Jim above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.This couldn't have happened at a better time as I welcomed family visiting for my sister Karen's 50th birthday.
In all, they would arrive on Captiva Island from South Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
The musician at Keylime Bistro above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.A home rented at Andy Rosse and Binder where we spent the week offered a stunning view of Pine Island Sound with the beach on the Gulf of Mexico a short walk away.
Exploring the house upon our arrival led me to one of the decks on the upper floor that allowed a view of two hawks that flew directly at me.
The sunset above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.I didn't have the camera at the time that would have allowed the opportunity to help identify them.
They were stunning and evidently in transitional plumage.
Jim above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.Bald Eagles and Osprey also put on a show highlighting their intolerance of each other.
The docks and boat lifts were a commonly used perch for Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull, Royal Tern, Osprey and Sandwich Tern.
The Bald Eagle with Osprey above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.At one point the occasionally seen Belted Kingfisher made a low flyover of a couple dozen Royal Tern causing them all to take flight unexpectedly.
One particular morning was devoted to a trip to Bowman's Beach for some shell collecting.
The lawn ornament above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.I learned a lot about this endeavor reading one of the island brochures that indicated that shelling is best done under strict conditions including a low tide, a full or new moon, and a northerly wind direction.
It was also noted that shells will be buried under the sand making this a serious business (which it is) for those in the know.
Karen above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.At this particular beach were hordes of gulls, terns and Sanderling among a few Black-bellied Plover.
On another day with anticipation of the sunset on Captiva Beach, Mom joined us to partake in a puff or two from one of the celebratory cigars brother Jim brought with him from New England.
The shorebirds at Bowman's Beach above were photographed at Sanibel Island in October 2011.Beautiful sunrises and sunsets were common fare with one of the latter accommodating a beach wedding.
Sister Nancy and her husband Jack had celebrated their second wedding anniversary a few days earlier.
Marie above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.We made an afternoon trip to Ding Darling where masses of birds with a greater diversity had yet to arrive.
One of the closest birds to Wildlife Drive seen was a double banded Roseate Spoonbill.
The Roseate Spoonbill at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge above was photographed at Sanibel Island in October 2011.Great work has been made at the Shell Mound Trail with a particular interest of mine the recreation of the archeological "dig" of the site going back many hundreds of years.
It's understandable why wildlife find the Sanibel and Captiva Islands so attractive along their journey with the area surrounded by water and subtropical vegetation.
Jack and Nan above were photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.Tob Obrock had texted me earlier in the week to advise me of his observation of a rarely seen Canada Warbler.
On one of the trips to the Publix on the mainland I caught sight of my first of season American Kestrel on a wire in front of the Mobil station with the species also seen flying over the front yard of the house on the last day of our stay on Captiva.
Glenn and Karen above were photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.Karen's husband Glenn told me that he had again seen the hawk over the sound (with fish in talons) offering further insight into behavior.
A very brief visit to the Sanibel Lighthouse was made where the funneling of hawks on their migratory trek south should be rewarding in the weeks ahead.
The sunset with Bottlenose Dolphin above was photographed at Captiva Island in October 2011.
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