An Eleven Hour SW Florida Birding Day: Part I

It wasn't my original intent to observe wildlife from pre-sunrise to post-sunset on 16 February 2014.

The American Robin above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

This day was a special occasion with the visit of prolific and highly entertaining and informative wildlife blogger Hemant Kishan in town visiting from Michigan on the heels of his trip to India. Hemant was keen to investigate Church Road in Hendry County at my recommendation, with the venue in previous weeks offering a life bird observation for me in the Lark Sparrow.

The American Robin above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The White-tailed Deer above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

Tom Obrock and Hemant Kishan above were photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Painted Bunting above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Painted Bunting above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

Tom Obrock had met up with Hemant before my arrival and would return after taking care of an obligation. The Lark Sparrow would not be seen this day, but I was glad that Hemant had the chance to at least observe the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher which has been present on every visit I have made to Church Road in preceding weeks.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Painted Bunting above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Painted Bunting above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Northern Mockingbird above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

After observation of Painted Buntings that were my first not to be near bird feeders was exciting, we made our way to Tim Willis' orange grove after his invitation to return. Tom parted ways after getting a sighting of the Wild Turkeys, while Hemant and I continued on a tour or Tim's very interesting property. White-tailed deer were prolific.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The American Robin above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Blue Jay above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Wild Turkey above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Greater Yellowlegs above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

A longer stop was made at an area that favored shorebird action with well over a dozen Greater Yellowlegs foraging and bathing in suitable habitat. A pair of immature Roseate Spoonbills made a flyover as several Common Yellowthroat played a game of hide and seek. Hemant would make the initial observation of a Crested Caracara here.

The Great Egret above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Common Yellowthroat above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Common Yellowthroat above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

We continued the drive to find an abundance of vultures flying overhead while among them was another caracara and then another. It was completely unexpected to observe an attempted mating event take place. Hemant would later note that this area is a Crested Caracara stronghold as I recall while additionally calling it a hotspot for the species.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Anhinga above was photographed along Church Road in February 2014.

The Painted Bunting above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.

The Indigo Bunting above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.

The House Sparrow above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.

After a brief stop to say hello to Ed Colmbs who was making observations at Gate 2 on Church Road, Hemant and I continued to visit the Whites in Alva. The buntings were active at the feeders while a Ruby-throated Hummingbird made an appearance. Hemant went his way as I continued to observe the action on the White's property immediately adjacent to the Caloosahatchee River.

The House Sparrow above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.

Near midday, it wasn't long before warblers would make their appearance as they have no schedule.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird above was photographed at the White's feeders in February 2014.


Please see: An Eleven Hour SW Florida Birding Day: Part II