A Garden Of Eden: Part II

Images presented in this article are from additional observations at Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area on 21 May 2014.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

I couldn't help but devote significant observation time to several Northern Flickers which are a species I rarely see at other wildlife venues. It was particularly enjoyable for me to observe the flickers in flight which allowed for a view of their very distinctive appearance with the yellow underwings while Gilded Flicker is likely similar.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The bird food above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

It wasn't until very late in my stay at the wildlife area on 21 May that I discovered an oasis that near high noon and afterwards offered a respite to many dozens of birds that were remarkably active. This time of day is typically when wildlife is at its most quiet.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The banded Red-cockaded Woodpecker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The Eastern Black Swallowtail above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The bird species observed here seemed guardians of what appeared to be a paradise for them. I was actually so much in awe of what I was observing that I captured relatively few images with a select few which will appear in the next article.

The Northern Mockingbird above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

As noted in the previous article, the time devoted to wildlife observation at Babcock-Webb this day was very extensive and will not conclude until the third and final article in this series which will include highlights from additional visits to the venue on 25 May, and again on 26 May.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

If one were to consider a birding destination at a time least favorable for racking up bird species numbers, or for the mere pleasure of observing a few specialties in the area of southwest Florida, Babcock-Webb WMA should be considered for a visit throughout the summer months.

The dragonfly above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The dragonfly above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The Brown-headed Nuthatch above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

This venue certainly should be considered a jewel for Charlotte County and Rex Rowan's June Challenge. You may consider birding in the air conditioned comfort of your car which would additionally serve as a blind to minimize disturbance of the birds.

The Hairy Woodpecker above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

The dragonfly above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

Though I have not done this myself (yet), a walk along Seaboard Grade seems a required activity at Backcock-Webb WMA which you may revel in with its reported shady comfort.

The Eastern Towhee above was photographed at Babcock/ Webb Wildlife Management Area in May 2014.

Please also see: A Garden Of Eden Part I
Please also see: A Garden Of Eden Part III