Guest Contribution By Hemant Kishan

It is a great pleasure to present to you a guest contribution which I hope is one of many by Hemant Kishan, Director of Strategy and Planning, with the General Motors Company . . .

Finding Vireos at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, Florida

Two species of vireo are common at Corkscrew Swamp -- the White-Eyed and the Blue-Headed. Both can be found with relative ease but photographing them is another story as they tend to be secretive and inconspicuous; especially the white-eyed vireo.



The blue-headed vireo, as seen above, is the larger of the two. Its appearance is distinctive with prominent "white spectacles" and a blue/grey head. Unlike the white-eyed, the blue-headed is not a resident breeder at Corkscrew and prefers, like the many "snow birds" who live seasonally in Florida, to spend only the winters here; leaving for its breeding grounds in the Northern reaches of the US and Canada in the Summer.



The blue-headed vireo can often be found in mixed feeding flocks at Corkscrew Swamp with gnatcatchers and warblers. It is, however, not a flocking bird and does not nest in colonies. It moves quickly through the greenery, picking off insects for food.



Curiously, it was only in 1997 that the Blue-Headed Vireo (seen in the above three images) was recognized as a true species. Earlier, what we now know as the blue-headed, Cassin's and Plumbeous vireos were lumped into a single species known as the "Solitary Vireo". Thanks to genetic and song analysis, all three now have full species status.



No prizes for guessing the origins of this vireo's name! The white-eyed vireo (as seen in the image directly above and the four below) is a small, secretive vireo with dazzling white eyes. The white eyes are a sign of maturity with the juveniles of the species having a dark iris instead. They are a strictly monogamous species that attaches its nest to trees using spider webs!



The white eyed vireo has yellow spectacles with a white throat and two white bars on its wings. Like many other vireo species, the coloration is subdued with a combination of green, olive, white and grey.



White-eyed vireos can turn up anywhere along the boardwalk at Corkscrew. I have usually found them singly but also infrequently in mixed flocks. Early mornings are best and, if you're lucky like I was, sometimes, the best technique is to be absolutely still and let them approach you as they feed.



White-eyed vireos are usually found in low thickets at Corkscrew. They are one of only two perching bird species found in the United States that have white eyes; so their name is also a diagnostic identifying feature of these handsome, small vireos that are found widely in Florida -- from mangroves to scrubland habitat.



In the picture immediately above, a white-eyed vireo has just caught a "daddy long legs," and if you look carefully you can see one of its wings and legs. While predominantly insectivorous, white-eyed vireos will also consume berries in Winter.

Next time you're out birding, look for this attractive neotropical bird and a great place to find it is at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Florida Wildlife At Metro Parkway Extension

Many years ago I recall hearing of a college course offered at a school I believe located in the Boston area which emphasized the value, if not importance, in getting to know everything about an area in which you live.


The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


I am guilty of not embracing this theory as I favor only one radio station and a handful of wildlife venues in the Fort Myers area (preferably beach venues). A remarkable place to view Florida's magnificent wildlife was recently brought to my attention by traveler's Suzanne and Réal Jauvin visiting from Quebec. This "inland" venue which I think should be called Jauvin Park as we had joked is located at the southeast corner of the yet to be completed intersection of Metro Parkway and Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers. The roadway is decades long in its planning to relieve congestion from primary north/south highway's 41 and 75 through Lee County. The wetland appears to have been enhanced as a drainage facility in the southwest corner of the Six Mile Cypress Watershed. The Metro Parkway extension was scheduled to have been completed, as originally contracted with Posen Construction (fired by the Florida Department of Transportation in part for "malfeasance" in 2011), in early 2012. This appears a classic case of failure of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In any event, the wildlife at this place was described as offering Black-necked Stilt at very close range. As I made my initial approach to the marsh, it was hidden by a berm on the south side of Exchange Lane as I wondered if I was at the right location. My first view of the marsh pleasingly had two stilt directly in front of me. Three more of the species would be seen shortly later. The marsh showed evidence of the end of the dry season with parched soil at its edge and wading birds having no trouble catching their quarry. This place immediately reminded me of Lakes Park for its abundant grackles and Harns Marsh Preserve for its prehistoric appeal. The most enjoyable experience of my initial visit here this week was a pair of Roseate Spoonbill that chose to land directly before me after I had settled down to observe the activity. The jumbo jets departing nearby Southwest Florida International Airport were for the most part silent. The bird species observed in my initial visit included the pair of Roseate Spoonbill, a first personal sighting of Solitary Sandpiper, Black-necked Stilt, Tricolored Heron, Brown Pelican, White Ibis, Least Sandpiper, Common Grackle, Boat-tailed Grackle, Green Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis, Mottled Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Common Gallinule, Little Blue Heron, Killdeer, Anhinga, Osprey, Blue Jay, Double-crested Cormorant, Spotted Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, and an unidentified species of bird. Two bird species heard but not seen were Red-shouldered Hawk and Barred Owl. Insects seen were prolific. A visit along the treeline appears enticing with excellent calls emanating from it. Tom Obrock advised me that he had observed the week before other species not seen, so I made my second visit to the Metro Parkway extension marsh this week adding sightings of Red-shouldered Hawk, Swallow-tailed Kite, Turkey Vulture, Caspian Tern, and Wood Stork while most species seen initially were again present. Tunnels are planned to be built under the highway to benefit Coyotes, Bobcats, snakes, alligators, and nuisance critters in the surrounding area. This must see venue in the immediate vicinity of Little Estero Lagoon, Bunche Beach Preserve and Harns Marsh is best visited for photography two hours from sunset. My thanks are extended to Vince Lucas, Hemant Kishan, Robert Doiron, and Vince McGrath for positive identification of the Solitary Sandpiper. Late contact was made with Tom.


