Friday, September 23, 2011

Late Summer At Little Estero Lagoon

A change in the weather pattern which disrupted regular afternoon thunderstorms several weeks ago led to drier conditions which I fear to not bode well for the area this winter.

The Willet above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

A tropical storm or two before the end of the hurricane season would be beneficial to the wildlife.

With good fortune thunderstorms returned this last week of summer offering some relief.

The Ruddy Turnstone above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

While making a late afternoon visit to Little Estero Lagoon, I was caught in a storm that rolled in slower than most.

The rain became persistent as lightning was distant over the Gulf of Mexico.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

Before the loss of better conditions I was able to observe some interesting birds working the shoreline.

I chose to stay close to the southern edge of the lagoon as there was a lot of activity.

The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

There were a half dozen Willets that had a dominant individual that frequently drove others of its kind from its hunting area.

The always present White Ibis patrolled the surf with abandon.

The Willet above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

Upwards of a dozen Ruddy Turnstone made their way through the area I was observing, the most of this species I had yet to see at one time.

A pair of Sanderling worked the vegetation that is succumbing to the tidal waves over time.

The Sanderling above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

Within the lagoon were observed about 15 Great Egrets and several Roseate Spoonbill which kept their distance.

A Tricolored Heron and Reddish Egret posed well, but I chose to focus my attention toward the gulf.

The Brown Pelican with Laughing Gull above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

A lone Royal Tern flew by among many Sandwich Terns with Brown Pelican in greater numbers than I've seen in a long while.

Numerous Laughing Gull were predictably in the wake of the pelicans at their every move.

The Laughing Gull above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

Several Osprey flew by though none had prey nor were observed diving for it.

There were about 40 Black Skimmer that flew from the south in all with one flock about half that number in size.

The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

A lone Belted Kingfisher made its unmistakable call as it flew overhead extremely quickly.

My footprint with its relatively short observation time didn't lead to an unusual sighting.

The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

After the rain began, it was relentless with the lightning approaching too close for comfort as I chose to call it a day much earlier than I would have liked.

I was nonetheless offered the treat of observing local wildlife in its normal routine that was occasionally action packed.

The Ruddy Turnstone above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in September 2011.

The additions to the perch I made in the lagoon last month were regrettably washed out to sea with the tides.

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