American Avocet At Bunche Beach

The temperatures here in southwest Florida were a few degrees below normal this week in the eighties for highs as the northeastern United States was pummeled with an unusually early snowstorm.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

I'm not sure the affect this might have on the theory global warming.

Plans to take advantage of what might have been very good conditions for warbler action at Six Mile Cypress Preserve following a storm front were lost with a need for rest.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

The next opportunity to look for Florida Scrub Jay was postponed as well feeling a little under the weather and possibly not offering an update this week.

I heard from Tom Obrock advising me that he had a sighting of the species found only in Florida while posting great photos of the species.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

It was too late for me to make tracks north in his direction and was on the way to Bunche Beach with slim hopes that the very rare Greater Flamingo might be seen.

With this species as daunting a find as the scrub jay in my wildlife observations, I was content with hopes of seeing oystercatcher, avocet, and the significantly less likely Merlin coincidentally seen at the beach I would travel to.

The Willet above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

I arrived at Bunche at an unusual hour around midday (preferring sunrise or late afternoon) with the tide at its low.

This is not considered a good time of day for photography, but I attempted to make the best of.

The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

I like how a negative exposure bias setting increases the shutter speed in AV (aperture) mode while unfortunately the opposite happens with the need to improve light of a dark subject against a bright background typically.

This control of the camera will hopefully give photography enthusiasts a little more courage to capture their images under the widely considered unfavorable condition.

The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

This would likely be particularly useful for photography of wildlife subjects in areas where the sun is even closer to the horizon the further you get north from the equator at this time of year.

The especially bright light source allows one to favorably utilize an aperture setting that expands the area of sharpness of the subject that as a detraction reduces your shutter speed for action shots.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

Selective enhancements of some of the images have been made in post processing to improve the overall result to my preference while the ultimate goal is to eliminate the need for anything more than a minor adjustment of an image with merely sharpening a goal.

The first few images of this blog entry were taken with experimental exposure bias settings with results I think are appealing considering the time of day.

The American Avocet above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

Before my arrival with the intent to stay until sunset, I traveled to the Sanibel toll plaza (western fringe of Bunche Beach Preserve) to scan the bay where the flamingo had recently been seen.

I grappled briefly with some clouds that passed over the Preserve which offered an additional challenge in photographing the wildlife.

The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

There were a significant number of Least Sandpiper, Black Skimmer and Laughing Gulls on the flats, but no flamingo.

The wind was strong from the north on the day of my observations which kept the water level in San Carlos Bay lower than it might have been otherwise.

The American Avocet with Short-billed Dowitcher above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

At Bunche Beach Preserve from the John Morris Road parking area I made my way beyond the west channel where I observed a Tricolored Heron and Reddish Egret that were especially active in their feeding behavior.

I devoted much time to observing these birds with otherwise primarily Least Sandpiper seen working the sea grass for their survival.

The primarily Least Sandpiper above were photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

With the flats exposed to the extent they were, the birds were scattered over a very wide range.

It wasn't long before I filled the 8GB memory card of the camera and had to return home for the 32GB card I've been spoiled by thanks to Tim Rucci.

The American Oystercatcher juvenile above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

With my anticipated upgrade to the Canon Mark V when it becomes available (saving now), a 128GB card will hopefully be reasonably priced.

Although I gave a brief thought to calling it a day after my return home, none of my target species had been seen and I was excited by the favorable tide conditions with the possibility for good light through the late afternoon.

The American Avocet above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

So I made the return trek to one of the greatest wildlife beach venues I know of.

The shorebirds in particular at Bunche Beach will congregate at much closer range in a predictable manner as the tide rises from its low.

The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

This event occurs as long as they are not disturbed by humans or one of their predators.

I walked further into the bay than I had earlier and was rewarded with the sighting of an American Avocet.

The American Avocet with Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

The bird was among a flock of primarily Short-billed Dowitcher with a lone Black-bellied Plover although other of the latter be heard calling to it from not too great a distance.

I consider the American Avocet one of the more beautiful species of bird and was fortunate to observe the characteristic side to side motion of its bill indicative of its feeding behavior.

The Caspian Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

As time went on and the birds were forced closer together, a lone Caspian Tern was also a standout in the crowd.

I initially thought the Caspian was a Royal Tern, but closer inspection of the bird on the computer clearly showed evidence of a dusky tip of the bill indicating Caspian.

