Fourteen more pics are included here from my 28 August visit to Harns Marsh Preserve with the majority of the remaining images from the 1 September trip, and the last five images from the brief visit to Harns on 2 September.
The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
Limpkin is a signature species at Harns Marsh Preserve. It was most visible during the middle visit to Harns while I missed an extraordinary series of photographs of a pair of Limpkin (with most images out of focus) that were involved in what appeared a territorial dispute.
The Barn Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Cliff Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Cliff Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
There were fewer birds seen overall during my 1 September trip to Harns, but with equal action. My arrival at that time was again pre-sunrise with observations made until 0920 unfortunately leaving the Preserve nearly two hours earlier than I normally would on a wildlife observation trip like this.
The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
I was foremost interested in observing the Crested Caracara again. They did not disappoint as they caught my attention with their flight at 0724, with observation of the three birds on 28 August at 0742.
The Cliff Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Sandhill Crane above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The juvenile Common Gallinule above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in August 2013.
The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
It was my pleasure to meet up with wildlife blogger
Hemant Kishan before sunrise on 2 September with the prospect of seeing the caracara which I considered predictable after their previous sightings.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
On the walk to the area I thought best suited to observe the caracara after their liftoff, Hemant was paying more attention to the path ahead of us advising me of the snake directly before me. I researched the identity of the species at
Florida Backyard Snakes to find that we observed a Red Rat Snake, also known as a Corn Snake.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Common Ground Dove above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Crested Caracara appeared at 0733 headed nearly directly at us from the ESE. Two of the three birds previously observed made a flyby of us at a greater distance than I had hoped, but were in favorable light.
The Common Ground Dove above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Red-winged Blackbird above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Red-winged Blackbird above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
What seemed like an eternity had passed as I pondered why the third caracara was not seen. I began to comment to Hemant my concern for the bird and attempt to provide a possible explanation for its absence. At that instant, the third caracara appeared headed our way.
The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Purple Martin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Barn Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The third caracara was making a track that would, with Hemant's and my efforts to photograph the bird, take it silhouetted by the bright light of the rising sun. It was a thrill, however, to see all three birds again.
The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Caspian Tern above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Common Gallinule above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
With a little time left before we met our obligations in the day, Hemant and I headed south on Sunshine Boulevard to attempt to find the male Snail Kite that was seen earlier in the morning as reported by a fellow observer at Harns. While the male was missed, a female was observed perched on a wire.
The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Roseate Skimmer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Red Rat Snake or Corn Snake above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The sunrise above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
I was intrigued with the habitat around the intersection of Highway 82 (Immokalee Road) and Sunshine not previously explored which would seem to offer very good observation opportunity during migration. Look for Snail Kites here year-round for sure.
The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
Tom Obrock will be reporting his observation of Bobolink making their migration through Harns Marsh Preserve with the bird's semi-annual arrival soon.
The third Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2013.
Please see:
Harns Marsh Late Summer 2013 Article I
Once again, you've produced an astounding collection. Capturing swallows in flight is no easy feat! Remarkable, really that you got so much in focus. Another standout here is the sandhill crane. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent!
ReplyDeleteI can hope to take pictures like these some days - you are inspiring me.....just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh WOW, The skimmer!!!! The snake!!! Wonderful colours. And the birdpictures are as great as always.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Marianne