Fall 2009 Florida Birding Migration Action I

In the days ahead, I hope to make the best of Florida birding. An opportunity for some R&R and to see what may be at the tail end of the height of the 2009 Fall migration action along the Great Florida Birding Trail.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2008.

A last minute look at the weather forecast has me realize that I need to reverse my planned itinerary to avoid the precipitation from a storm front working its way toward the Eastern seaboard of the United States.

I realize that some of the best birding is involved in the storm fronts, but I'm unsure of how to take best advantage of them. I would prefer to stay within dry conditions as best I can.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2009.

Perhaps at some point in the future I will have the opportunity to make very good study of this phenomenon.

In the meantime, it will be through some basic understanding of what I've experienced thus far, that further enjoyment of the wildlife around us that often goes unnoticed by most will be better understood and appreciated.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2008.

My journey into the West Region of the birding trail in early 2009, beyond the comforts of home, has me recall a layover I made at a hotel which I ended up staying at due to the accommodation made in the reduction in the price of the room by inquiring of the hotel's affiliation with the Great Florida Birding Trail.

I don't think there actually is one with that particular chain, but there was a significant reduction in the price of the room when I made the inquiry. This approach will be used again when in need of rest not knowing where I'll be at the end of a day.

The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2008.

I will be making my first use of a recently acquired GPS assistant Garmin nüvi. This brand was recommended to me by Tim Rucci, while I chose to purchase a model with minimal features that this manufacturer currently offers.

My hope is that this device will be extremely useful while traveling a very large area with the greater potential to otherwise get lost and waste valuable observation time.

The Green Heron above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2008.

I was disappointed that the device was not able to search my destination of a Florida State Park, admittedly far from my starting point.

After getting better acclimated with how the device works, it seems that once I get within a closer range of the chosen city, I will have the opportunity to select a park of interest as investigated through the "camera" icon on the monitor.

My expectation is to have observations made in the days ahead weighted more heavily toward coastal observations than those further inland.

In any event, I expect to have an exciting and memorable time.

Ding Darling Days 2009

Ding Darling Days National Wildlife Refuge Week 2009, which ends tomorrow, completely went under the radar as I've been winging my wildlife ventures to the last minute of late.

The group of wildlife enthusiasts, participating in Ding Darling Days 2009 above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

This year's event may have again gone unnoticed if I didn't encounter the troupe of enthusiasts at Bunche Beach Preserve that approached thirty strong.

I had to comment to the group that I was disappointed I didn't know of their activity. It was my loss by not reading the local papers and staying abreast of current events.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

I started this morning by visiting the Sanibel Lighthouse and its surrounding area. I had hoped to see some hawks as recently reported by Florida birding enthusiast, Tom Obrock. Such was not the case.

It was interesting to observe that there are birds living in the pinnacle of the lighthouse. I didn't recognize them from the distance I saw them, but believe I got a shot that will allow possible identification. There was some green iridescence on the shoulder of one of the birds poking its head out of its domicile.

The sun bather above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

There may be an incredible record of the inhabitants of the "bird house" which could be a significant history of the 125 year old light house surviving weather damage, particularly from lightning strikes.

I walked the beach and boardwalks around the lighthouse to the small fishing pier on the North side of the point. There were about a dozen Snowy Egrets in a group there. It was the largest concentration of the species I've seen.

The White Ibis above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

The beach at Sanibel Lighthouse is noted on a sign there to be among the top three locations in the world for shelling. The sign noting this fact was in great disrepair.

The highlight of my journey around the lighthouse was very shortly after I had made my way back to the parking area and was meandering my way through different access points to the beach.

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

I had nearly missed some incredibly great action of what was at first a few Laughing Gulls in flight. There were two pursuing the one with a fish in its beak. Within a moment, there were upwards of ten involved in the frenzy.

The fish had been dropped on a couple of occasions and perhaps retrieved by a less dominant bird of the species on each occasion. I was never able to observe the outcome of the meal as the birds ultimately went out of range. The event was much fun to attempt to photograph.

