Tick Tock

An early rising brought me to the Bailey Tract this morning - just in time to catch the light before the sunrise. The entire area is peaceful and inviting - the birds are singing and the path is calling....

One of the few remaining Pied-billed Grebe - this one owns the Ani Pond.

Along the Mangrove Head Pond several Black-necked Stilts are foraging the bank - a gator was not too far from them, they kept their distance and all was well.

The sun is peeking just above the tree line, giving the pond an appearance of glass.

On my way out of the Bailey Tract a Green Heron waved me on - I had to look really closely to make sure that I wasn't seeing a Least Bittern - adding light to my photo revealed the real McCoy.

I made my way to the Lighthouse to meet up with the SanCap Audubon group for their last bird walk of the season. Migration has not been generous with us lately - or should I say the winds have not been favorable....in any event.....it basically means that it was rather quiet. Fear not though, the species that are here are magnificent in their own way....here, a White Ibis with its blue eyes in breeding plumage is no ordinary bird.

Another White Ibis seen crossing paths with a Starling.

Along the sandy path to the beach - a Gopher Tortoise was seen out of its burrow....

seen here resting and observing all the tourists heading to the beach.

Many Ospreys can be seen and heard at this location - it's nice to see people's reaction when they spot it and that is a gentle reminder to me not to take things for granted.

Well, this about concludes this birding outing for today. While you are reading this blog - you may just be the person to tip the counter to 50,000 - wow!! - this Bird Tweets blog has come a long way since it's debut (July of 2013). Thank you to all of you - for your kind words and appreciation - my birding journey wouldn't be the same without all of you....I am blessed with all the great help that you continue to provide for me.

My E-Bird List for the Bailey Tract and my E-Bird List for the Lighthouse.

Plover kind of day

A visit to the east end of the island and the lighthouse area - a nice way to start the day and thanks to Lisa from Michigan and her great company - which made it a great birding morning.

As typical birder - we were up by the crack of dawn and made it to the beach before the sunrise....I think it's going to be a great day.

The Brown Pelican is just getting going too....slowly waking up and getting right down to business....eat!

The Plovers were quite alert...

The Piping Plover was holding his ground....

both Snowy Plovers seem to want to negotiate space - we observed them get acquainted.

The Piping Plover was ready to start the day....

and off he went chasing small bugs....run, run, run....stop.

A slightly bigger Plover - the Black-bellied Plover.

His belly will be black come summer time.

The Piping Plover is still going, and going, and going.

Time to get a drink and rest.

When he returns to the vegetation/rack line, it becomes a lot more difficult to locate it since it blends so well with its environment.

A couple of flocks landed - Sanderling, Black-bellied Plovers and a few Ruddy Turnstone.

"Awe....rest at last....away from folks and dogs.

Black-bellied Plovers - look at the black starting to appear on their belly.

 "Stay tuned to my summer transformation."

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.