Owl, Woodpeckers, Plovers, Kites - Oh My!

Boy, where does the time go?? It's been a couple of weeks since I've had time to sit down and gather up my thoughts and photos to create a blog. Since I'm so far behind - I've decided to share bits and pieces of what I had the opportunity to observe for the past 2+ weeks - so come along and take a look....

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.

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.

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.

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.

Along the retention ponds we also found this Cattle Egret as well as...

this Tricolored Heron - check its bill and legs!

On our way back along the trail I spotted this Louisiana Waterthrush....

sweet spotting especially since this was a 'lifer' for Lisa. This migrating bird has probably reached its destination by now.

A few days later we found ourselves with the Caloosa Bird Club in Pine Island - check the view from this private pier!

A neighboring pier had a little group of Dunlins and a Semi-palmated Plover.

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.

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.

A Black-bellied Plover leisurely finding some juicy morsels for its breakfast.

The 'newer' Sanibel Pier - the only feathered friend found along the railing was a Reddish Egret patiently waiting for a hand out.

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.

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.

It's black circles looks much better than mine.

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.

We then extended our hike to the Frannie's Preserve where we located a beautiful Swallow-tailed Kite.

Seen here preening while in the company of two Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

Not too far away - its mate seemed comfortable sitting and watching.

Nearby a Pileated Woodpecker was preening - making me realize that it was the first time I observed one doing so.

Then we came across a little pond that was filled with birds - a Snowy Egret here....

A Great Egret there, a few White Ibis and...

a young Roseate Spoonbill - wow!!

At some point the feathers were flying.

What a treat this turned out to be!

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.

December 26, 2016 - North Cape Coral with the Caloosa Birding Club

I'm a bit behind in posting so bear with me as I'm catching up. This particular outing was a birding day with the Caloosa Bird Club - the meeting took place in North Cape Coral....our first stop was at Charlotte Harbor State Preserve.

That particular morning was rather windy which made it fun to watch the Tree Swallows - there were most likely several hundred of them at one point.

A Northern Flicker was heard several times before we were able to locate it - smart fellow!

 

We walked all the way to the point and were greeted by this pair of Hooded Mergansers.

Along the shore it was evident that someone else had beat us to this location - I'd venture to say that it was a raccoon.

Our next stop was the leader's house for coffee and sweet treats and when we came out of his house we observed a group of Brown-headed Cowbirds.

Then off we went to the usual spot to view the Scrub Jay family - we had 5 of them in sight at one point.

Around the corner we spotted this pair of Burrowing Owl - though I bet they spotted us before we saw them.

And that's all for now - keep a watch for the next post.

 

Cape Coral with the Caloosa Bird Club

It is always a pleasure to visit Cape Coral because it's a venue that provides good views of species that I don't usually find in my neck of the woods. We concentrated on three areas - come along and see...

We all met up at the Rotary Park - a sweet spot that can provide beautiful views of migrating birds if the weather/winds are right - let's hope for a great spring.....for now.....good views of the Cedar Waxwings - always sweet to find.

Along some of the back trails along the water - some waders, coots, ducks and herons can be found - a Green Heron in breeding plumage was spotted.

On our way back, we found more Cedar Waxwings.

I love their color, mask, hair tuft and yellow edged tail.

A short walk across the corner, we were treated to see a family of Purple Martins, they are now getting settled and will soon start their families.

A male on the left, female on the right.

Then we were off to Pelican Blvd where the Pelican ball field is located - nearby are Burrowing Owls. Take note of the clean surrounding of this burrow - I'll explain later.

One of the owl went into the burrow and started digging - you can see the sand being sprayed out of the hole and on the mate....

A little sand in the eyes can be a pain....

Open wide - awww - much better now.

A Loggerhead Shrike was nearby (aka a butcher bird because of the way it impels its catch before consuming it).

It's hard to stay away from watching these owls - they are just captivating.

They are protected and have 'pipe' boundaries, please do not trample on their ground for their safety.

Around the ball field, Monk Parakeets nests just below the light fixtures...

while we were there we observed a Fish Crow who made his way in - the Parakeets were none too happy....

and neither were we - totally powerless we are and it's how nature unfolds.

And then we were off to Jaycee Park - a great spot to see ducks and warblers. This morning a Spotted Sandpiper was at the water's edge.

Getting a bubble bath is always fun.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker - the belly showing the colors too!

On our way back and near Hooters - A Burrowing Owl who has decorated his nest - they tend to bring objects to their borrow during the night when nesting is under way and I hear they are quite creative - this little fellow has pieces of wood, lots of tissues and some poop. The poop will bring insects/flies and will help to feed the little ones very soon.

I'm told there is over 800 pairs of Burrowing Owls nesting in Cape Coral, you're bound to see them if you drive through Cape Coral, just look for the white water pipes and little crosses.

Please limit the time you spend with the Owls, etiquette mentions not more than 15 minutes or less if the bird becomes agitated. They are busy raising families and need all their energy for that purpose.