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Sunday, August 24, 2014

It's warming up

I saw a huge decline in the species of bird lately and I can taste the turn around that is now taking place. Quite a few of the shorebirds have been making their comeback and I welcome them wholeheartedly.
I started my day by doing turtle patrol and on my way back I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise.

As I turned the corner, I was pleasantly surprised to catch sight of the Swallow Tailed Kites - this pair was found floating and taking advantage of the air movements. It was an unusual sight because these birds leave our island sometime in July to spend their winters in Brazil.

A young Least Tern resting after feeding.

A Black-bellied Plover slowly losing his black belly feathers as he gets ready for winter.

A Ruddy Turnstone - as the name implies, this ruddy colored bird flicks shells and stones while looking for food. This bird is special to me because it correspond with the start of my birding interest.

An adult and immature Royal Tern - the immature can often be seen begging for food/attention for long period of times - the next time you see them, spend time observing this behavior as it is quite entertaining.

Here are two Least Terns with a Ruddy Turnstone - this gives you an idea as to how small those Terns are.

Stay tuned, it is gearing up as migration takes place and more birds are showing up - I look forward to their arrival and the cooling of our temperatures too.
 

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Tern in question

I was out doing turtle patrol when I saw a Tern that was definitely looking different than the rest of the bunch. I noticed that it was bigger than a Least and smaller than a Sandwich. Of interest was the fact that the bill was black, slender and a bit decurved. The part (lore) before the cap was white with black striation. The dark black cap extended down to the nape. Also, I noticed the legs were very delicate looking and had a red/maroon-ish color. I was using my cell phone and zooming in to get the photo while staying a bit away so as not to scare it off. The actual color of the bird was paler than it appears in the photo. Also, please note the shadow of the tail in the sand which seems to extend past the wings making me think that it might be a Roseate.




 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Loggerhead to sea

Let's clap for CROW

I have several things that I am quite passionate about and one of those are the sea turtles. I volunteer and help with protection and seldom get to see the turtles - so today was a very special day. As volunteers for SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) we were invited to witness the release of "Cora" a Loggerhead sea turtle who had been found 6 weeks ago with deep laceration and a broken bone in her flipper, most likely due to interaction with fishing gear. CROW (care and rehabilitation of wildlife) worked their magic, Cora healed nicely and was strong enough to be released back to the ocean. Come and visit with me as we let her go.
Everyone is eager to see and patiently waiting as we line up while providing ample room for her to move.


Cora was carried a little bit closer to the gulf while keeping her eyes covered to keep her tranquil.


"This is your moment Cora" - time to let you go and let you be in your natural environment.


She was quite a trooper as she propelled herself forward - all 150lbs+.



Some more encouragement and a little coaxing, she seemed to be a bit disoriented, however her swimming skills, her ability to breathe and resurface on her own was/is very strong.


She was seen at a distance coming up for air - looking good!

And off she went as she waved us farewell.
 

Saturday, August 9, 2014

CWA in August

I had heard of good sightings on Fort Myers Beach at the CWA (Critical Wildlife Area), and decided to take in the site with my friend Larissa, we were very happy campers.
This looked like a really promising watch and it was!

A couple Semipalmated Plovers with a Western (?) Sandpiper.

I introduced this Marbled Godwit to my friend and shared with her that its bill points upward to God's world, she liked that.

I had to take a double look when I saw those Reddish Egrets - the immature ones (3) took me for a loop as I'd never seen them without the red/brown neck.

let alone see one take a bath chess deep!

More Black Skimmers in flight.



It's always a good idea to take a closer look because you just never know what you will find amidst the majorities - sometimes little surprises awaits.


These immature Black Skimmers are growing up so fast.

The Marbled Godwits amongst the Willets


Watch where you're going!

Aha! A Whimbrel, hanging out with the Laughing Gulls.



What a nice group!


Look at those two! A Marbled Godwit on the left and a Whimbrel on the right.....easy to get fooled when the bill is hidden.

Marbled Godwit.

Whimbrel wondering within the Black Skimmers and blending with the Willet in the background.



A Sanderling meeting.

A pod of dolphins going by.

Two adult White Ibis.

A Great Egret within the reflection of the palm trees - I've actually reversed this photo because - well - a palm tree upside down just looks funny to me.

The dolphins splashing their tails had our attention for 15 minutes - what a treat that was!

A young Black Skimmers fully grown now but still sporting his immature plumage.

Notice how 'grey' the Willets are compare to the Godwits.

More sanderlings.

The Whimbrel with Least Terns in the background.


The Marbled Godwit wished us farewell....

till the next time.

My E-Bird list for CWA - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19362792