Friday, May 22, 2015

Dinner Island Ranch WMA

Well worth the drive from the southwest Florida Gulf beaches is another wildlife venue called Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area that can occupy your entire day.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 1) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The observations made at Dinner Island Ranch WMA on 16 May were better than expected, with photo documentation unfortunately not anywhere near representative of that which was seen and heard.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 2) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 3) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 4) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 5) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The first birds seen after entering the huge wildlife venue were Eastern Meadowlark. They could additionally be heard throughout the WMA. While the Northern Bobwhite was heard in seemingly equal numbers, the elusive species was not seen.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 6) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 7) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 8) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 9) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

A pair of Swallow-tailed Kite were observed early and were followed west until they could no longer be seen. A lone Limpkin was observed very close to the roadway, but was not tolerant for a photo op even at a great range.


The Limpkin above (image 10) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The cattle above (image 11) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Eastern Meadowlark above (image 12) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Eastern Meadowlark above (image 13) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

Perhaps the most enjoyable moment was when a Red-shouldered Hawk was observed to carry away what appeared a three foot Black Racer snake. This was an occasion when I was reminded of Frank Constantin telling me of his success by using the car as a blind for photography.


The Eastern Meadowlark above (image 14) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Red-shouldered Hawk above (image 15) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Common Ground Dove above (image 16) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The Cattle Egret above (image 17) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

This trip to Dinner Island Ranch WMA was extremely enjoyable with the venue recommended to you for your potential interest. The cattle were in much larger numbers on this trip to the "working ranch," and had to be prodded out of the way from the middle of the road on occasion.


The cattle above (image 17) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The White-tailed Deer above (image 18) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The White-tailed Deer above (image 19) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.


The White-tailed Deer above (image 20) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

Hunting at this venue is permitted, so you are encouraged to be aware of approved hunt dates.


The Turkey Vulture above (image 21) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

Please see my initial report about this venue for additional thoughts and observations.

6 comments:

  1. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida! Love your kite photos---my favorite bird, too.

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    1. Thank you, Misti. The White-tailed Kite eluded me during my trip through the Everglades the past few days. Going forward, it is my hope to observe in Florida the White-tailed Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite, Snail Kite, and Mississippi Kite annually.

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  2. Wow, that Swallow-tailed kite and Eastern meadowlark...Stunning! But I alos love the beautiful nature you show here!
    greetings,
    Maria

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  3. Those are amazing kite shots! They rarely come close around here to get even a cropped shot. The meadowlark is really pretty too.

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    1. Thank you, Dina. Watch for internet reports of the congregation of kites at Fisheating Creek WMA in late summer, early fall when you may want to make a day trip . . .
      http://floridabirdingtrail.com/index.php/conservation/bird/swallow-tailed_kite/

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