Volunteer perks

Becoming a volunteer for Ding Darling has opened many doors for me - and my favorite one is being a rover on the Bailey Tract trail and sharing with the visitors the treasures of nature. 

My first encounter was around the Ani Pond, there I saw a Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron

then as I made my way around, I found a pair of Black-necked Stilts getting ready for their own family

Soon, I came upon the Tarpon Bay Slough where a large amount of birds was observed while feeding and croaking loudly.

Some getting their feathers ruffled.

The Night-crowned Black Heron was there too.

The Marsh Rabbit paid me no attention while he munched on his greens.

Following the trail along the Middle Dike, I was pleased to see other Black-necked Stilts....more families to come.

The Killdeer's voice alerted me of his location across the pond - look how well he blends in.

The Mourning Doves were everywhere - cooing away.

Another Marsh Rabbit.

By the Smith Pond - I found the last Green Heron chick - soon, he too, will leave the nest.

As I stepped away from the Bailey Tract and onto Island Inn Road - I made a point of checking that magic tree which should be called the Wildlife Tower...

below the "Wildlife Tower" I heard a chick chirping and found the source.....a red-belly woodpecker recently fledged and learning the ropes from mom

he watched and followed her lead, flew up into a tree and grabbed a branch - in the process ending upside down and dangling....more learning in the process

Back to the "Wildlife Tower", a Cardinal and a Starling can be seen....

Mom with fledging - giving more instructions

Fledging looking on the lower apartment

and another dwelling where another fledging is ready to take off

....considering all options while watching his neighbor down below..

...the Starling gathering more material for the home comfort....

In the near-by tree, one of the fledging learning the ropes....

while the Swallow-tailed Kites were circling the area.

So, what do you think of this magic tree? Pretty awesome, hey?

Re-entering the Bailey Tract, the Green Heron chick is still standing....

A Blue Morning Glory is calling my attention, as well as

the Sea Daisy which is visited by a beetle.

a dragonfly resting

and the most sought after creature by the visitors....a gator

....a pretty good day visiting the Bailey Tract (see map below).

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18620520 

Sanibel Gardens

After finishing my turtle patrol, I decided to take the time to revisit Sanibel Gardens and see what has been going on there. As soon as I set foot on the trail, a family of Otters crossed the path in front of me - I was so mesmerized by their appearance that I failed to capture the moment with my camera. Soon I was covered in mosquitoes so I had to retreat to my car and use some repellent before proceeding further.

The Great Crested Flycatchers could be heard in several locations - here they are spotted in their nesting box....soon there will be chirping going on.

Past the box I spot the Swallow-tailed Kites

Simply magnificent.

I reached the bend with gratitude in my heart for the jogger behind me who decided to take the loop less traveled and therefore not spook the birds away before I got to see them.

This was one rich fish soup and the birds were happily feasting.

I see the STKI took flight - how peaceful and fluid they are with their movements.

HA! Look at you! This is the Roseate Spoonbill that has been seen around here for the past couple of months - I gather that he likes the place as much as I do. Funny though, to see him perched and to watch him adjust his balance, I thought for sure he was going to take flight but instead kept on practicing to stay put.

Sweet personality too.

The Black Racer found a nice bed to use while warming up.

I made my way to the bench, sat and took the scenery in when I heard some small chirping as soon as the Red-bellied Woodpecker landed on top of the nesting box...

Dad must have told him to be quiet for the time being

Under the watchful eye of Dad - the little one retreated to the safety of the box

There's no place like the Sanibel Garden Preserves - a free hidden treasure that is priceless. My E-Bird list http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18596054