Select images of aves wildlife are presented in this article concluding observations made at the stupendous property east of
Harns Marsh Preserve with continued emphasis on abundant Red-headed Woodpecker.
The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
Sunrise visits to Joel and the woodpecker habitat in Lehigh Acres occurred on 8 and 11 August 2014 with some additional images from the 8th included here. On both visits the birds were very active within the first few hours of arrival when things then began to settle down significantly.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Northern Mockingbird above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Northern Bobwhite above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
This is a venue where I am not content to find a particular observation point to settle down at for an extended period. The Red-headed Woodpeckers were confirmed to be in high numbers with further study of the species while actively walking the habitat.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
When swallows began to make their reappearance on my second visit here, I was much more attentive to determine which species I was observing. On the first day I must admit I was unsure of the species seen. The swallows flew closer on the second visit which allowed a few diagnostic pictures of them.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Northern Mockingbird above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
After an identification exercise hitting the books it was a treat to conclude that I photographed a "1st sighting" for me in a Bank Swallow. This is likely the species of swallow seen on the previous visit to Joel as I recall dismissing the bird as any other species.
The Bank Swallow above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpeckers were again observed in all directions. While adult Red-headed Woodpeckers are similar in appearance, it was determined that several members of this group could be readily identified through distinct levels of maturity including at least one individual that may be in its second year.
The White-winged Dove above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
Birding by ear was especially rewarding here as the unmistakable call of several Tufted Titmouse that I always associate with a New England winter experienced in my youth were heard. The winter part was clearly absent with the sunrise temperature near 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Rock Dove above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
Late in the second day's visit a Red-headed Woodpecker was observed preening on top of a snag as a pair of Mourning Dove flew to an adjacent tree. The woodpecker was in no way tolerant of the doves near its nest hole, and immediately drove them off.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Mourning Dove above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
Also nearby was a lone Rock Dove which I found interestingly tolerated by the woodpeckers. A Northern Bobwhite needless to say was a HUGE boon for its sighting on the first visit here offering my sixth visual observation of the secretive species, while accommodating
only my second set of images of the quail as of this writing.
The Red-headed Woodpecker above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
Certain to be enjoyed at any time of year, a return visit to this place is assured.
The Rock Dove above was photographed at Joel (Lehigh Acres) in August 2014.
Please also see
A Red-headed Woodpecker Family: Part I
Bob, I look forward to your blog every week and what a treat it is!
ReplyDeleteThank you, France. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to observe Florida's magnificent wildlife and environments.
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