Random Thoughts II

This past week was one where I disappointingly failed to make a trip to see some wildlife action on the Great Florida Birding Trail. I didn't even make a short trip to any of the dozen venues virtually only a stone's throw from me where there was more than one opportunity to do so.

The juvenile Great Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2009.

I spent a lot of time cleaning things up at this blog site which I've been meaning to do for a while. What I did was hopefully create an improved visual appeal for you by having all "labels" noted in lower case.

I also added color to the description below the images to distinguish them from the body of the posts. In addition, I have added more links and now have all the images uniformly placed within the posts.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Tigertail Beach in May 2009.

While this blog entry is uploaded without images within it, many hours in the days ahead will be devoted to adding photography which I hope you find enjoyable. I also added the option for you to listen to some of my favorite music this past week. I hope you find the gadget interesting and consider using the Playlist player yourself.

Tide tables indicate that low tide will be extremely favorable for bird action at Bunche Beach Preserve in the early daylight hours in the first week of October. Take advantage of this if you can.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in June 2009.

Low tide is the best time to visit Bunche Beach Preserve as the shore and wading birds congregate in great numbers on the flats. It has been a long time now since I've walked east from the parking area as my experience has proven that birds will be much more prolific before the west channel and beyond, although a trip to the east channel should not be overlooked.

It was actually "within" the east channel where I consider some of my better photographs to have been taken at this venue. Based on my experience, wading birds flying from within the mangroves of the preserve into San Carlos Bay from either channel can be expected with equal frequency.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in June 2009.

Bunche Beach Preserve is currently undergoing major Lee County Land Conservation 20/20 improvements which include facilities and the ability to launch a canoe from within the preserve along waterways that should prove extremely rewarding for wildlife observation.

It will be exciting to see similar improvements at Harns Marsh Preserve in the not too distant future, another must see venue in this corner of the state of Florida. If you visit here prior to the construction of facilities, be forewarned that you are advised to drink a lot of water if you traverse the 578 acre boundary of the preserve which may require a rushed exit after an unexpectedly long visit. Only foot traffic is permitted here although you will likely be passed by construction vehicles.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in June 2009.

There has been a lot of construction at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, which I don't believe to be disruptive to the birds frequenting the venue. This is a place that you will ideally see waders up close with your canoe or kayak (ideally in the summer when the birds are nesting), or with one of the watercraft available for rent.

Lakes Park should prove ideal for observation of migratory species potentially seen along the park's trails. Significant presence of the park has been made with construction of an entrance to it along Summerlin Road opposite Lakewood Boulevard. It's extremely unfortunate that there appears to be no parking accommodations for this entrance which makes the "highlands" of the park immediately accessible, but is otherwise an ideal entry point for pedestrian traffic (from where, I'm not sure).

The juvenile Osprey above was photographed at Tigertail Beach in June 2009.

Another similar venue to Lakes Park is Eagle Lakes Community Park in Naples which I strongly encourage you to visit if you are perhaps already visiting the much more renowned Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. Upon my relatively few visits to ELCP, the water levels were low due to unseasonably low rainfall, although I was never disappointed with a visit there.

There are numerous wildlife venues within this haven that is southwest Florida. Within it is Tigertail Beach which is also a must see venue in the area. This birding hotspot is interestingly not considered worth visiting during the Least and Black Tern breeding season (May-Aug) while a long walk north along the beach is required to see their breeding grounds. The juveniles will be most prolific in July. Low tide is again the best time to visit as the waders and shorebirds in the lagoon will be abundant. If you're lucky, you will see dozens of Roseate Spoonbill, while their plumage is most striking in the winter months.

The juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I have not been able to corroborate word I've gotten that there is an early draw down of the waters of Ding Darling NWR. The purpose of which would be to attract more wildlife in the upcoming migration season. This is good news to me and should please wildlife photographer, Artie Morris, who has announced that he will not be visiting the venue in the 2010 season for the first time in nearly a decade. Certainly news too late for him to change his itinerary.

My few visits to DDNWR have never been a disappointment. While five mile Wildlife Drive is very convenient, wherein you may never choose to get out of your car, you may also walk extensively here along the drive or choose to walk or bike Wildlife Trail. You may even launch a canoe into the northeastern portion of the refuge's estuary which is bordered by Pine Island Sound and San Carlos Bay. Don't hurry your travels here. In fact, I recommend you make a second or third drive through the refuge within a day's visit as you will likely have a completely different experience each time. This is another place to attempt to time your visit to low tide.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in July 2009.

