It Was The . . . Of Times

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." -- Charles John Huffam Dickens, English novelist (1812 - 1870)

The Eurasian Collared-Dove above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

The unfathomable worst of times from the British Petroleum ecological disaster remains uncertain before the coastal states bordering the Gulf of Mexico as oil is spread over and under a large expanse of the massive body of water.

Solutions to the unfolding epic disaster with the difficulty in capping an oil well gushing its bounty a mile below the water's surface has amazingly been met with opposition from environmentalist organizations at seemingly every turn.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

While listening to George Noory on Coast to Coast radio this past week I was entertained with the mention of the conspiracy theory involving international intrigue in the sinking of the oil drilling platform in the northwest portion of the gulf when a couple of days later it was mentioned in conventional news that there was a natural gas build-up in the well that typically causes problems for the safety of drilling rigs and their personnel.

As of this writing, the state of Louisiana has been most adversely impacted with oil on 100 miles its coastline while President Obama's recent commentary has been to "plug the damn hole," with that specific effort ongoing.

The Eurasian Collared-Dove above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

A chilly May in California has been countered by a warm Florida with welcome conditions locally here after such a long cold winter.

Most recently I have spent much time at Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers, Florida, capturing wildlife imagery that will hopefully continue unabated at favored coastal venues.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

This is the first season I have taken the opportunity to spend extensive time at Lakes Park with the purpose of wildlife observation and photography specifically with hopes of observing the introduced and/or escaped Scarlet Ibis.

Earlier this year there was an extraordinary drop in the temperature for an extended period causing a fish kill in many of Florida's lakes including that at Lakes Park.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

The numerous birds present at the time were not able to stave off reports of the stench of the overabundance of the food source while I never experienced the sensory discomfort even during a visit to Lakes Park when fish littered the surface of the park's man-made lake.

The morning of 26 May 2010 at Lakes Park seemed favorable for viewing of the final return of space shuttle Atlantis as a high altitude east/west contrail was observed immediately upon arrival at the park.

The Red-winged Blackbird chasing an American Crow above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I thought the shuttle might have such a vapor trail if it were to fly miles overhead which would make it easy to spot.

A helicopter made a seemingly security flight over the area, but the only evidence of Atlantis was made a few minutes before its landing at Cape Canaveral with the claps of the sonic boom heard.

The Green Heron above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

The bird activity at Lakes Park has been rewarding while I've had the opportunity to continue to practice capturing flight shots of the larger and less frequently smaller species of birds that will readily be seen in the area through the summer.

My most recent sighting of the Killdeer was reminiscent of my April sighting of the Least Sandpiper at Lakes Park, both seemingly out of place on "the beach" adjacent to the south concession area with both birds seemingly exhibiting nesting or merely resting behavior.

The Boat-tailed Grackle above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Both of these species are much more commonly seen at the gulf beaches and coastal bay shores.

This past week allowed my meeting of wildlife enthusiasts that I have seen with frequency at Lakes Park including Georgia and Kevin.

The Killdeer above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Georgia had commented to me that she was a participant in the recent Lee County birdpatrol count of birds while canoeing within the northern portion of Lakes Park on Wednesday and had not seen the Scarlet Ibis which I have been diligently seeking to take a better photograph of after two prior sightings at this venue.

Kevin, whom volunteers for local birding clubs, had earlier told me that there was the possibility that the activity of the birdpatrol might flush some birds our way though there was no out of the ordinary observation made.

Kevinn Fung above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I had told him of the reading I had made earlier at the blog of Rich Leighton where a child astoundingly throws stones into the area of birds at rest where the kid is noted as saying to his observer that it helps his dad take a better photograph.

In anticipation of a sighting of the Scarlet Ibis this week, there was also the normal observation of the traditional birds of the area.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

With great fortune I was able to observe the Scarlet Ibis for the first time since May 1st.

The bird regrettably was seen from a much greater distance than I would have liked as it appeared to be flying toward the area of Estero Lagoon.

