The beachcomber above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010. More than five months had passed since my last visit to Estero Lagoon, a venue that I've never found less than favorable.
The lagoon was on my mind courtesy of fellow photographer and wildlife observer Chris Baker, whom I met at Harns Marsh, visiting from across the pond.
The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.Chris had noted that Roseate Spoonbills were active at the lagoon and arriving shortly before sunset.
When I inquired of him if he had seen the American Oystercatcher, which he noted positively, I wasn't expecting the experience that I would enjoy this week.
The Killdeer above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.Upon my initial arrival at Estero Lagoon, the first bird species seen was Yellow-crowned Night-Heron.
It was perhaps the same bird that had been so accommodating to me in the past.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is not often seen, so I paused for a moment before moving on to the southern part of the lagoon.
There were many Brown Pelicans flying in the area as should be expected.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.The other common locals including Killdeer, White Ibis, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Willet, Reddish Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, and Tricolored Heron (my favorite bird to observe in flight for is colorful beauty) would be seen.
An unexpected treat was the overflight of several Magnificent Frigatebird.
The Magnificent Frigatebird above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.I chose to forgo the use of the converter/extender with the thought of a comment Chris had made about soft images that he's apparently experienced with its use.
I was glad that he agreed to double stack them with hopefully acceptable results last week.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.The above technique I've noted to occasionally be used by Florida based wildlife photographer, Artie Morris.
An interest in his co-creation of "Birds as Art" should not be overlooked.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.At Estero Lagoon, the Canon extender wouldn't be necessary with my ability to get so close to the birds and I chose not to use it.
In addition, my backup camera used offered a 1.3X internal magnification factor.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.After a review of all the images taken, I believe that I had more of a problem with quality related to my chosen 800 ISO setting perhaps earlier than was necessary.
I also have noted that the use of flash (incorrectly) before it was necessary was always the image that I found less favorable although this might be considered a personal preference.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.As I settled down waiting for the spoonbills which I thought I might be able to capture some good flight shots of, the American Oystercatchers returned after an earlier sighting and I was hooked in observation of them.
Another photographer also chose to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Wood Stork above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.He noted at one point the feeding behavior of the species to be well worth his time.
The oystercatchers were just downright fun to observe.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.The feeding behavior of the oystercatcher was the highlight of the time spent with them with at one point a Willet entering the scene to show a brazen nature while it would merely pick up scraps.
The oystercatchers were very active, with one of them sporting green bands on both legs and a metal band on its lower left leg.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.The metal band on the oystercatcher from a distance could offer no clues about its meaning.
A very heavy crop and 180 degree rotation of a photograph of the bird led to details including the band having been placed on the bird upside down with numbers that appear to be "185" with letters bellow that which appear to be "LASR."
The banded American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.This bird was aggressive in the group as it attempted to steal a worm from another of its kind at one point though didn't take away the worm.
The banded bird was the only one observed to engage in bathing behavior.
The American Oystercatcher with Willet above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.The fellow photographer seemed appreciative of my pointing out the action which I thought was obscured from his point of view.
A few minutes after sunset was the point when a solitary Roseate Spoonbill flew into the scene as well as a Reddish Egret and solitary Sanderling.
The photographer above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.This was about 90 minutes late and birds missing in numbers based on Chris' report.
I was very intrigued with the spoonbill's aggressive hunting style which is typically much more subdued in my observations of the species.
The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.While the oystercatchers were extremely enjoyable to observe for the time devoted to them, the spoonbill seen with flash required for a relatively focused shot was extraordinary in its behavior.
I was thrilled to see a catch made and captured in two images that was not known to have happened in real time.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.A few Woodstork would be observed up until the extreme last light of the day with an attempt made to photograph it.
The use of flash in the dark conditions led to the unfavorable red eye effect with the Woodstork's pupils and I didn't like the foreground clutter that would allow even a less than favorable crop.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.The eyes of the Roseate Spoonbill under the same conditions appear somewhat unnatural.
Shorebirds easily compete with wading ones for your attention at remarkable wildlife venues such as Estero Lagoon.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in November 2010.My follow up late afternoon visit to Estero Lagoon saw a much lower tide.
I decided to travel to the southern most point I've ventured to in the past where I last saw nesting Least Terns.
The Ruddy Turnstone with Sanderling above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in December 2010.I devoted a lot of attention to a small group of Ruddy Turnstone in the company of about an equal number of Sanderling.
My point of view was from within the Gulf of Mexico with the sun setting somewhat behind me.
The Ruddy Turnstone with Sanderling above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in December 2010.The wind was very light although the waves required me to reposition myself on a couple of occasions.
The Ruddy Turnstone made interesting work of an urchin with sea the creature turned over numerous times.
The Wilson's Plover above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Up to five Sanderling would approach the turnstone making work of the urchin to only have hit and miss opportunities for a bite.
On the way back to the primary lagoon, I briefly observed a Snowy and pair of Wilson's Plovers.
Adams Serra above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in December 2010.I also met and spoke with Adams Serra after recognizing him from a mutual visit to the lagoon earlier this year.
Adams is a member at Naturescapes where I've found Florida wildlife photographers Alfred and Fabiola Forns to be major contributors.
The photographer above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in December 2010.It would be a treat to end the day to again meet up with Chris Baker whom was getting down and dirty with the fellow I met earlier in the week.
Chris would tell and show me of his minute's old experience of a Little Blue Heron that had taken a prawn from a Black-bellied Plover offering Chris remarkable wildlife photography.
Chris at right and fellow wildlife photographer above were photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Enjoy what you might see here on your average day at any time of year and remain patient for the unexpected.
