Pond Apple Trail and retention Ponds

I had a great time this morning exploring the Pond Apple Trail and the retention ponds area, the birds have slowly returned and it is a welcome sight! Come along and enjoy the view.....

I was promptly greeted by the Red-shouldered Hawk.

It was quite a sight to see some of the birds flying through the maze of branches and leaves - I soon realized that they were getting an early bath - the Great-crested Flycatcher is looking a bit damp afterwards.

Along the retention pond I heard these 'gurgling' sounds which led me to a pair of Marsh Wren, they were quite entertaining.

And across the path I found a silent House Wren

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher probably comes second to the Hummingbird as far as speed is concerned, it's hard to pin them down.

A young Black-crowned Night Heron was seen coming out from the thick vegetation.

The Wood Stork with its lovely pink feet - this one is young with its pale bill and fuzzy head.

This Brown Pelican duo were seen flying and eating together.

While by the bank, a Great Blue Heron was quite satisfied with its latest catch.

The Palm Warbler seemed curiously interested.

This will take some time to get it down.

A Pied-billed Grebe with a Tricolored Heron were watching from afar.

This is quite a catch and a Cormorant wanted some of that....

It's a bird eat fish world out there - the survival of the quickest....

or maybe the biggest.

There's plenty of fish for everyone, Osprey included.

"You do not see me, I am part of the fence".

It's fish time for the Stork now.

Then it's resting time....does it have to be in the poison ivy?

 

Bowman's Beach

It had been a while since I last visited Bowman's Beach and I thought I'd better get over there before it gets crowded. Come along and see what I bumped into.....

My first group turns out to be Short-billed Dowitchers, sweet!

As I turned around and looked to the East I can't help but fall in love with the sunrise.

Oh, what a nice surprise - my first of the season Common Loon is just a few yards away.

A nice group of Red Knots passed me.

This pair of Osprey is getting ready for their new family.

A Brown Pelican just chilling on a No Wake buoy.

More Red Knots by the sea shore.

One of many Snowy Egrets that I saw this morning.

The Snowy Plovers were all hanging out together...

Some Black-bellied Plover wanted to hang out with them too.

I love to watch the little Snowy form a bowl to sit in to rest and blend in.

A Cormorant was drying out after his fishing extravaganza.

I love his serious expression.

I got lucky to have all 8 Snowy Plovers in this frame.

Cute pair, no?

A not so lucky Sandwich Tern - on the other hand the Ghost Crab looks pretty smug.

Now that I work at the Shell Museum I can't help myself but pay more attention to the sea shells - especially when the mollusk is still alive within this beautiful Lightning Whelk.

Here's the pair - busy at getting the nest ready.

It's time for me to wrap it up but before I go - one more look at this beautiful vista.

I believe it's time for breakfast.

 

Venice Rookery

I have heard from several people over the past two years about this little gem of a place called "Venice Rookery". It is small and intimate, a great inviting setting with ample opportunities for great nature enjoyment....come and take a look...

Right away I noticed how many families are occupying the small island and each families at different stages - here are a couple of Great Blue Heron chicks waiting to be fed.

Situated at the top is a parent standing over its nest - most likely with eggs.

In the middle is a Great Blue Heron chick that is practicing its wings - getting really close to fledge the nest.

A Great-crested Cormorant family.

This Great-crested Cormorant is drying its wings off from diving and fishing.

The covered pavilion is close to the parking area, from there I took the path that traveled around the entire lake - finding many intimate benches along the way with glorious views.

Anhinga chicks patiently waiting for more chow.

More families - including the Black-crowned Night Heron flying off to gather up more sticks while catching the other's attention.

One of my favorite families - Great Egret

This was my first time to see them at this stage - I will not soon forget.

Another family - the chicks here are much younger.

One big cozy and happy Great-crested Cormorant family.

Back to the Black-crowned Night Heron - being busy building his nest.

Gathering up more sticks - I watched how he picked just the right one and very carefully too.

Flying back to try it on for size and I bet it's going to be just right.

Looks like they will be neighbor with the

Black-crowned Night Heron

More sticks - and building the nest deep inside the rookery island.

"So, kids, listen up - we're having new neighbors and you better behave, you hear?"