The Scarlet Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

What has made the sighting more exciting for me is that a Lakes Park employee told me this past week that he has only observed the Scarlet Ibis five times in the past four years although he conceded that he doesn't look for it.

It is known that the Scarlet Ibis when it breeds with the White Ibis will likely produce pink offspring (due to dominant genes).

The Scarlet Ibis hybrid with White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I believe I made the observation of a descendant of a Scarlet Ibis hybrid that may have bred with the White Ibis as the particular ibis seen had distinctive pink feathers on its back and neck.

Without question the most common bird species at Lakes Park is the White Ibis.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Other species of bird I observed and photographed this past week will ultimately be viewable in my pbase photo gallery highlighting Lakes Park as well as in species specific galleries.

This is a must see venue if you are ever in the area.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I saw for the first time this past week a vehicle parked at the Summerlin Road trailhead entrance to Lakes Park which offers easy access to a different wildlife experience within the venue.

Be warned that the Lakes Park access on Summerlin Road is at a potentially very busy intersection with seemingly dangerous parking accommodations.

Florida Burrowing Owl Progeny

With great enjoyment, I have been studying the Florida Burrowing Owl since my first discovery of it in late February 2010.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed near Cape Coral Library in May 2010.

My observations have been at Cape Coral Library and the area immediately to its south from the intersections of Mohawk Parkway and Skyline Boulevard.

I have learned that this species of bird is also known as Ground Owl among other names.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Cape Coral Library in May 2010.

Behavior that I have read where the owl (typically male) will fly to heights of 100 feet or more above the ground has never been seen among the dozen or so birds I've been watching.

I suspect that this behavior is more common in the Burrowing Owl species of western North America.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Cape Coral Library in May 2010.

David Sibley has written that there is vagrant overlap of both species along the Atlantic coast.

While there has been the opportunity for me to make nearly 40 hours of close observation thus far, I have only observed the fledglings of the Florida Burrowing Owl for the first time this past week.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Cape Coral Library in May 2010.

The burrow I had first seen owlets at was one I had not studied at all due to the overgrowth of weeds for photography although had seen the presence of the adults there in passing on a few occasions (just north of Cape Coral Parkway).

I have also observed Burrowing Owl fledglings at the burrow I have photographed mating activity numerous times in the past few months.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Cape Coral Library in May 2010.

I took the opportunity to make a video with the 5dm2 of the fledglings as they made their way from a burrow when an adult gave the "all clear" signal at the burrow appropriate for the occasion.

The camera was set up to offer some interesting action where the adult fed the first out of the burrow an ant and apparently was teaching burrowing behavior to its young.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Cape Coral Library in May 2010.

When I had approached within 100 feet of the burrow, the fledglings made a beeline for safety and later returned to the car and drove by at much closer range with all five of the fledglings back in the open.

On an earlier visit to the area for owl study it was interesting to watch a pair of owls at another burrow that seemed to be somewhat behind in their next generation though I observed the interesting behavior of one owl preening the other.

The Burrowing Owl with Halloween Pennant above was photographed at Cape Coral Library in May 2010.

A Halloween Pennant was a surprise to be presented from one mate to another.

The food items favored by the Burrowing Owl observed thus far have included ants (taken at the entrance to the burrow), a grasshopper, Halloween Pennant, and a worm.

The owls are also known to favor rodents so a small rabbit seen in the area is not given much chance of survival.

This species is very reliable for study if you have the chance to visit.

War And Peace

I didn't see the Scarlet Ibis this past week within a couple of hours of viewing time available prior to meeting up with Dan and Lorraine at Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers.

Dan and Lorraine above were photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

The White Ibis were in great numbers as expected with not as many other species making their way through that morning as in prior weeks.

My other opportunity for wildlife observation was late in the week when I debated which venue to visit.

Peter and Jane above were photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in May 2010.

Since I hadn't been to Bunche Beach Preserve in a long while, I made a journey there in hopes of seeing some wading bird action and shore birds.