The American Avocet above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

My second target species, American Oystercatcher, would make an extended appearance before flying off the the east which was the direction it had arrived from.

This was a special treat with the oystercatcher a juvenile as noted by its darker bill.

The Sanderling above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

Its parent remained closer to the shoreline while I wonder if this was the same oystercatcher observed last week while I didn't see the juvenile at that time.

Dozens of Sanderling arrived about a half hour before sunset.

The American Avocet above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

Upwards of a hundred Least Sandpiper were very active in flight in the immediate area.

I was entranced by the dominant behavior of Forster's Tern, a much smaller bird than the avocet, which numerous times discouraged the avocet from approaching too closely to its territory which didn't appear more than a few square feet.

The sunset above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

At the near exact moment of sunset, the avocet would bathe briefly which regrettably wasn't photographed in better light.

While the Merlin failed to make an appearance, the flamingo failed to show as well and remains a nemesis bird seen in the wild.

The American Avocet above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2011.

My visit to Bunche Beach Preserve this week was nonetheless one of the more enjoyable experiences I've had observing the wildlife there.

Feature: "Bird Island" At Matanzas Pass

A kayak trip to "Bird Island," postponed for a week due to cold and windy conditions this early spring 2010, resulted in calm pre-dawn conditions and 39 degrees Fahrenheit at launch.

The Great Egret above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

The water in San Carlos Bay felt extremely cold, much more so in fact than I've experienced at any time anywhere leisurely.

I've made a handful of trips to this mecca northwest of Matanzas Pass Bridge from the Bunche Beach Preserve parking area as well as from Bowditch Point just north of Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

Unusual conditions temperature wise for otherwise warm and sunny southwest Florida which has been persistent since the beginning of the year.

There has been commentary of late that bird activity has not been as prevalent as in years past in this area.

The Great Egret juvenile above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

Observations have not indicated that to be the case in my three years of Florida wildlife observation.

The nesting success observed at Bird Island observed today seems to indicate that all is well.

The Great Egret with juvenile above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

I have noted in the past that a kayak or canoe launch to the island is preferred from the Bunche Beach Preserve parking area.

My experience today has me conclude that one should embark from Bowditch Point.

The Great Egret with juvenile above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

From the latter, your distance traveled is greatly shortened, but keep in mind that you will have to potentially deal with much larger watercraft and their wake with extreme care.

The commute should last no more than a half hour and offers a wildlife experience quite exhilarating at times.

The Great Egret juvenile above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

Once near the island approximately 300 feet in diameter, the calls of the juvenile birds become more evident.

The smell of a very active colony wasn't as pungent as in the past with the cooler conditions for sure.

The Great Egret juvenile above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

The predominant nesting species include the Great Egret with a Great Blue Heron observed to compete for a nest as they each took turns to make placement of a particular twig within it before eggs are laid.

I knew immediately that I should have been prepared to document my observations of the wildlife without the 1.4X teleconverter I had attached to the camera that somewhat limited the appeal I was looking for.

The White Ibis above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

There was an egg observed outside of a Great Egret nest that will never hatch.

It appeared the egg was either intentionally or inadvertently displaced by one of the offspring.

The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

The only species I hadn't observed but expected on my most recent trip to the island was the Tricolored Heron.

The regulars in very close proximity included Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, Snowy Egret, Double-crested Cormorant, Brown Pelican, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Reddish Egret (solitary) in flight, and Grackle.

The Great Egret above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

Much of the time on the island was spent observing nests more than birds in flight.

Fallen trees from storms of past are still accommodating for an improved view of the activity on the island.

The Turkey Vulture above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

One in particular was much more overgrown than I remember from a visit last year where climbing it for better photographic advantage was impossible as egrets had commandeered it for their own.

Glass bottles of various sizes and shapes were seen as well with fishing line observed in a nest and entangled on a fallen tree that could have only gotten there intentionally.

The Black Vulture above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

I did not see the arrow piercing a nest and bird that was found last year.

An entangled Brown Pelican hung from fishing line in a mangrove at the water's edge near the southeast of the island.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

My departure from the island was from the same oyster shell laden side as I had arrived.

The trip back to the parking area was eventful as I encountered a very strong head wind from the west.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

I was only able to make very slow progress back to the Bunche Beach parking area.