The Laughing Gull above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in October 2009.

Back at Bunche Beach, I wasn't given a warm reception by one of the leaders of the group (I was told there were several by one of the participants) when I was told it was a scheduled event. I got the message that I couldn't participate and was more than happy to move on.

The birding at Bunche Beach each was extraordinary as usual. While I didn't see a number of regulars of the venue, I quite possibly saw many more to make up for it.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

The smaller shore birds are the ones that I need to study. It was a thrill see a number of different species that I will likely remain challenged by in identifying.

The Reddish Egret was present at Bunche Beach today. My recollection is that I hadn't seen it on at least my last two trips there.

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

The Reddish Egret is an incredibly fun bird to watch as are the Little Blue Heron and Snowy Egret (common here) which are extremely animated in their feeding habits.

In my observation of the Reddish Egret today, it was able to capture the pinfish. I'm not sure of the fish that egret was chasing through the water on two other occasions which was quite amazing to watch as the fish was extremely mobile in its launch over the water and in one of those instances got away.

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

I had the opportunity to take a few pictures of travelers around San Carlos Bay today. While a couple of photographers identified themselves from Germany, it was a treat to meet fellow photographer and local pbaser, Jeff Doden.

Construction of the facilities at Bunche Beach is progressing slowly.

Random Thoughts IV

The proof that global warming exists, as southwest Florida has had a very warm and humid summer this past season, seems awkward as so many other areas of the country have been experiencing record cold temperatures. This global warming mantra seems to be waning in favor of the addition of climate change to the lexicon of eco activists.

The raccoon above was photographed at National Audubon Society Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in October 2009.

A comment I heard from a mid westerner this week was that they'd arrived in town a little too early. I feigned empathy. The gulf water temperature was reported at a very comfortable 85 degrees today.

It was surreal to travel through the Fort Myers Beach area since my last memorable visit at the height of last year's tourist season as the traffic seemed relatively non existent. Commuting time will double in another month or so as the so called snow birds return.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Sanctuary in October 2009.

I made a long overdue trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary this week for the first time in a long while. It was good to see Phil and Mike again. The wildlife action at the swamp was surprisingly subdued. After my four hour visit making rounds through the different ecosystems several times, I left the venue without seeing several species that were noted on the sighting board.

While the water level is much higher than I remember seeing at the swamp previously this time of year, the 2009 precipitation thus far has come in a little short of that water needed for the sheeting effect that will otherwise attract so much more diversity along the boardwalk.

The Laughing Gull above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park in September 2008.

It was interesting to learn that the Sandhill Crane is being fed by a neighbor of the sanctuary. It explains why the birds are heard in such great numbers so early in the morning there.

My friend, Sue, whom has visited Harns Marsh Preserve significantly more than me, has advised me that there are indeed gators at the preserve. Wading in the water with the birds there should be avoided. I wish I knew this fact earlier.

The White Ibis above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

While I type these words, I hear the rain fall from the cold front working its way through the area. It should not be expected to significantly accommodate the needs of the swamp that would benefit from a tropical storm or hurricane which did not materialize this season.

More importantly, heavy rains would significantly minimize the encroachment of salt water into the Floridan aquifer which includes parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

I thought for sure that the rainy season was over, so this is considered a very welcome reprieve.

While Tim Rucci should be back from Ireland, Alena is on her way to Indonesia.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Sanibel Island Lighthouse in October 2009.

I'm very much looking forward to reporting to you from Florida in the coming months.

Feature: Little Estero Lagoon

Little Estero Lagoon, also known as Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area (with the CWA designation by the state of Florida in 1992), is one of 15 such areas of concern in the state.

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

The primary purpose of such a classification is to protect nesting and foraging wildlife that may be imperiled by the inadvertent or otherwise disturbance of species which could result in a decline in their numbers unnecessarily.

