On 12 June 2016, wildlife blogger
France Paulsen observed a Fork-tailed Flycatcher at Sanibel Gardens Preserve just north of the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Bailey Tract on Sanibel Island.
The Anhinga above (image 1) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
Fork-tailed Flycatcher is a rare Code 3 vagrant in the ABA area. The species' breeding range is in Central and South America. The Fork-tailed Flycatcher at Sanibel Gardens Preserve proved to be a one day wonder which is generally the case for sightings of this species in the United States.
The Mottled Duck above (image 2) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Northern Cardinal above (image 3) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Pileated Woodpecker above (image 4) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Pileated Woodpecker above (image 5) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Pileated Woodpecker above (image 6) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Pileated Woodpecker above (image 7) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Great Egret above (image 8) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The juvenile Fish Crow above (image 9) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Fish Crow with juvenile above (image 10) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Fish Crow with juvenile above (image 11) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The White Ibis above (image 12) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The juvenile Little Blue Heron with Snowy Egret above (image 13) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
While it has been my intention to explore the 265 acre Sanibel Gardens Preserve extensively, my first visit on 13 June was primarily with hopes of finding the flycatcher. I made my observations primarily at the cell phone tower where France had reported the vagrant the previous day. I stayed until thunder could be heard.
The Tricolored Heron above (image 14) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
The Magnificent Frigatebird above (image 15) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
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The Swallow-tailed Kite above (image 16) was photographed at Sanibel Gardens Preserve in June 2016.
Wow, great series of birds. Stunning pics! Pileated woodpecker is lovely and image 5 is cut and funny ;-) My favorit bird is the swallow-tailed kite.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Maria
Thank you, Maria. Be sure to visit France's blog to see her great documentation of the Swallow-tailed Kites and her other observations in the area.
DeleteBob, it was nice to bump into you while trying to find the Fork-tailed Flycatcher. I've returned several times since with high hopes but at last, as you said, it probably was a 'one day wonder' - I'm so glad I saw it. And Bob, great pics as always.
ReplyDeleteThank you, France. It's good to know that you are in the very special club which gives me inspiration to carry on with observations.
DeleteA year of rarities in SW Florida Bob! Sanibel Preseve is perhaps under-birded yet shows its full potential with vagrants such as for-tailed flycatcher. Excellent work in capturing the resident species -- esp. the Pileated!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hemant. It's been a remarkable ride. Very much looking forward to the future prospects.
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