The sunrise above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.I haven't been able to corroborate that any more than being in agreement through my own experience.
The tides that impact Bunche Beach should be considered relevant although I have had remarkable experiences under all conditions at this place.
The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.After a glance at the tides about an hour before sunrise with an opportunity for wildlife observation, I was pleased to see that the low tide at Matanzas Pass was slightly pre-dawn and ripe for a long overdue visit to Bunche Beach Preserve.
Hemant Kishan had told me via email that he had observed Long-billed Curlew at Bunche Beach late last week.
Eva and Martha above were photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.Since I've only observed this species of bird twice before, it was a great hope to see the curlew again.
Hemant had noted that he has seen a Far Eastern Curlew in China, a Eurasian Curlew in India, and the Long-billed Curlew in California, while his sighting of the latter was his first observation of the LBC in the state of Florida.
The crab trap above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.I wasn't a mile down the road when I realized I had forgotten to bring the flash with me again, so I turned around to retrieve it.
The tide was lower at the beach than I had seen before allowing me to walk further into into San Carlos Bay than I have been before.
The Cockle Clam above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.My initial perception of the morning was disappointment as I initially only saw a Great Blue Heron and what appeared to be White Ibis on the horizon.
A visitor with an out of state plate on his vehicle made an effort to capture fresh marine life with a shovel.
The harvester above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.The heron was entertaining to watch as it went into a sleeping posture after preening itself several times.
As I reached the point in which I would settle down and observe the action, it became evident the birds I initially thought were ibis were actually White Pelican.
The Ring-billed Gull above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.Other White Pelicans were observed in high altitude flight while Brown Pelicans offered close flybys with strong evidence of breeding colors.
Though the seascape appeared desolate initially, it would prove to offer great diversity.
Genevive above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.There were a number of fellow wildlife observers that were present throughout the morning.
It was interesting to see marine life in shells that were exposed as the water had retreated so far into the bay.
The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.It was learned that the mollusks are called Cockle Clams while I also found that Sanibel Island is considered one of the top three shelling destinations in the world.
Black Skimmers were prolific at the preserve about an hour after my arrival.
The Spotted Sandpiper above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.It would be very unusual not to see the species at Bunche Beach this time of year.
It was regrettable that I didn't see the Long-billed Curlew as hoped, but the visit to Bunche Beach Preserve was extremely rewarding nonetheless.
The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.My second excursion of the week led me to Harns Marsh Preserve to meet up with Frank Constantin whom I coincidentally met while observing the curlew for the first time at Estero Lagoon two years earlier.
It was a remarkably clear morning with a light fog on the marsh which burned off within an hour after sunrise unlike preceding trips where the fog lasted for hours.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.Frank had arrived at the preserve earlier than me and was in position to capture a stunning image of Cattle Egret in perfect light which he showed me on the viewfinder of his camera.
The few hours spent at the preserve with Frank passed too quickly.
The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.The Snail Kite would tantalize with their presence for good photography.
A review of images taken has shown that at least one female kite at Harns Marsh is banded.
The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.Contention between a pair of Snail Kites was observed at the time of a kite's capture of an Apple Snail.
It was interesting to observe as well the attack of a juvenile Bald Eagle by an Osprey.
The Bald Eagle juvenile with Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.Limpkin, the other species near assured to be seen at Harns Marsh were entertaining to observe as well.
Frank had told me that that he observed their feeding behavior for the first time.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.A visitor to the preserve approached us at one point seemingly apologetic for his tardiness noting that he had an encounter with Florida State police.
A group of wildlife enthusiasts arrived well after first light whom I learned were visiting from Quebec as Frank explained to me with the visitors speaking in the French language.
The wildlife observer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.Frank's conversation with one of the participants led to the understanding that they were each charged $2000 for food, lodging, and tours to wildlife venues for ten days.
There were a few in the group that had the sense to explore on their own making a good walk toward the area of the marsh where an unusual sighting of waterfowl might be observed.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.I thought it odd that they were communicated to with whistles seemingly in an attempt to call them back.
Frank's stunning imagery where he is not afraid to push his ISO high may be seen at his pbase site here.
The Quebecans above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.Sandhill Cranes remained at a distance while the Crested Caracara failed to make another appearance.
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