The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Little Blue Heron juvenile above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Solitary Sandpiper above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The molting Boat-tailed Grackle above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Great Egret above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The immature White Ibis above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Boat-tailed Grackle above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Snowy Egret above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Boat-tailed Grackle above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Blue Jay above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Common Gallinule above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The American Coot above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Osprey above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Wood Stork above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Osprey above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Wood Stork above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Turkey Vulture above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Green Heron above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Swallow-tailed Kite above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Anhinga above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Black-necked Stilt above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The White Ibis above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Wood Stork above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Caspian Tern above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.


The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Metro Parkway extension in April 2012.

View more of this venue here . . . Metro Parkway Extension Wildlife Overload

Three Early Spring Visits To Bunche Beach

My first of three afternoon visits to Bunche Beach Preserve this week would offer a first of season observation of the smallest member of the tern family, the Least Tern, on 2 April 2012.


The Red Knot above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


A bathing Lesser Yellowlegs was a treat to observe at fairly close range at Bunche Beach Preserve as well. Thanks, Hemant Kishan, for correction of this species' identification. An overflight of about two dozen Tricolored Heron at sunset with many of the birds offering the last of their juvenile plumage was a very welcome observation. Seemingly in an instant, the plumage of the birds feeding, loafing, or merely passing through identifies a change in seasons. On this day I met Andre visiting from Quebec with his Lumix in hand for the stunning sunset while he told me he uses a Sony Alpha A700 for his wildlife images. Day two offered a lower tide level as expected. I made my way west to get on the far side of several flocks of primarily Black Skimmers. Among them was a banded Royal Tern with possibly two pairs of the species observed to mate. Three Least Tern were seen overhead this day. On the walk back to the car I met up with Tom Obrock. He was very informative of the ultimate destination of different species of bird observed on their migration. He also gave me details of a Lazuli Bunting he had photographed earlier in the day at the residence of Vince McGrath. A very unfortunate observation on this second day was of an aviation enthusiast that spooked every bird on the beach for miles into flight. My final trip to the Preserve offered about the greatest number of birds I have seen at Bunche Beach. Migration of shorebirds appears to be peaking at this location. The only species expected to be seen that was not was Bald Eagle.


The Ruddy Turnstone above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Willet above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The scene above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Least Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Least Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Least Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Ruddy Turnstone above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Lesser Yellowlegs above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Wilson's Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Sanderling above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Reddish Egret above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The sunset above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Royal Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Royal Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Herring Gull above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Laughing Gull above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Herring Gull above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Caspian Tern hidden among a few hundred fellow shorebirds above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Herring Gull above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The mating Royal Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The scene above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Marbled Godwit above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Dunlin above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Piping Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The sunset above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Marbled Godwit above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The scene above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Ruddy Turnstone above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Least Sandpiper above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Piping Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The Laughing Gull above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.


The scene above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in April 2012.