Bailey Tract - morning stroll

I've been enjoying the beautiful weather we're having lately - the fall is here and the birds are arriving - it's a great time to be out there.

A few of my feathered friends seen at the Bailey Tract lately...

A Wilson Snipe was spotted next to the trail - probably because the ponds are filled with water with no room for the Wilson to stand.

Not the greatest photo - but what an opportunity to see the size difference between the Mourning Dove and the Common Ground Dove.

Please excuse my camera setting - the White-eyed Vireo is usually not that buttery.

There are so many Common Yellow-throat right now, they chirp away in the early morning and barely stopping as I try to capture their beautiful spirit.

The Grey Catbirds have landed overnight it seems - quite noticeable visually and audibly.

A beautiful pair of Mottle Ducks.

The Pileated Woodpecker gets noticed and for good reason.

A Blue-winged Teal seen following the pair of Mottled Ducks....look how much smaller it is.

And you just never know who is going to land at the Bailey Tract - this Roseate Spoonbill was quite welcomed.

He makes a nice greeter by the gate, don't you think?

 

A young Anhinga drying its wings in between fishing dips at the Ani Pond.

The air was still and the water made for a nice reflection.

This just made for a beautiful morning at the Bailey Tract, as I headed out a House Wren waved me on - I got good views through my bins but the camera does not do him justice, maybe next time.

Birdy Bailey Tract!

I am so glad that I had planned to get to the Bailey Tract this morning - it turned out to be a fantastic birding experience....come and see....

The first pair of Blue-winged Teal were basking in the morning light.

A White-eyed Vireo was singing his heart out.

One of the Prairie Warbler that I saw.

An Eastern Phoebe.

A Pied-billed Grebe.

I found more Blue-winged Teals along the Middle Dike

As I watched them - I was pleasantly surprised to discover a.....

Sora - very, very sweet.

As I watched it, I was reminded how difficult it is to spot them....as they blend right in.

I was happy to report my sighting to those two fine, hard working folks ;)

After taking ample photos of the Sora - I proceeded down the North Dike where a.....

a Bald Eagle was perched - watching the surroundings.

Further down we were entertained by many warblers while this Catbird made an appearance.

A Palm Warbler sat long enough for me to take its photo - many other warblers were seen however they were much quicker than my ability to capture them....all in all it was great!

My E-Bird List for today

White-eyed Vireo Photoshoot

I love this little guy - more often heard than seen. The typical song is a loud, variable five to seven note phrase usually beginning and ending with a sharp chick. Its name "White-eyed" refers to the white iris - quite a handsome bird if you ask me. Take a look for yourself.

 

Bunche Beach with the Caloosa Bird Club

It's Monday and it's time to get on the road and meet up with the bird club - destination: Bunche Beach and Lakes Park.

In case you didn't know - I'm an early bird and tend to get to my locations very early, it is always exciting for me to start with the birds as my companions.

The Black Skimmers didn't disappoint - they are so strikingly beautiful with their sharp colors.

The Willets were a tad bit sleepy and stayed close as a group.....

just like the Black Skimmers. A immature Black Skimmer is in the foreground and I believe that by next year it will sport its adult feathers.

Something spooked them all and off they flew - from the Eastern portion of Bunche Beach to the Western portion.

As I made my way back to the West - I heard a White-eyed Vireo and soon I was rewarded with good looks - thank you!

The Piping Plovers were seen too .....

some sporting some bling - note to self....check on its background.

The Marbled Godwit is always such a pretty sight - what is not to like!

The Reddish Egret was also present - doing its alluring dance and focusing on its next prey.

The regular Osprey on the Western tip of Bunche Beach.

On our way out of the beach - a Ring-billed Gull was observed eating a Seahorse. Soon it would be time to leave and go meet up at Lakes Park - however - a change of personal plans took place and I joined my friend Gail and Marie to visit the Winkler Extension Preserve....so....look for my next adventure.

 

 My E-Bird sighting for Bunche this a.m.