The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.I returned to Festival Park in Cape Coral for two late afternoon visits with hopes of continuing my study of the Florida Burrowing Owl. This species finds disturbed ground on both Florida coasts accommodating in the construction of their tunnels used to perpetuate the species. My first visit this week was timed to hopefully see mating activity that was last observed February 24th. Shame on me for allowing so much time to pass since finding this opportunity. The result has been to find the mating activity apparently over. I observed on the first visit this week to find what I believe to be the male owl outside of the burrow to call to its mate a few minutes after sunset while the bird in the burrow appeared within seconds. The owl from its hidden domicile spent many minutes preening itself, especially its belly which led me to believe that it had been resting on eggs. Both visits to the park to observe all birds offered an audible observation of what I'm sure was Northern Bobwhite. There was no luck to capture an image of this personally undocumented species. Aside from the time spent with meadowlarks and shrike that are almost always seen at this venue, I again found the Burrowing Owl most entertaining. The second visit to Festival Park this week was interesting as I observed the resident owl outside the burrow glance toward the burrow entrance as the bird's mate emerged. The female exited the burrow about 20 minutes before sunset unexpectedly. The female owl appeared fatigued with its pupils constricted. The bird was above ground for a mere moment when I was able to capture an image of it where the pupil in its eyes was appropriately re-sized in the bright light after its duty in complete darkness. I haven't observed the Great Horned Owl the last few times I have visited this park. To end my wildlife observation for the week I met up with Tom Obrock at Little Estero Lagoon. I had been avoiding this area because of the heavy traffic for the commute this time of year. It was my great fortune to spend the morning with Tom while he pointed out all of the most interesting things at this awesome venue. It was also a treat this week to hear workmate Margie Congregane rave repeatedly about our company's decision to purchase Kodak Easy Share C1530 cameras for our stores. It is tragic that the 131 year old company that invented the digital camera revolution and many other marvels filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Eastern Meadowlark above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Eastern Meadowlark above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Florida Scrub-Jay above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Florida Scrub-Jay above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The immature Bald Eagle above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl regurgitating a pellet above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at Festival Park in March 2012.
The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Sanderling above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Double-crested Cormorant with Laughing Gull above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Wilson's Plover above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Dunlin above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Great Egret above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
Tom Obrock above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Peregrine Falcon above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in March 2012.
stunning images!
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