After I passed the east channel, I chose to walk the last mile, but not before falling out of the kayak in my successful attempt to protect the camera.

The Great Blue Heron juvenile above was photographed on "Bird Island" at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2010.

It was a very long, cold and uncomfortable walk thereafter.

Global Cooling at Lakes Park

Free time to experience SW Florida's wildlife has been extremely limited these past weeks.

The Great Egret with Snowy Egret above was photographed at Lakes Park in January 2010.

On the first occasion for observation and photography this year where there wasn't an overcast sky, the temperature was near freezing at dawn. For that reason I made the very easy decision to simply stay warm indoors.

Earlier this week, I had heard two reports that there were significant fish deaths in lakes and ponds across the state of Florida. One of the reports specifically mentioned Lakes Park which I was compelled to visit to see the bird activity the fish might have attracted.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Lakes Park in January 2010.

Although I was not able to arrive at Lakes Park until near sundown on Tuesday, I still brought the camera with hopes to document something interesting. The bird activity was more prevalent than in any of my handful of other visits to the park in the past couple of years.

It was my greatest hope to see the Scarlet Ibis which has been observed at the park on occasion. Images available of it can certainly never do it justice for its beauty.

The Snowy Egret with Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Lakes Park in January 2010.

Although I saw many hundreds of birds in very close proximity including ibis, heron, egret, stork, the Scarlet Ibis was again elusive.

The timing of my visit to Lakes Park was a mere day and a half after I had heard of the fish kill, but the evidence of the event was non existent as might be explained by the great abundance of birds at the park. The cleanup effort was complete.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Lakes Park in January 2010.

I took photographs of the birds I did see, primarily attempting to capture them in flight, and unfortunately had little success as the lighting was quite poor and I was shooting at a relatively high ISO setting to keep the shutter speed up.

It was a tremendous amount of fun in the experience nonetheless.

Another report heard this past week was that the temperature of the Gulf of Mexico had reached the high of that in the Atlantic Ocean. Does that mean a disappearance of the Gulf Stream if not just temporarily?

Random Thoughts IV

The proof that global warming exists, as southwest Florida has had a very warm and humid summer this past season, seems awkward as so many other areas of the country have been experiencing record cold temperatures. This global warming mantra seems to be waning in favor of the addition of climate change to the lexicon of eco activists.

The raccoon above was photographed at National Audubon Society Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in October 2009.

A comment I heard from a mid westerner this week was that they'd arrived in town a little too early. I feigned empathy. The gulf water temperature was reported at a very comfortable 85 degrees today.

It was surreal to travel through the Fort Myers Beach area since my last memorable visit at the height of last year's tourist season as the traffic seemed relatively non existent. Commuting time will double in another month or so as the so called snow birds return.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Little Estero Island Critical Wildlife Sanctuary in October 2009.

I made a long overdue trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary this week for the first time in a long while. It was good to see Phil and Mike again. The wildlife action at the swamp was surprisingly subdued. After my four hour visit making rounds through the different ecosystems several times, I left the venue without seeing several species that were noted on the sighting board.

While the water level is much higher than I remember seeing at the swamp previously this time of year, the 2009 precipitation thus far has come in a little short of that water needed for the sheeting effect that will otherwise attract so much more diversity along the boardwalk.

The Laughing Gull above was photographed at Lovers Key State Park in September 2008.

It was interesting to learn that the Sandhill Crane is being fed by a neighbor of the sanctuary. It explains why the birds are heard in such great numbers so early in the morning there.

My friend, Sue, whom has visited Harns Marsh Preserve significantly more than me, has advised me that there are indeed gators at the preserve. Wading in the water with the birds there should be avoided. I wish I knew this fact earlier.

The White Ibis above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

While I type these words, I hear the rain fall from the cold front working its way through the area. It should not be expected to significantly accommodate the needs of the swamp that would benefit from a tropical storm or hurricane which did not materialize this season.

More importantly, heavy rains would significantly minimize the encroachment of salt water into the Floridan aquifer which includes parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

I thought for sure that the rainy season was over, so this is considered a very welcome reprieve.

While Tim Rucci should be back from Ireland, Alena is on her way to Indonesia.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Sanibel Island Lighthouse in October 2009.

I'm very much looking forward to reporting to you from Florida in the coming months.