I regret not getting this blog entry posted yesterday as promised. I fell asleep prior to completing the entry due to fatigue from my recent shifts at work. I'm actually amazed that I was able to rest through what was the most impressive electrical storm of this past summer. My ears are still ringing from the thunder.

While I suspect it would be most advisable to write these posts on Blogspot itself (which I currently don't do), where there would be apparent automatic saves of the draft, I was able to save my effort within seconds of a power failure. This was made possible through the experience of losing text numerous times in the past.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in October 2009.

I also, this past week, spent a lot of time uploading wildlife images to my primary photography site at pbase's data center in North Carolina which coincidentally had a power failure itself. As of this writing, links to pbase you may attempt to utilize in my previous blog entries will fail to function properly as pbase is still trying to get its main data server back online.

I'm optimistic that the fall 2009 bird migration season will be fortuitous in observing many bird species that are rarely or otherwise never seen during the summer months.

Harns Marsh Preserve IV and V

It was a treat to make my fourth and fifth trips to Harns Marsh Preserve this past week.

The fisherman above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

On my fourth visit to the preserve, there seemed a relative absence of wildlife. I didn't see the handful of waders that I had been accustomed to seeing on previous visits. As I approached the weir, a Tricolored Heron made flight across the expanse of water to my right and then things became exhilarating as hoped.

With regret for not making much closer diligent observation, I inadvertently flushed a female Snail Kite from its perch in a pine tree as I walked under it. I can only imagine all the birding opportunities I've missed due to my inexperience and virtually all birds I've observed having the ability of being extremely well camouflaged.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I had the Harns Hawk on my mind after speaking to my friend Suzanne on the way to the preserve. She told me the preserve was named after it. This bird must be known by another name as I did not find it in my Sibley Guide to Birds upon my return home.

In all, I made the walk nearly exactly as I had upon my first visit to the preserve three weeks ago.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

The Limpkin was not to be seen closely in the trees, but more closely on the ground as seems more typical for this species. Its calls were again distinctive, but did not carry across the marsh from any perspective I've experienced on preceding visits to the preserve.

On the way back to the weir, after observing the birds typically seen, I heard the call of a Limpkin relatively strongly from the north and a reply much closer to me from a stand of pines. It caused a Snail Kite within them to take flight and exit the area. I was never able to catch sight of the closer Limpkin as it was extremely well hidden.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

My first sighting of the Pileated Woodpecker at the preserve was made on my fourth visit. I saw it upon my entry and was excited to still see it where I had left it upon my return from what I would describe as an ideal vantage point at the preserve where there is some welcome shade.

After a twenty minute observation of the woodpecker diligently attempt to find some insects under some tree bark, I watched it settle for the consumption of some berries high above the ground when it ultimately made its distinctive flight well out of range.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker was in the immediate company of the pileated. Also with the two woodpeckers in the cypress strand was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. I was not able to get a photograph of the latter, but very much enjoyed its call which is my favorite.

A female Snail Kite made a snatch of its quarry from the south marsh which I've observed on most of my visits to the preserve. This observation was preceded by photographing the male which was on the tree typically populated by vultures.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

The male kite was in somewhat good light for a shot when he was about to consume the snail, and then changed his perch. I moved on after light conditions were abysmal with the bird in the shade.

I had walked to the area I have seen the Glossy Ibis which I don't recall observing on my fourth trip to the preserve at all.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

Media Coordinator, for BirdPatrol.org, Gayle Schmidt, has confirmed my Rock Dove sighting on 8 September 2009 as the 120th bird species to be documented at the preserve. The pigeons had a great variety of plumage, which for me, made the sighting especially extraordinary.

On my last three visits to Harns Marsh Preserve, I've had the opportunity to photograph a duck flying low at me from the north, but haven't been able to react quickly enough to get the shot.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

My fifth visit to the preserve was very interesting as I observed the Red-shouldered Hawk consuming a Little Blue Heron. After I inadvertently caused the hawk to leave its quarry (with great effort on its part to take flight with the remains of the heron), I continued to observe the scene for about thirty minutes. The hawk didn't return to the massacre though stayed close enough for me to be aware of its presence and have regret for disturbing its meal.

