Dinner Island Ranch WMA

Well worth the drive from the southwest Florida Gulf beaches is another wildlife venue called Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area that can occupy your entire day.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 1) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The observations made at Dinner Island Ranch WMA on 16 May were better than expected, with photo documentation unfortunately not anywhere near representative of that which was seen and heard.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 2) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 3) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 4) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 5) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The first birds seen after entering the huge wildlife venue were Eastern Meadowlark. They could additionally be heard throughout the WMA. While the Northern Bobwhite was heard in seemingly equal numbers, the elusive species was not seen.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 6) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 7) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 8) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 9) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

A pair of Swallow-tailed Kite were observed early and were followed west until they could no longer be seen. A lone Limpkin was observed very close to the roadway, but was not tolerant for a photo op even at a great range.

The Limpkin above (image 10) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The cattle above (image 11) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Eastern Meadowlark above (image 12) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Eastern Meadowlark above (image 13) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

Perhaps the most enjoyable moment was when a Red-shouldered Hawk was observed to carry away what appeared a three foot Black Racer snake. This was an occasion when I was reminded of Frank Constantin telling me of his success by using the car as a blind for photography.

The Eastern Meadowlark above (image 14) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above (image 15) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Common Ground Dove above (image 16) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The Cattle Egret above (image 17) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

This trip to Dinner Island Ranch WMA was extremely enjoyable with the venue recommended to you for your potential interest. The cattle were in much larger numbers on this trip to the "working ranch," and had to be prodded out of the way from the middle of the road on occasion.

The cattle above (image 17) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The White-tailed Deer above (image 18) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The White-tailed Deer above (image 19) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

The White-tailed Deer above (image 20) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

Hunting at this venue is permitted, so you are encouraged to be aware of approved hunt dates.

The Turkey Vulture above (image 21) was photographed at Dinner Island Ranch WMA in May 2015.

Please see my initial report about this venue for additional thoughts and observations.