Little Estero Lagoon North And South

Wildlife activity at Little Estero Lagoon was so interesting to me last week that I was compelled to return.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

These treks have been relatively unusual for me as I haven't made a diligent effort before now to see what might be happening at the critical wildlife area in the summer months.

Although I again observed the Least Tern in flight almost immediately having a very limited view of the beach, I chose to stay in the north lagoon itself adjacent to the Holiday Inn earlier in the week.

The wildlife photographer above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

My observations were therefore limited as to what might be happening at the shore line.

After my sighting of the terns in flight on the horizon, I had the opportunity to observe for a few moments the Tricolored Heron which can be counted on as a regular at the lagoon.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

I then focused my attention on a solitary Black Skimmer that made a few passes through the north lagoon.

It was a thrill to see the skimmer as I don't recall seeing it at this venue before while it was somewhat disappointing not to see it capture any fish which relentlessly pecked at me.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

The skimmer has otherwise been observed during virtually every visit I've made to Bunche Beach Preserve at any time of year, typically to the west from the parking area.

At the lagoon, a Willet flew in to stretch its wings as a Great Blue Heron walked by.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

I didn't see the white morph Great Blue Heron as I had a few days earlier although I wasn't in the exact same area it might have been again.

A pair of wading birds observed and often seen together when the Roseate Spoonbill is present included it and the Snowy Egret.

The Willet above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

My observations have me believe that the Snowy Egret is attracted to the foraging activity of the spoonbill which makes the egret's hunting for prey more successful.

A Reddish Egret shortly thereafter made its entrance to the lagoon and offered a great show in its feeding behavior through its magnificent dance.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

Regrettably the light had waned to the point where my final shots were taken at 1/10th of a second which did not lend very well to an appealing image of it in action.

I need to remember to bring the flash under all circumstances which would certainly be useful in improving my photography.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

My second visit to Little Estero Lagoon this week had me favor a walk south from the Holiday Inn between the finger lagoon and Gulf of Mexico leading me nearly to Big Carlos Pass which separates Little Estero Island and Lovers Key State Park.

It was on this route that I spent much time observing while continuing my effort through photography to capture the feeding behavior of the Least Tern.

The Least Tern above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

The birds flew from their nesting area at me in waves of a half dozen or fewer and often flew out of sight to the north into the blinding sun on the horizon unless they captured a fish in front of me and immediately headed back to their mates and young.

A successful catch for the Least Tern after its hover and dive behavior I would place at one in three for an individual bird observed.

The Least Tern above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

Fisherman casting their bait along the beach were apparently only having luck with catfish at the time.

There were of course White Ibis with a pair of juveniles observed feeding in the surf.

The Least Tern above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

There was an exciting overflight of a Great Blue Heron which glided gracefully to the north.

At the Least Tern nesting area, the birds somewhat ignored me as the sun was about to set.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

It was my hope to photograph the Least Tern juveniles in the last remaining sunlight of the day.

A couple of the juveniles observed took flight which indicates they are a few weeks old or more and upwards of eight weeks from inception.

The Least Tern juvenile above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

As I was looking through the viewfinder of the camera studying a juvenile, the Straightness of terns (as a group of terns is known), had a completely different atmosphere about it as the Least Tern's vocal calls changed dramatically.

I looked up to see dozens of the birds in flight over the nesting area while several were in close pursuit of a Black-crowned Night-Heron that was making a flyover from the south.

The Least Tern juvenile above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

The predatory heron left my view until I began the long walk back to the car.

A mere hundred yards up the beach, I observed that the Black-crowned Night-Heron had landed near a Great Blue Heron in the south lagoon as both species of heron were harassed by a persistent Least Tern.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron with Least Tern above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

Though neither heron took flight, they did significantly flinch at each close dive bombing by the tern.

A little further on my walk I observed a trio of Roseate Spoonbill in the very last remaining light of the day.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

Well published writer and photographer Ken Platt, in The Island Sand Paper (online subscription recommended), advised me this week that some wildlife observers apparently got too close to the spoonbills at the north lagoon while photographing them as he had not observed the birds for several days.

The more secluded area of the lagoon further to the south offers some bird species more than others a level of tranquility.

The Least Tern juvenile above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

A very favorable low tide of -0.4 was observed at Little Estero Lagoon on 10 June 2010.

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron has been elusive during my recent visits to Little Estero Lagoon last observed here in cooler weather.

The sunset above was photographed at Little Estero Lagoon in June 2010.

Future returns to this very appealing wildlife venue are assured.

Random Thoughts

There have been enough breaks in inclement weather to allow for an occasional observation of bird behavior here in southwest Florida this summer without too much fear of getting the photography equipment wet. There has been a mid season downward revision to the hurricane forecast which is no guarantee that there won't be a chaotic scene at some point by November.

The White Ibis above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

If a hurricane does ultimately make its way across the southern peninsula of the state, I will be curious to see what kind of fallout of unusual species for the area may occur. The ensuing beach erosion would be among the tragic results of a significant storm. We get our fair share of this devastation in the winter months in this area.

