Yearly trip to STA 5 in Hendry Co

Oh Boy! It is Saturday morning with a crisp 48 degree - chilly for Florida weather if you ask me - but nevertheless it didn't dampen my enthusiasm to head out, pick up Libby and head off to Immokalee. We met up with the Caloosa Group, combined people in cars and headed out to our destination....and off we go.

After being on the road for 2 hours +, we arrived at the check in station, listened to instruction and set out with great anticipation.

It wasn't long before we saw tons of ducks and coots and among them were several Purple Gallinules - they sure are colorful and fun to watch with their big feet walking on lily pads.

 

Watching from above and looking for its next prey was a Peregrine Falcon.

Here's another colorful one - a Swamp Hen.

A quick visit from an Eastern Meadowlark didn't go unnoticed, we were blessed with its song too.

A Brown-headed Cowbird, what a nice surprise.

There were plenty of Swallows swooping by - some took a rest on the power line before resuming their flight - a Northern Rough-winged Swallow is watching us.

We had several Black-crowned Night Herons popping out in the open. I love their beady red eyes.

Several gators were spotted - I venture to say that they are well fed.

We watched the White Pelicans as they circled and herded fish for consumption.

Empty clam and mussel shells - some tasty meal I'm sure.

Caspian Terns and Forster Terns were among some White Pelicans and Ducks.

An American Bittern stayed long enough for me to capture its photo.

A special sighting of two Tropical Kingbird was had - this one granted us good views on our way out.

Many more species were seen than photographed - see my E-bird List for all the species.

A long day, a great time and lots of beautiful birds were seen, I am blessed to be granted these opportunities.

STA5 in Hendry County with Caloosa Bird Club

I had heard a lot about this area called STA5 by the birding community and it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to this day. It is a bit of a drive from my home but with good friends in the car - it made for a very enjoyable ride. 

Here are the highlights of the day.

As we drove across, we kept our eyes on the road and had our driver, John, stop and pull over while we exited the car to get a tad bit closer. This Meadowlark was very patient while we took his photo. I was so happy to see this bird like this - as it gave me the opportunity to see just how beautiful it is.

Then we saw some woodstork and soon after heard and saw these beautiful Sandhill Cranes fly by.

I had hoped that they would have stopped and stay for awhile but apparently they had better fish to fly.

We soon met up at the gate and joined the rest of the Caloosa Group. We signed up and waited our turn.....there were 2 groups ahead of us.  FYI the Storm Treatment Area 5 has approx 17,000 acres and is located in Eastern Hendry Co. It is a premier bird watching area in Florida and can easily be referred to as an "Oasis for Birds". I highly recommend the trip - just make sure that the area will let you in. More info can be found at www.sfwmd.gov

 

A Spotting Scope is highly recommended if you want to see some of the birds/ducks that can at times be at a distance. This was a great photo opportunity to show the difference between a Greater and a Lesser Yellowlegs.

A very sweet sighting - a Snail Kite sitting still.

Soon we noticed that they were carrying nest material.

Two females came into view - the female has a white face, as you can see.

Soon after, management closed this part of the road - so that the Kites would not be disturbed while tending to their nest.

Oh Sweetness! My FOS sighting of the Black-necked Stilt. I love how this photo turned out to look like a painting ....oh....if only I had this talent.

The bonus of taking photos is taking them home and seeing 'more' in the frame that had not been noticed before....such as those sandpipers. I had heard from another group that they had spotted some Stilt Sandpipers....if those are it, I sure would love to know it.

These 3 were doing the hokey-pokey....and they turned themselves around....

See what I mean....such an Oasis....birds/ducks everywhere...oh, and many gators too.

Some Glossy Ibis - with their shiny plumage.

Ducks, Coots and more ducks and, did I say Coots....wow....this is Coot Central.

Big Sugar's work could be seen in different locations while we were there.

 A Tropical Kingbird (LB#219) Wow...this made my day.

Swallows were seen constantly - dipping/flying/eating on the run. This was a nice opportunity to actually get a photo of one without it being blurry.....because these guys are fasssst.

A bird's eyeview

Do I still have enough daylight?....Oh.....so much to see and so little time to do it in.

On our way out - a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher sat still - "Thanks for coming - See you again soon".

My E-Bird List - A great day, wouldn't you say. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17362091

81 Species - makes for a Super Saturday at STA5.