More treats

Yesterday was so rewarding at the Bailey Tract that I felt the need to return today and see what else was in store for me - I was really glad I did.

Fall foliage at the Bailey Tract

The ducks and grebe are slowly waking up.

The surprise of the day: a Swamp Sparrow....seldom seen or heard....what a treat!

I felt blessed to have him pop up in front of me and stay for a bit.

Today was also the day to have ample opportunities to watch the Common Yellow-throat, it doesn't happen very often that this little fellow stays long enough for good looks let alone take a photo.

This is usually the side that I see as it flies by at bullet speed.

A House Wren

What can I say - I'm a sucker for yellow - my happy and warm color.

A Rattlebox Butterfly - a very tiny one which shows pink when in flight. What a nice way to seal the day. My E-Bird List for today.

Bailey treats

I love the fall - the changing foliage that takes place, the humidity that starts to lift and of course the birds that starts to return to our area - what is not to love! The Bailey Tract is abuzz and I'm loving it.

A gator silently floating by - blending in with its surrounding.

A Green Heron comfortably resting.

A couple Indigo Buntings in their fall plumage making it difficult to identify.

A Palm Warbler - they are one my favorite to photograph - what's not to love?

A House Wren out in the open yet hiding behind multiple twigs - they are at the Bailey Tract in great numbers lately and it's always a treat when they pop out in the open.

Stay tuned, there is more to come. My E-Bird List for today (38 species)

A snoozing gator

The weather was not cooperating today and I felt restless - so what better way to chase the blues than hop in the car and drive through Ding Darling - the birds were seeking shelter from the rain but the gator didn't seem to mind.

Peek-a-boo - I see you

Bowman's Beach

My friend Jewel is in town and she is on the beginning stages of learning about birds, I was more than happy to accompany her to the beach for some further study.....Bowman's Beach seemed like a good idea and it turned out to be perfect.

Our first sighting was a Short-billed Dowitcher, he must have gotten separated from the pack because he was all alone.

The sun is rising and the sky is waking up with gorgeous colors.

The Gull coming in for a landing is looking familiar....

Aha! It is! An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull.

A pretty big gull - towering over the Laughing Gulls at twice the size.

Another beautiful surprise - American Oystercatcher with Black-bellied Plover, Sanderling and Willet.

Since their bill is not totally red - that tells me that it hasn't quite reached adulthood yet.

A couple Semi-palmated Plovers were seen.

Several flocks of Sanderling were observed.

My friend again - one of the perks of fall into winter is the sighting of these beautiful Gulls.

On our way out Jewel pointed out this Yellow-crowned Night Heron sleeping in the Mangroves.

What a great way to seal the day!

Great sightings on the beach this morning, check my E-bird list for the rest of the species seen today.

The early riser gets the bird

I just love this time of the year, the sky is clearer and the air is cooler - there are more birds and the trail is still quiet.

My visit to the Bailey Tract and the Sanibel Garden Preserve this morning provided nice surprises.

Doesn't this Mockingbird look lovely as he is being kissed by the morning light?

I guess I could say the same about this Eastern Phoebe, his song was a nice bonus too.

Several White Ibis adopted this bare tree, the Osprey decided it was just too crowded and left.

I liked how the clouds/humidity started to move in the area - it sure created interesting hues in the vista.

A young Bald Eagle perched on the tower - which provided me the answer as to why all of a sudden all the birds left.

When the dust settled a few unknowing Eurasian Collared Doves came to roost nearby.

On my way back I stumbled upon a House Wren right out in the open, he had the better viewing side.

A regal Merlin digesting his dragonfly.

You know the ducks are underway when you see a nice crowd of Blue-winged Teal.....I'm ready.