Audubon Of SW Florida Hawk Watch

The 12th Annual Southwest Florida Audubon Hawk Watch, led by Vince McGrath, took place this year on 11 October. I made the commute to the Sanibel Lighthouse at Point Ybel with birder/ blogger, Tom Obrock.

The Peregrine Falcon above (image 1) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

Since living in the Fort Myers area I have very much looked forward to this event with this year's event offering me the second opportunity to attend. I was pleased to see new friends and wildlife observers/ photographers, Donna McMurrer, David Mintz, and Robert Kimbrell make the trip.

The Black-and-white Warbler above (image 2) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

The Laughing Gull above (image 3) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

The Royal Tern above (image 4) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

It was also again good to see Fort Myers Birding Commandos, Vince McGrath and Stan Damon, "Nature News" author, Ed Combs, wildlife photographer, France Paulsen, and finally meet adventurer, David McQuade. It was difficult to stay focused on the sky with so many interesting people to talk to.

The Palm Warbler above (image 5) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

The Osprey above (image 6) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

The Northern Rough-winged Swallow above (image 7) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

While there were no hawks seen at the Lighthouse this day, at least in part due to unfavorable wind conditions, it was quite extraordinary to read that things were very active for the Florida Keys Hawkwatch folks making their observations at Curry Hammock State Park the same day.

The Scarlet Tanager above (image 8) was photographed at the Sanibel Lighthouse- Point Ybel in October 2015.

The juvenile Little Blue Heron above (image 9) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Bailey Tract in October 2015.

The Marsh Rabbit above (image 10) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Bailey Tract in October 2015.

After a few hours of observation at the Lighthouse, Tom and I made a drive to Ding Darling's Bailey Tract. We didn't walk all of the trails, but saw a representation of what might be expected at the time. Tom's report from the day may be seen here.

The Northern Mockingbird above (image 11) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Bailey Tract in October 2015.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above (image 12) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Bailey Tract in October 2015.

I'm already looking forward to the 13th Annual Audubon of SW Florida Hawk Watch in 2016.

The Eastern Phoebe above (image 13) was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Bailey Tract in October 2015.