Six Mile Cypress Slough

I've had the opportunity to visit the Slough a couple of times for the past two weeks - each time was quite rewarding for seeing some of the migrants coming through the area....and a special bonus is the fact that the slough is at least 5 degrees cooler since it is surrounded by water and the boardwalk is in the shade. I spent more time with my binoculars than my camera but I did manage to get a few pics to share with you....

A Yellow Rat Snake was spotted above our heads - seemingly digesting something is my guess by looking at that bulge in his belly.

A Prothonotary Warbler - this has got to be one of the most striking warbler with its bright golden-yellow face and unmarked blue wings, how fortunate we are to see it as it travels through our area.

The Carolina Wren on the other hand is not a migrant but a year around resident - either way, it's a treat to spot one and watch it as it vocalizes away.

 

Bailey's tract - getting ready for fall

June and July seems to be the slowest months for seeing bird species and August seems to kick start the fall migration for quite a few species.

It was a peaceful morning and the first thing that caught my eye was:

a pair of Garden Spider that built their web side by side, they seemed busy with breakfast too.

This is a 1" spider which builds a large (12" or more) wide web with thick vertical zigzag pattern in the center. They tend to be in sunny sheltered area in gardens and bushy meadows.

A Common Ground Dove - small, sparrow-sized most often seen in pairs walking on sandy paths. Even though it is 'common', it is only seen in Florida.

A Pied-billed Grebe - supposedly a resident of Florida - May to Sept: local, but I hardly see them at the Bailey Tract in the summer time, and this morning was my first sighting since June.

A lady Anhinga - seemingly waiting and resting.

Little Blue Heron - quietly finding its prey.

Across the way - I ventured into the Sanibel Garden Preserve - on the path less traveled but was unprepared for the standing water - should have worn my boots!

I'm glad that I went the extra 1/4 mile because this sighting was worth it .....

a Prothonotary Warbler! He gave me lots of little peeks - here and there - just enough for a clear i.d. Here is a better view of the beauty...

And, as if customary, a Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen inside one of those nest boxes busily feeding its little brood from the sound of it.

And the day wouldn't be complete without taking a good peek at the "magic tree"....

today seemed to be a resting spot for many. My E-Bird list for today.

 

Migration continues

It was fun to bird the Lighthouse once again - and it started out with a glorious sunrise.

And from that moment on - it seemed as if the birds had basked in that sun glow - such as this Hooded Warbler.

The Red-eyed Vireo on the other hand seemed to stay within the shadows of the branches filled with Gumbo Limbo berries.

Another Hooded Warbler.

And the all time favorite - A Prothonotary Warbler.

This Prothonotary has a relatively long bill and large dark eyes, its diet consists of insects and spiders - I wish he was a year around resident.

Well, all good things comes to an end - almost - I got home and sat outside with Elaine and while we were drinking the view, 2 Orchard Oriole showed up - What a way to seal the day!   My E-Bird List for the Lighthouse.

 

Migration continues to be lovely.

Since I am a relatively new birder on the block - I don't have other preconceived idea as to how much I'm supposed to be seeing and when - either way, I am delighted to learn as I go along the way.

This Blackpoll Warbler is probably one of the fastest guy on the block - I'm just glad that I was able to see it, let alone take a photo or two.

The Indigos are still present - 1.5 weeks and still going.

This Rose-breasted Grosbeak never cease to surprise me - I would look up and there he'd be.

For a minute there I thought I was seeing a new specie - Judy Davis happened to be walking toward me when I showed her my finding - good thing too, otherwise I might still be looking for it's ID. This Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a pretty good looking female if I must say so myself.

The Northern Parula - a male - telltale signs is the dark 'necklace' below his neck.

The Prothonotary continues to take by breath away with it's simplistic beauty.

The Parula and the Prothonotary were hanging in the same tree....there's plenty of fruit to go around.

Not too far away was the juvenile Osprey - who had just jumped over from its nest - he/she will soon take its first flight.

The Black-billed Cuckoo is still in the area - what a treat to see it two days in a row.

The European Starling - often overlooked - is filled with an interesting pattern in its plumage and the yellow bill is indication of breeding.

A Prairie Warbler

Till the next time.....I live in Paradise and I am grateful.

 

 My E-Bird List for today http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17994747

Migration continues and the Black Billed Cuckoo returns.

I couldn't wait for the sun to rise so that I could get busy and see what is happening at the Sanibel Lighthouse - the previous day I followed all the new sightings and I could hardly wait and hoped that I could see them as well.

The Blue-winged Warbler never disappoint - what is not to love!

The Blackburnian takes your breath away.

Here's the underside of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Those two chicks were very vocal this morning - probably hungry.

This was a new bird for me this year and this was my first opportunity to actually be able to photograph it - just beautiful.

The Baltimore Oriole.

Yum - a fresh juicy skink for the Great Egret.

And the Black Billed Cuckoo - wow - I was so happy to be able to see it and to be at the right place at the right time.

My Easter bird.

A Green Heron - that was a surprise as I've never seen one at the Sanibel Lighthouse.

Happy Easter.

 

My E-Bird List for today - with 51 species - wow, what a day!  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17976865