The Least Tern above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.A wildlife enthusiast was photographing an accommodating Snowy Egret posing for her where the Lagoon empties into the Gulf of Mexico at low tide.
A lone Magnificent Frigatebird was seen flying over the condo towers almost immediately after my arrival, but disappeared from view and was not seen again.
The Sanderling above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.I returned to the south lagoon where a few dozen shorebirds were resting on a stretch of sand exposed as the tide receded.
Several of the species seen were bathing or preening themselves at one point or another.
The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.A trio of Double-crested Cormorant were seen much closer on this visit and had their wings outstretched in typical fashion in an attempt to dry them.
While I was closely observing the shorebirds directly in front of me it was very evident that something had startled the cormorants.
The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.In the next second an Osprey was seen flying directly in front of me with a very large fish in its talons.
My first photograph of it was in focus with the next have dozen no where close.
The Osprey above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.After again acquiring focus on the bird, it was passing in front of the buildings offering a less than favorable background in the images taken.
With the bird evidently struggling a second or two later, I finally got my best view of why the cormorants were concerned as I had my best view of the Osprey's prey.
The Osprey above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.The cormorants were not impressed and were in flight themselves in the next moment to find another place to end their day.
A tern observed with an unusual coloration in its bill and legs led to inquiries of the bird's identification.
The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.The predominant opinion was that the bird seen was Sandwich Tern.
About half way through my stay a very young fisherman walked onto the scene and chose to walk right through the group of birds I was observing.
The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.Some of the birds would return, but most did not.
As the light of the day began to fade, the sun was periodically seen through the cloud cover to the west.
The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.Since I rarely have the opportunity to photograph sunsets, I made an effort to capture a good image of this one.
Least Terns were much more active with the sun nearly on the horizon and I tried as well to photograph them successfully.
The Marbled Godwit above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.This required a much higher exposure bias to keep the birds out of silhouette with slower shutter speeds an undesirable result.
I currently try to avoid exceeding 800 ISO (digital equivalent) which I've noted maintains a reasonable degree of image quality in low light conditions.
The Ruddy Turnstone above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.It was exciting to see in review of images taken a Royal Tern that had a metal band which appears to be the type required by United States Geological Survey regulations.
The band was on the tern's right leg just above the foot.
The Least Tern above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.A close inspection of the band seems to indicate the number 56 from the angle of view I had.
This type of band is believed to have a unique series of numbers which would make identification of the bird from its previous handling assured.
The Laughing Gull above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.A problem here is that the engraving on this type band is extremely difficult to decipher in the field.
It has been noted that this type band is not intended to be interpreted from a distance.
The Wilson's Plover above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.Perhaps the greatest benefit of this type band is offering a better understanding of the longevity of the birds when they are found at the end of their life cycle.
Tom Obrock has encouraged me to routinely read Birdbrains while Vince Lucas has led me particularly here.
The Royal Tern above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.On my walk back to the car past the sand sculptures built that day, I was intrigued with the litter of bleached white trees and driftwood on the beach.
My thoughts immediately were to make an effort to rebuild the attraction that birds have frequently been perched on at the south end of the north Lagoon in past visits.
The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.Over time since my initial visit to the critical wildlife area, this hotspot to see a typical wading bird perched for a great photo-op has been lost due to weathering and tidal action.
Without much effort I carried a 15 foot tree to rebuild a perch for the benefit of a multitude of birds and possibly fish that will find shelter.
The scene above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.Upon each future visit to the Lagoon I will try to find another significant addition that should be a benefit to all.
I encourage you to do the same while having regard for the abundant wildlife in the Lagoon.
The sunset above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in August 2011.In the image directly above, Sanibel Lighthouse can be seen at far left.
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