Bunche Beach Preserve III

Well, I was compelled to get an exact number of times I've visited this premier birding venue known as Bunche Beach Preserve.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

I had to revisit a number of computer photo files that I had merely classified by date to be able to say that I made my 28th to the preserve 27 JAN 2010.

This most recent was an afternoon visit, so I made a glance to the West from the parking area to confirm anything unusual and saw that the lion's share of the birds were congregated about a half mile to the East.

The Ring-billed Gull above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

It was an easy decision to head toward the East channel that allows waters of San Carlos Bay that in part enter and leave the estuary. I never made it that far.

The sun at this time of year in the winter months is still relatively low on the horizon which allows for favorable light for photography at any time of day here with good weather.

The Long-billed Curlew above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

I personally prefer to visit the preserve at low tide. Fellow blogger, Tom Obrock, whom I've yet to meet has noted in his blog that he prefers to visit the preserve at high tide.

This week's visit was near a high tide which allowed for the observation of many species of bird in a much more concentrated area as Tom notes as a benefit.

The Long-billed Curlew above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

There were 15 species observed with the addition of a special one that I had not seen in over a year since at Little Estero Lagoon about a mile to the South.

It was quite extraordinary to see the Long-billed Curlew fly in to the area with plumage that was unique from the other birds seen.

The Long-billed Curlew above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

The curlew seemed out of place to me as there was not another of its kind in the group of birds that possibly numbered 150 or more in three primary groups. This was a lower than normal sighting of birds overall as there were relatively few Black Skimmers.

While I attempted to continue to keep sight of the entire scene, the curlew was of course the highlight of the trip.

The Long-billed Curlew above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

The bird was mobile and rarely still. I was able to capture some interesting feeding behavior as a Willet undoubtedly caused some stress to the curlew while harassing it.

The Willet seemed unusually aggressive. I'm not sure if it was merely after some scraps or possibly was capable of taking the food from the curlew. Further observation will hopefully offer a better understanding.

The Royal Tern above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

As the curlew made its way through the concentration of birds, it was at odds with gulls that apparently staked their claim to small pieces of real estate on a couple of occasions.

The sun went down without a cloud in the sky. It allowed me to be temporarily blinded in attempt to get a sunset shot.

The sunset above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2010.

The construction of facilities continues to proceed slowly. Roof trusses are finally on the building in the new parking area.

Bunche Beach Preserve was as exciting on this last visit as the first.