My attention to wildlife was at Harns Marsh Preserve this past week primarily with interest in again observing the Snail Kite which should be expected at this venue with modest effort.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. I planted myself at virtually the exact same spot on each of my three visits within six days to the preserve with the intent of the wildlife approaching me as opposed to making the few hour walk around the preserve's boundary.
The water level at Harns Marsh appeared very high this year due to what might be considered normal tropical rainfall.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. One of the highlights of my first visit of the week was a relatively close sighting of Belted Kingfisher.
I've found this species abundant in the area, even along the beaches, but it is a challenging bird to be in the right place at the right time to photograph.
The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. There was fishing line observed in the body of a banded Snail Kite on day one that was observed on day two.
This particular kite was observed with three identification bands on its legs.
The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. In addition, with calm conditions, there was an overflight of 17 most likely Mottled Duck with it interesting to see what might have been a battle for control of the lead as the group was never well formed as I saw them briefly.
The second visit to Harns Marsh had close observation of how the Snail Kite will meticulously dissect its prey before consuming it as observed during an earlier visit to the preserve.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. I also observed an overflight of Glossy Ibis which is a relatively rare sight compared to the White Ibis in the area.
It was my great fortune on this visit to meet San Diego Audobon member and skilled birder at the SDA website, Michelle Matson, visiting from San Diego with her companions from Orlando.
The Glossy Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. Michelle co-lead the 4 March 2010 San Diego Audubon Society Tijuana River Valley Mexican border trip with
Guy McCaskie who has been called the “godfather” of California birding.
Michelle specifically told me of her particular interest in one of her local specialties, California Gnatcatcher, while knowing confidently where to find them.
Ivette at left from Orlando and Michelle from San Diego above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. She also made reference to the very vocal Red-shouldered Hawk observed at Harns Marsh Preserve with it noted her San Diego area species having a slightly darker breast.
Day three at the preserve offered views of close flybys of Snail Kite where I remained challenged by keeping them within the frame of the camera and using the best exposure bias for a shot true to what seen at the time.
The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. Although the Snail Kite was not observed to pluck any snails from the water, it was observed in flight carrying snails on several occasions.
I also saw rare feeding behavior of the Red-shouldered Hawk which had snatched a dragonfly from the grass below a large pine tree.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. Osprey were more prevalent on this last day where they were seen riding the thermals with Black and Turkey Vultures.
Several large flocks of White Ibis with upwards of four dozen in one group that consisted primarily of juveniles were observed in flight as the headed south.
The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. A much smaller group of White Ibis was seen flying to the north which I speculate had broken from the last group headed south.
Limpkin, Harns Marsh Preserve's other signature species, were heard on all three visits, but not seen from my vantage point.
The White Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. I also had the chance to meet Josh whom arrived at the preserve at the same time as I did on day three.
Josh informed me of his memorable bird sightings at his workplace close to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary although his primary interest at Harns Marsh Preserve was to spend the morning fishing.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. In the time I spent observing the trees, water and sky in front of me, I couldn't help but think of day two.
It was at that time upon parking the car that I observed a large black fish jump from the water in its attempt to catch a dragonfly hovering over the water.
The White Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. As I sat in the car in wonderment, I missed in my failure to set up as quickly as possible photography of one of the fastest class of flying birds for their size in my observations which are ducks.
Josh also commented that he at one time lived close to Babcock/ Webb WMA and confirmed my belief that the area should be avoided during scheduled hunts as the participants may shoot anything that moves on the morning after heavy partying.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010. He told me of his successful fishing at Harns Marsh Preserve that morning before I left.
Harns Marsh Preserve appears to have boardwalk construction on hold although a mile or more of it is in order.
Josh fishing above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2010.
