The mating European Starling above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.One report of migration referenced large numbers of certainly weary individuals that made landfall at Fort Zachery Taylor Historic State Park in Key West on 5 April. As migratory birds make their way north and south depending on the season, they occasionally gravitate to places in Florida that offer good protection or relief from unfavorable weather events. Upon landfall, the birds benefit from a wealth of required sustenance through insects, seeds from flowering plants, and from the Gumbo Limbo tree in the Spring.
The Fish Crow above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Cedar Waxwing above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.Within the 200 miles, as the crow flies, between Fort Zachary and St. Petersburg's Fort De Soto Park lies Sanibel Lighthouse. With the lighthouse the closest of these venues to me, I made a trip to it with the hope of seeing some stragglers that may have remained from the last storm front. A lighthouse report from Vince McGrath on 15 April noted his observation of Black-whiskered Vireo and Black-throated Green Warbler. Vince has advised me that migratory species of aves feed on Florida's budding foliage and ripened berries which are available year-round. Vince also noted water sources as vital to the birds as well.
The Common Nighthawk above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Gray Catbird above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.A change in plans was made for this day with hope of seeing the BTNW in particular at the lighthouse. This species would be personally photographed for the first time with any luck. Arrival at the lighthouse was met with light wind that picked up significantly through the morning from the ENE. I thought this favorable for keeping any birds that may have been at the lighthouse the previous day present. Wildlife photographer Adams Serra was met in the parking lot shortly after sunrise.
The European Starling above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Osprey above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.Adams' wildlife photography has become prolific and no less than extraordinary. I also met Stan Damon this day who told me he was in Alva when word had gotten to him from Vince that he might see the lifer for him in the BWVI. Stan was justifiably excited to talk of his Rufous Hummingbird observations where he noted an individual that remained near his home for many weeks in September and October 2012 (the bird Stan invited me to photograph) which didn't leave until all its feathers were grown in.
The Great-crested Flycatcher above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Fish Crow above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.Stan also noted the many rufous hummers that were driven off from the area by the dominant bird. At the lighthouse I also met Janet and Aaron Kirk, fans of the blog and devoted wildlife observers. Janet commented that she wished the Northern Cardinals and Gray Catbirds were not so vocal during the migration season which would allow for greater ease in distinguishing the calls of other species.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.It was my good fortune to have another fellow wildlife observer point out a Common Nighthawk dozing near one of the parking areas. I had only seen this species perched on power lines in the Everglades Agricultural Area in the not too distant past. Indigo Bunting were present at the lighthouse all morning, but it wasn't until later that the birds allowed me views of them for photography. I missed capturing the pair of Blue Grosbeak that made extremely brief in flight appearances.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.Stan and I agreed that a Great-crested Flycatcher was nesting in a dryer vent in a building adjacent to the lighthouse. A fish Crow was very diligent in attempting to disturb the nest looking for a meal. Early in my visit I had the great fortune of observing a flock of five Cedar Waxwing make a flyover. Although seen at the lighthouse as pointed out by Vince in April 2012, the Cedar Waxwing was a lifer species for me as I only count the birds when photographed.
The Indigo Bunting above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Indigo Bunting above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.Back at the car for a brief rest during my four hour visit to the lighthouse I again met November to June Sanibel resident Denny Souers last seen at Bailey Tract while seeking the Clapper Rail. Denny set up his photo gear near the nighthawk which drew good attention to the bird for observation by fellow visitors. I made one more walk through the park to observe a pair of infrequently seen Eurasian Collard-Dove as a highlight. Denny advised me that he will have a Smugmug site up and running soon.
The Indigo Bunting above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Indigo Bunting above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.Denny appears to be dismantling his current website highlighting his photography. It was an enjoyable morning while the birds were unfortunately not in the numbers and diversity I had hoped. A return visit to the lighthouse this Spring is certainly a possibility with greater potential. The Black-whiskered Vireo and Black-throated Green Warbler were not observed. My thanks to local master wildlife guide Vince McGrath for leading me to the Cedar Waxwing that I thought I was going to have to wait another year for.
The Eurasian-collared Dove above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.
The Eurasian-collared Dove above was photographed at Sanibel Lighthouse in April 2013.Please see: Best Birding At Sanibel Lighthouse In 10 Years
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