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| This Black-bellied Plover was observed near Bowman's Beach - soon it will change and start to get some black spots on its belly before turning totally black. |
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| A group of Royal Terns which drew my attention, I found it especially interesting to see the different color bill - the brighter red was a sure indicator of breeding - they sure are looking elegant. |
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| A few days later I visited the Pond Apple Trail with my friend Lisa Hoyt from Michigan. Some of our sightings were these two Red-bellied Woodpeckers....notice how red the belly is on the bird above. |
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| A Palm Warbler all decked out with its rusty cap and bright brown & yellow plumage....soon it will reach its summer destination and will breed its little brood. |
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| Along the retention ponds we also found this Cattle Egret as well as... |
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| this Tricolored Heron - check its bill and legs! |
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| On our way back along the trail I spotted this Louisiana Waterthrush.... |
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| sweet spotting especially since this was a 'lifer' for Lisa. This migrating bird has probably reached its destination by now. |
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| A few days later we found ourselves with the Caloosa Bird Club in Pine Island - check the view from this private pier! |
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| A neighboring pier had a little group of Dunlins and a Semi-palmated Plover. |
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| Of course a trip through Cape Coral requires a stop at the ball field to check on the Burrowing Owls - this one enjoyed a sun bath. |
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| Several days later and after working 4 very busy days - I was due for some peaceful relaxation and what better way to do that than head to the beach to catch a brand new sunrise - this is the tip of Sanibel island with the lighthouse on the left. |
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| A Black-bellied Plover leisurely finding some juicy morsels for its breakfast. |
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| The 'newer' Sanibel Pier - the only feathered friend found along the railing was a Reddish Egret patiently waiting for a hand out. |
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| I cringe when I see those beautiful birds getting used to being fed and especially hanging around a fishing pier - it's just a matter of time before it gets tangled into monofilament and/or hooked which could cause much damage and then some. |
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| I then got off the beach and cruised down the 'utility lane' along the lighthouse in search of some migrants going through - it was pretty quiet on that venue except for a handful of Prairie Warblers - they were busy feeding before resuming their trek north. |
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| It's black circles looks much better than mine. |
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| And today, a day later, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Elaine - a visit to the Bailey Tract took us along the Ani Pond where much of the action was taking place - this Black-necked Stilt drew my attention. |
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| We then extended our hike to the Frannie's Preserve where we located a beautiful Swallow-tailed Kite. |
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| Seen here preening while in the company of two Red-bellied Woodpeckers. |
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| Not too far away - its mate seemed comfortable sitting and watching. |
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| Nearby a Pileated Woodpecker was preening - making me realize that it was the first time I observed one doing so. |
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| Then we came across a little pond that was filled with birds - a Snowy Egret here.... |
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| A Great Egret there, a few White Ibis and... |
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| a young Roseate Spoonbill - wow!! |
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| At some point the feathers were flying. |
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| What a treat this turned out to be! |
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| Thank you for reading - stay tuned - I plan to return to the Lighthouse area in the very near future with the hopes of bringing you some migrants reports. |
