Ole stomping ground

It is good to reconnect to my field roots - it brings me peace and serenity and right now I need it in addition to food and water in order to survive, come along and see how relaxing the Bailey Tract and its surrounding can be - especially first thing in the morning....

I've seen many Marsh Rabbits along the trails of the Bailey Tract - however they are usually down on all fours while chewing on grass and not standing tall like it is here.

Of course a customary look at the Magic Tree is in order and it did not disappoint - A Cardinal and a Great Crested Flycatcher stood alert while the Pileated Woodpecker whizzed on by.

I know that the Cardinal is a common sight but what's not to love about this scarlet coat and black mask!

A Red-bellied Woodpecker in his Tree House - well truth be told - it's actually a Christmas Vine and it surely caught my attention.

Shocked!! This is not something that I've seen before - a river Otter walking away with its soft shell turtle - who knew they ate turtle too!

This one made me sad - let me explain....the Anhinga has sharp teeth along its bill and they all point toward the throat - it's perfect for flipping a fish down the hatch after stabbing it however if they try to eat fish that hang around docks with ropes - the Anhinga is bound to get some rope stuck around its bill....luckily for this guy he's figuring out how to eat his fish by bringing it to shore, stabbing it repeatedly and somehow swallows bits and pieces....sometimes life hands you lemons, the trick is to learn how to make lemonade out of it.

Green Herons are everywhere now - it also coincides with nesting and raising young ones - in a few months they'll be harder to spot.

Here's another view of my challenged Anhinga - on the left is a gator.

See what I mean, the rope material is blocking the hatch.

A very young soft-shell turtle floating lazily among the fishes.

The Black-necked Stilts were happily foraging while the parents kept a close eye for protection.

They grow up so quickly and before we know it they'll be going south by the end of July/August and won't returned until March.

The Common Ground Dove - our smallest dove.

A Little Blue Heron in its Calico phase - by next year it'll be all blue.

A young Tricolored Heron was nearby too....

and then they crossed paths.

And this is just what the doctor ordered because while I watch nature unfold before my eyes there is no room for anything else.....until the next time.

 

One day at a time

Following my husband's health issues lately, I've had to work hard at staying in 'today' and not projecting a future that has yet to arrive, sometimes it's easier said than done. In any event, I've had to force myself to take 'me' time in order to regain some serenity in my daily life and today it took me to my old stomping ground....the Bailey Tract and the Sanibel Garden Preserve....come along and let's rekindle.....

Even though it's been almost a month since I visited, that magical hour at which time everything starts to awaken has not changed...several Black-crowned Night Herons were in flight or perched.

The water levels has dropped, making it a favorite spot to eat for the Egrets, Ibis and Herons.

More Black-crowned Night Herons - 2 juveniles.

An Otter was quite a bit away from me and I had just enough time to capture it - it looks as if a pup is hiding/clinging under it?? Could that be?

In some dark recess - an adult Black-crowned Night Heron.

Several Swallow-tailed Kites sharing a tree with a Red-shouldered Hawk.

A young Marsh Rabbit - I saw great signs of a good population this morning.

A Red-shouldered Hawk with an eagle eye.

A new family of Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Great Egrets with Snowy Egrets.

Interesting how a Fish Crow looks 'brown' when the sun hits its feathers just so.

And one of many young Common Gallinule. It was nice to see all the young birds tending to their needs...a great reminder of what I need to do too. So much has happened in this past month... my husband's slow recovery and the outpouring of support from you while this continues to take place. My birding friends, I want to say a Big Thank YOU for your positive thoughts - you are so appreciated!

Sanibel Community Park Trail - The Frannie's Preserve Extension

I've been meaning to check on this new trail off the main beaten path of Periwinkle Way - well, today was the day....come and see....

The entrance is toward the back of the playground, before you proceed check the map out.

The Frannie's preserve extension is outlined here - for today I chose the blue trail surrounding the water ponds.

Most of the paths are pretty much easy to follow, however the trails are not marked.

One of the first ponds.

First sign of wildlife - a White Ibis.

Several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Palm Warblers were heard and seen.

This trail was a bit muddy and after a bit the trail was hard to spot - will have to return at a later time.

Another pond and another trail.

This trail was a flitter of Zebra Longwings....making it somewhat magical.

A few more White Ibis and....

a River Otter with its fish.

A Kingfisher was quite busy and vocal around this pond.

Not too far, a Red-shouldered Hawk with its keen eye.

The trails circle around the pond, a different view of those White Ibis.

I have a feeling that this location could become a hot spot - it is a natural habitat, away from the noises and hustles, plenty of water and insects. I will return and report again in the near future.....after all....I still have the Frannie's Extension trail to venture unto.