact that I was the only one in the lot. I set off along the boardwalk and spotted something I had never seen before - I quickly retreated and went to fetch my camera.

It turns out this is a Southern Toad - it is a true toad native to the S.E. USA. It often lives in areas with sandy soils. It is nocturnal and spends the day in a burrow.

I'd say, I was lucky to arrive just before it left for its burrow.

As I cleared the boardwalk - the sunrise greeted me with open arms.....ahhh.

It seemed as if gold was being poured on....I am rich!

A Sanderling was enjoying the morning too.

Two Laughing Gulls - a juvenile on the left and an adult on the right.

A pristine White Ibis - often called Florida Chickens as they are a dime a dozen - there are so many of them - yet they are worthy of second looks.

I bumped into one of my turtle buddies on my way back, Allen is on duty on Thursday and he was performing a data collection from a nest that perished - cause: too much water standing in and around the nest - result: not enough oxygen for the turtles to progress properly. We counted 147 unhatched eggs. Some beach walkers joined us and we shared our turtle knowledge with them.

Toward the end of my walk - I spotted a much bigger Gull from a distance and I was glad to have my camera along.....

that way I can properly identify what I am looking at. Those Gulls can be downright difficult because of the changes that they go through for the first 4 years and different seasons on top of that....

I was able to conclude that I was looking at a 2nd winter Great Black-backed Gull. I don't know about you, but personally I am glad that August is here and the fact that the doors have opened to let our migrating birds back in.....yeah....welcome back!