The Turkey and Black Vultures apparently became aware of the carcass as they circled the area for quite a while before I chose to give the hawk some peace.

The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

My visit to the preserve was not planned before getting there. I was content to hang around the area I'd become so familiar with, but chose, after getting the inspiration from a fisherman, to walk around the preserve's boundary.

As I was nearly out of earshot from him, he asked me if I was afraid of snakes. I could only reply that I believed the cottonmouth to be observed here. Since looking at Gayle's checklist for the preserve, I'm much more cautious when walking in the grass.

The Queen Butterfly above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

The trip around the preserve was much longer than I had anticipated and at one point I might be described as delirious as I'd swear that the horizon was in motion when I stopped to take a photograph.

It was a very rewarding experience nonetheless as I observed the Sandhill Crane for the first time. I regret that I flushed a pair while unaware of their presence and was only able to get a parting few shots of them.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I also saw numerous Snail Kite and Limpkin, as well as the Mottled Duck fairly closely (which I believe to be the ducks I've seen flying toward me on previous visits to the preserve). The Great Egret was in abundance as well in the company of the Pied-billed Grebe that I hadn't seen in a long while.

I didn't see the Glossy Ibis again today, which was disappointing, but saw four Belted Kingfisher in the oaks and over the marsh to the north of the trail head.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

There are prolific smaller creatures here including butterflies which may suite your interest as well. The butterflies I've observed at the preserve thus far (late summer) have been quite worn showing significant damage to their wings.

Though I was very fortunate not to observe the fire ant on previous visits, today was not the case. While attempting to photograph a butterfly, I realized I was in trouble after a sting from one of the ants on my hand. I immediately looked down to see one of my tripod legs completely covered by the ants. I spent upwards of ten minutes removing them from the gear before I continued on.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I hadn't experienced this pest as a nuisance near the trail head, but it will easily be found on your walk around the preserve. Be very careful to avoid these ants which are extremely aggressive.

Cooler weather will certainly bring an abundance of additional wildlife and more visitors to this magnificent place.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

A two to four hour walk should be expected to see Harns Marsh Preserve in its entirety.

Possible First Documented Sighting

I believe I have identified that the Rock Dove observed at Harns Marsh Preserve on 8 September 2009 was a first documented sighting at the preserve.

The Rock Dove (a.k.a. Rock Pigeon) above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I linked to a bird checklist, last updated 10 June 2009 as of this writing, for Harns Marsh at http://www.birdpatrol.org which can be viewed here.

Harns Marsh Revisited

While it's been a goal of mine for a long while to visit the east section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, I chose at the last minute this past week to postpone that journey and make my third trip to Harns Marsh Preserve within the south portion of the trail.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I have no regrets with that decision at all as Harns Marsh Preserve is proving itself to be much more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. My perception of what the preserve would look like was for some reason diminished through words that were told to me describing it long before my first visit.

The preserve is 578 acres in size and quite daunting from the perspective that we are allowed to explore it on foot alone. Particularly so in the heat of a Florida summer which will require a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

It was on this latest visit to Harns Marsh that I waded north in the water after I concluded it was safe from alligators on my previous two visits. I settled down and had an experience that required the patience required for birding observation.

Directly in front of me were a pair of Tricolored Herons. One was much more comfortable with my presence than the other. After about a half hour of observation of them, the Limpkin appeared from across the tall marsh grass behind the herons. To the right, at a much greater distance, was a Snowy Egret, a Little Blue Heron, and a White Ibis. Slightly to my left at about an equal distance to the trio, I caught a glimpse of the Glossy Ibis which I had observed seemingly in the same exact location on my previous visit.

The Rock Dove above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I continued my observations from this spot for the next ninety minutes or so. The Snail Kite was present as it's been on all three of my visits to the preserve. It was observed in flight for the most part with sightings of the species perched in two trees as well at too great a distance to photograph them.

The Limpkin made its calls for virtually the entire time I was attempting to get a shot of it. This Limpkin's voice was significantly diminutive to that which I've heard before from another individual of the species at a much greater distance at the preserve.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I have been attempting to pay much closer attention to the sounds the birds make whenever they're accommodating. Even after my most recent study, I would be challenged by distinguishing between the guttural calls of the Tricolored Heron and Great Egret. It was a rare treat to hear them at all having never experienced their calls at the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

From the spot I was attempting to photograph the Limpkin, I missed a great image of the Snail Kite as it snatched a snail from the water less than 200 feet to my left, but the event happened too quickly for me to react as the kite came into the scene from slightly behind me. After the bird got its quarry, it flew north.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I could see a Snail Kite several hundred yards to my left flying over the larger body of open water of the marsh. The Black Vultures were prolific, but the Turkey Vultures were seemingly absent from my perspective.