Upon my arrival to the venue it was exciting to see that the enhancements to the preserve are apparently done (restrooms, boardwalk and boat ramp).

Stan visiting from Arizona above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in May 2010.

To the east I observed a photographer named Peter capturing images of a Great Blue Heron.

At the parking area I spoke with Jane, who I learned was Peter's mom and has been a member of the Caloosa Birding Club since the 1980's and quite engaging at the age of 91.

Stan and Norman above were photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in May 2010.

While Jane lives in Fort Myers, I learned Peter was visiting from Salem, New York.

Wildlife was very sparse aside from the GBH and a small flock of what I thought were Sanderlings that made a very brief stop directly in front of us that Jane thought were Western Sandpipers.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I made my way west along the shore and decided to say hello to another photographer relaxing on a chair in the flats.

Stan told me he was visiting from Page, Arizona, and was going to spend the week in Florida.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I recommended he attempt to photograph the Scarlet Ibis at Lakes Regional Park as well as Snail Kite at Harns Marsh Preserve.

It was interesting to hear that Stan had been a participant in a photo instructional tour with Jim Neiger who I know by name and seeing his images via the Bulletin of Artie Morris.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Stan allowed me to view images of the Burrowing Owl on his camera that he had captured near the Cape Coral Library earlier in the day.

As we spoke, another visitor of Bunche Beach stopped by to say hello.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Norman, 82 and a local, was quite excited by Stan's photo gear.

He told us of his service in the Army with the 24th Infantry in 1947 and photographing primarily volcanic scenery during his tour overseas.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

He also noted that he didn't photograph the natives as he was more interested in getting to know them.

Observations at Bunche Beach also included an Osprey, White Ibis, and Black Skimmer.

Lights, Camera, Action

The learning curve of capturing video with the Canon 5dmk2, making very basic editing of the video for its duration, and uploading it to the web for viewing was accomplished in the past few weeks.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Cape Coral Library in April 2010.

The subject of the video involves the mating behavior of the Florida Burrowing Owl which has been observed with concerted effort at Cape Coral on Florida's west coast about two hours south of Tampa.

Although only having observed the Burrowing Owls for the first time in the 2010 mating season, I have devoted countless hours to learn about the behavior of these birds that occasionally provide an opportunity to document their behavior visually for a mere few seconds at a time.

The Common Gallinule with juvenile and White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

There have been a few instances when the mating event was observed to occur twice with the same pair of birds within 10 minutes.

I haven't devoted an entire day to the observation of the birds uninterrupted, so cannot speculate the average number of times the birds may attempt to copulate in a day.

The Common Gallinule juvenile above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Mating behavior certainly occurs daily, however, as I have observed the behavior with numerous pairs of Burrowing Owls in the neighborhood of the Cape Coral Library and Skyline Boulevard.

A visit to the area on 6 May 2010 with hopes of observing owlets as anticipated proved to show that the offspring are relatively late in their arrival this year potentially due to unusually cold winter weather and early heavy rains last month that may have flooded burrows.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Mating was also not observed yesterday although both male and female owls were seen at the entrance to many burrows in the area.

Mating will typically last for mere seconds which offers great challenges in photographing the event successfully.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

Tim Rucci commented to me this week that there might be disturbance of Burrowing Owl behavior with the use of flash photography.

The owls have not appeared to be affected by the accessory at all.

The Scarlet Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

My video capture of a typical mating of the owls can be seen here and is also now a permanent link from the sidebar at my blog.

It is interesting that certain owls will apparently only mate after sunset, yet others will do so in late afternoon hours, perhaps distinguishing the maturity of the owls.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I have noted most recently that the male is much more distinguishable from the female as coloration in his feathers is evidently bleached from the sun that has become ever stronger as each spring day passes.

In addition to observing the owls this past week, I also made another trip to Lakes Regional Park to attempt to observe the Scarlet Ibis which I was able to do and photograph the species for the first time.

The Common Gallinule juvenile above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in May 2010.

I also observed the juvenile Common Moorhen that was surprisingly absent from the exact same location the day before.

