Much time was devoted to observation of Brown Noddy at Forth Jefferson's North Coaling Station ruins.
The juvenile Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
It was an adventure to reach the point which was savored in making my observations. The rocks were very slippery in places as I felt a sea urchin before I saw them.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The juvenile Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The juvenile Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The juvenile Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
It was interesting to see fellow visitors on top of the fort as well who seemed quite insignificant in comparison to the structure.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Sooty Tern above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The birds were extremely active at midday which I thought unusual compared to observations I typically make at and around the beaches in the Fort Myers area.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
With so much left to explore at Fort Jefferson, I was very reluctant to leave the coaling ruins.
The Brown Noddy above was photographed at Garden Key in June 2014.
Please also see:
Miami And Florida Keys June Wildlife Tour Part I
Please also see:
Miami And Florida Keys June Wildlife Tour Part II
Great photos as always. I enjoyed looking at those Brown Noddy and I hope to see one in the near future. Happy Birding!
ReplyDeleteThanks, France. The lighting conditions were less than favorable (full sun with intermittent clouds at midday) as can be seen in the images. A trip to the Dry Tortugas must include a minimum of a two night camping visit in my opinion. I do not know if "golden hours" for photography are commonplace at Fort Jefferson this time of year. The trip over from Key West on the Yankee Freedom III was overcast, but with bright light. It was mostly sunny thereafter. Upon departure in the mid afternoon, it appeared the sunset would be spectacular.
DeleteWonderful shots of some spectacular species Bob -- they would all be lifers for me (excepting Brown Pelican!).
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you may interested in the journey to this remarkable place, Hemant. In my research, it appears the Sooty Tern can be seen in impressive numbers at the nesting colony through July while the Brown Noddy lingers. Interestingly, Sooty Tern hatchlings at Bush Key may not return for five years. Be prepared for me to tell you my animated story of how furious I am with my images caught of Magnificent Frigatebird from the top of the fort! I will not be fooled a third time by shutter, aperture, and ISO settings.
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