The extremely stealthy Great Egret was close enough and worthy of long study, and after doing so, I failed to capture it making a catch on this trip. I attempted to get a little closer to it by wading further into the water, but as I approached an area I expected the water to get shallower ahead of a large mass of vegetation, the water actually got deeper and became too risky to continue further with the photo gear.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

The highlights of the trip were flyovers of four Glossy Ibis and at least 11 Rock Doves. I need to contact Cathy Olson, official observer of Harns Marsh, to inquire if the doves are a newly documented sighting at the preserve. I've found the species to be extremely elusive. Especially in flight in a larger flock.

The Osprey was present as well on this trip as it was on my preceding one. I reflect on my disappointment not to have seen it on my first trip to the venue a mere two weeks earlier. As with all species hoped to be seen, a desired presence should be expected to be hit and miss.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I can't help but mention here some advice written by Artie Morris in his blog where he advises, I'm sure solely for photographic aesthetics, not to photograph birds in flight once they go by you. I've concluded that I would like you to take at least a single shot of your bird(s) at a greater distance for documentation. Once my Rock Doves were overhead, I gave up on photographing them, thinking of Artie's advice, and failed to get an assured count of their numbers once they were all likely to be in the frame.

The photograph of the Limpkin would have been easy if I simply chose to stand up with the gear to improve the view over the grass, but decided to wait for the bird to make its way into the clear which it never did. This particular bird was extremely shy. A close up shot of this species and travel of the Great Florida Birding Trail is a patient goal of mine.

Time Management

While I punch a clock within one week to the next, I try to find the time to keep up with domestic chores and, often postponing the chores, like to make a trip to a venue that allows for some interesting wildlife photography.

The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

This past week was disappointing in accomplishing the latter as I got duped by a really poor weather forecast I heard before a day off from work that was ultimately a really great day with bright light in the morning hours.

As a result, I missed the opportunity to further clog my computer's hard drive which is now at 95% capacity with tens of thousands of wildlife photos.

The Dunlin above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2009.

I slept in that morning after burning the midnight oil while taking the time to look at images of mine taken many months ago and beyond, while also viewing those taken by others, and trying to keep this blog as consistent as I'd like it to be with images and links that I believe are appropriate for the subject of the post with hopes of making what you see here more interesting and resourceful.

In the past week as well, I've tried to upload shots to my pbase galleries that particularly highlight venues visited and species observed.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2009.

I've noted that I need to experience the observation of about 375 more bird species that can be expected to be seen in Florida somewhere at a particular time, and must visit an even greater number of venues along the Great Florida Birding Trail to fulfill my goal in seeing them all.

With the end of summer near, and bird migration approaching a crescendo, I hope to have the kayak in the water again.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2009.

During unpredictable weather, it's not a good time to have a boat in the water of any size smaller than a ship in this area. You might make a headline and very brief news.

With a few launches of my RTM Mambo kayak this past year, I was able to see some extraordinary wildlife action that was a result of a trip to a hot spot between Bunche Beach Preserve and Bowditch Point Preserve in Fort Myers with Alena King.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I recall her questioning why there appeared to be no scientific study of the site. I didn't know the answer, but in reflection can say we made it ourselves.

It's my hope that exploration of the 10,000 islands below the southern peninsula of Florida can be made with some spare time before the year comes to a close.

The Glossy Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

A launching point for the islands will be the Rookery Bay Reserve adjacent to Tigertail Beach in southwest Florida.

My solution to the over clogged computer is transferring photos to external hard drives. This is a novel approach to me to otherwise allow the computer to fail.

The Rock Dove above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

I don't have much time to understand this solution.

A lesson learned since my last contribution here is that if you choose to blog, make your final edits to the text before you post, or your original effort is cached.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

Your first effort is potentially your final version.

There certainly won't be enough time available to make all the journeys I would like to for wildlife action here in prime time, but with luck, I'll be at the right place at the right time as will you.