Critical Wildlife Areas are under the authority of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The Marbled Godwit above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in October 2009.

Little Estero Lagoon has its nesting species, which include Least Tern, Snowy and Piping Plovers, Willet, and Sea Turtles, cordoned off with stakes, ribbon, and signs, as prudent, from April 1 through August 31. Once the Sea Turtle lays its eggs, it returns to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

I didn't observe any Sea Turtle nests near the lagoon this past year although there were successful nests at Lovers Key State Park immediately to the south.

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

Brie Ochoa, Park Services Specialist at Lovers Key, informed me that the Least Tern seemed to favor the lagoon area in the 2009 breeding season as there was a very significant decline in Least Tern nesting at Little Estero Lagoon's adjacent state park compared to 2008. I am not able to say how the nests compared at the lagoon between the two seasons as I failed to make noteworthy observations.

Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area is a must see venue from anywhere. While thought to be a preserve 150 acres in size, the lagoon itself is much more intimate.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in October 2009.

The lagoon is just south of Fort Myers Beach. It has the Gulf of Mexico immediately to its west with condos and a Holiday Inn surprisingly close to the east. Close enough, in fact, to cast shadows on the lagoon's waters in the early morning hours.

The birds are for the most part seemingly oblivious to the human traffic that makes its way to and from the beach through the lagoon's shallow water.

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

While this venue is best visited at low tide, I also recommend a morning visit when the sun is most accommodating for comfort and photography if you are so inclined.

In my relatively few visits the lagoon, I have always seen the Great Egret, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Brown Pelican, and Osprey. Other species are hit and miss, but I've never failed to be completely astounded with the enjoyment I get from this place.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in October 2009.

I observed the Long-billed Curlew at the lagoon for the first and only time in my two and a half years of wildlife observation in late December of 2008.

My only sighting of the American Avocet was made at Lovers Key in early May of 2008, so it may be expected to see this species at the lagoon any time other than in the summer months.

The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in October 2009.

Renowned wildlife photographer, Artie Morris, made the announcement in his blog that he has chosen the Little Estero Lagoon for an early 2010 visit with his clients in favor of the very popular Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

The birds here should offer significant excitement as they do regularly.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in October 2009.

There always exists an opportunity for photography of birds in flight at Little Estero Lagoon, but for the more ambitious, be prepared to get wet and muddy at my recommendation.

Other must see wildlife venues in the immediate vicinity include San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve, Lovers Key State Park, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and National Audubon Society Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area in December 2008.

A more detailed account of my wildlife observations at Little Estero Lagoon in early October 2009 can be seen here.

Additional photographs I've taken at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Area can be seen here.

Random Thoughts III

What might be an unexpectedly alluring place to view wildlife is the Southwest Florida International Airport. Driving in and around this place, I have seen an abundance of bird activity.

The Osprey above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

This is not meant to alarm anyone whom may be flying in or out of the airport.

This past week I observed a very photogenic Red-shouldered Hawk at rest on a dead pine tree. There were also a large number of Great Egrets which very reliably can be observed at the airport. There were also a pair of Black Vultures that were circling the taxi area near one of the terminals.

The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

In reviewing some photographs taken at Bunche Beach Preserve this past month, I was at a loss to to readily identify a black bird species which my pbase friend, Rodrigo Mendoza, has convinced me is a grackle. I'm not sure of what kind of grackle at this point.

I need to hit the books to study the grackle's characteristics, particularly with regard for the size of the bird which I can compare to a Roseate Spoonbill which it was immediately adjacent to. I failed to get a shot of the grackle in flight.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

It was thoroughly drenched which made the bird appear especially black with a very subtle brown. Even with close study of the photographs taken of the bird, I was not able to detect any irredescence.

I've given thought to an idea this past week which I would like you to anticipate with earnest.

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

It is my hope to randomly have a series of posts where I interview specialists in the field of earth sciences and also present to you individuals whom are passionate about the observation and documentation of wildlife.

I'm very optimistic of their cooperation.