Eight Days and Counting

I'm not sure if the Scarlet Ibis I observed last week was a hybrid (Scarlet X White Ibis) although I believe the bird to be pure as it was quite brilliant in its red.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

My effort to observe it again at Lakes Regional Park this week was met with failure.

There was action however in the bathing area, as I now consider it, as the White Ibis in particular flew in from their roosts from the northern area of the park.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

The grackles were of course active in the reeds from the start and noisy for my entire stay.

The first ibis flew in after I had settled down on the sidewalk of the park with a concern for the legs of the tripod firmly planted for the low light conditions and the slower shutter speed that would be required.

The White Ibis with juvenile and Mottled Duck above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

It wasn't soon after that I moved the gear into the grass and then the sand to be more comfortable and attempt to have a better view of the wildlife with the rising sun somewhat more directly behind me.

The White Ibis flew in from their roosts and landed in great numbers including numerous juveniles.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

I noticed in almost every case that the first thing the ibis did was to take a drink of water after arriving on the scene.

There was a lot of opportunity for me to practice capturing images of birds in flight.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

In addition to the ibis, I also observed a pair of Tricolored Heron, one seemingly much smaller than the other.

An Osprey was seen overhead being chased by a grackle.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

I believe I made my first sighting of four Least Bitterns, two pairs in flight, but was unable to photograph them.

A Swallow-tailed Kite was also in the area and offered me the opportunity for a few shots as it flew from the west and then north.

The Common Moorhen above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

Behind me at one point, a pair of Red-bellied Woodpecker were quite vocal and hide and seek in a palm tree.

Four Mottled Duck took claim to some space in the shallow water and seemed to be more dominant of the territory than the ibis.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

There was also a Least Sandpiper very seemingly out of place in all the activity which I'm surprised by as this species is considered a winter visitor to my area.

At one point the bird settled down in a clump of grass in a seemingly nesting behavior.

The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

A Common Moorhen was also making its rounds and occasionally made its distinctive call.

The Great Blue Heron arrived on the scene to ply its trade in the reeds and was not well received by the grackles that harassed it.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

Additionally observed in flight at Lakes Park were Great Egret, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, and Snowy Egret.

A Little Blue Heron with great color in its lores was the last to arrive at the time I was speaking with Bob Chamberlain.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

I found out that Bob is a member of the Fort Myers camera club.

Bob had asked me if I knew what PSA was and I have to admit I didn't have an immediate answer.

Bob Chamberlain above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

He was referring to the Photography Society of America of course while I had visualized the PRE and PSE icons fresh to my computer with the installation of Photoshop Elements 8.0.

I later found out after visiting the camera club's website that Bob is a PSA representative.

The Common Grackle juvenile with Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Bob's wife Bonnie who told me of the delicacies she prepares for the camera club's meetings.

I had the great fortune of hearing from Hemant Kishan, a member of PSA, this past week advising me of his sighting of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near STA-5.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

Hemant also told me that he was able to see the Burrowing Owl at Cape Coral and has images of this species and the flycatcher he has recently photographed which can be accessed here.

I've had the opportunity to use Energizer's latest rechargeable batteries these past weeks and find them inferior to the 2450 mHa available as the flash doesn't seem to cycle as quickly as the 2450 version.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

The newer version is advertised to be able to be recharged more than others of its type.

I've had the opportunity to see the video recording of the mating Burrowing Owls I made last week and as feared the quality is not what I had hoped.

The White Ibis juvenile above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

I will nonetheless attempt to have it available to view at YouTube which is another project I am excited to learn about.

Among the most interesting and must see wildlife videos I've seen, titled "Battle at Kruger," is one available to view at Ken Conger's wildlife blog and can be accessed here, and be sure to see it full screen for best viewing.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

The title of this post is the executive branch's response time to the ecological disaster in the making in the Gulf of Mexico.

The potential impact on Florida's west coast and panhandle is quite chilling to fathom.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Lakes Regional Park in April 2010.

Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana will certainly be adversely impacted as well.