I was extremely challenged by photographing birds in flight at the beach Thursday in the late afternoon and early evening. Somewhat so due to the sun behind some clouds and the specific bird subject, the Black Skimmer, that only landed on one occasion at close range very briefly to swallow its catch. The study of the species had me crawling around with my tripod.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

This species is a relatively fast flyer that makes abrupt changes in direction. It also had no problem at all flying directly toward me on a number of occasions. I had the impression that the birds were attempting to drive me from their feeding grounds or I may have simply been in their way.

In any event, it's a beautiful species which it appears I got a couple shots of in focus. The majority of the 300 plus images were not.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

It is such an unnerving experience to have the marine creatures that the birds favor for their sustenance crawl on you when your immersed in the water with them. When I undressed in the shower that evening, I was not surprised that I brought home a hitch hiker, a small crab, that I don't think survived after a trip down the drain.

With the exception of a major malfunction with the Canon 1D M3, the Canon 5D M2 and all the related accessories acquired this past year have exceeded my expectations. They give the user at least the opportunity to take an interesting shot.

The Brown Pelican above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

I've made an initial investigation of the playlist music player which looks like an interesting gadget that will allow a visitor here or at another site to listen to music chosen by the host. I will be adding that feature in the near future.

I was very surprised to read in Arthur Morris's blog recently that he will not be visiting Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge for the first time in 10 years due to what he believes to be a significant decline in wildlife photography opportunities.

The Least Tern above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

I mentioned this to Park Services Specialist, Brie Ochoa, at Lovers Key State Park, and her thought was that the poor water quality at Lake Okeechobee is potentially working its way through the Caloosahatchee River into the Gulf of Mexico and the estuaries at DDNWR.

My personal thought on this is that just like at any venue, it may be hit and miss on what you'll see for a variety of reasons.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in July 2009.

Virtually any venue in Florida might be considered a tourist attraction, especially in the winter months. As the snowbirds arrive, the wildlife simply responds to the disruption that is sometimes abusive. Such has been the case in my wildlife observations when I see an occasional beach enthusiast unfortunately have complete disregard for the birds at rest or feeding. The disregard for wildlife happens in all seasons by locals and visitors alike.

The water temperature has gotten noticeably cooler.

Bunche Beach Revisited

Does lightning have a smell? I can't say I know the answer. The accompanying rain certainly can. It is one of my favorite aromas.

That unique fragrance caused by water interacting with mold, which I read as the cause somewhere, is sometimes experienced in advance of your getting wet if you're lucky.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

A return visit to Bunche Beach Preserve was enjoyable as usual while the smell of of rain was absent. The skies have been predominantly overcast this summer in southwest Florida. Not advantageous for wildlife photography outdoors for sure, but I recall wildlife photographer Arthur Morris stating that he likes such conditions at times.

I had arrived at the preserve a little earlier in the afternoon than has been my opportunity in the past. It was a temptation I couldn't resist as the bird action has been rewarding this summer.

The White Ibis above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

I will only visit the preserve at or near low tide when the birds are in greater numbers feeding in the shallows. I passed a photographer on my walk along the beach to the west channel whom I told should return at the more opportune time for observing the wildlife with low tide only merely hours away. Particularly to hopefully see the Black-crowned Night-Heron that I had observed on my last visit to the preserve.

There was evidently a storm brewing to the north which gave no evidence of movement which I thought would spare an interruption of my observations at the beach. I was wrong.

The White Ibis above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

Less than an hour after arriving and making the walk past the west channel, the lightning was impressive. Within minutes of my first sighting of it, the lightning was too close for comfort. Within 500 feet would be my guess.

Not a good time to be in the water. The third strike was the decisive one to make the half mile retreat to the car when the nearly instantaneous thunder had every bird in the area take flight with the exception of a Reddish Egret that chose to stand its ground.

The Snowy Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

Once in the confines of the car, I held my ground and waited things out for about 45 minutes when it appeared the worst was over and I trekked back to my favored place at the preserve.

Virtually all of the small shore birds that were in greater numbers than I had seen before at the preserve, were gone. The Reddish Egret was still exactly where I had left him, but then in the company of a greater number of White Ibis than I had seen before anywhere. There were a few Snowy Egrets in the group as well.

The moon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

The most memorable events of the day included the flight of the 74 Ibis I had counted in my immediate vicinity, with others beyond, that took flight instantaneously when a Great Blue Heron apparently walked a little too close to them. And most curiously, the appearance of three Black Skimmers were seen at what seemed the exact moment the sun had set. They strafed me on several occasions obviously under lighting conditions uncooperative for capturing more wildlife images.

The photographer I had seen earlier returned at my suggestion, but he was not prepared to get in the water as I only observed him from a great distance while he was able to photograph at very close range what appeared to be a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron on the beach. I'm sure he considered the return to the preserve worthwhile. The BKNH remained absent on this day.

The Willet above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in August 2009.

On the final walk back to the parking area, I briefly observed a few humans in near darkness as annoying insects including sand gnats and mosquitos were abundant. The pests were extremely voracious as the air was very still and had me flee the area quicker than I would have liked.

At most other times of year, there is at least a strong breeze that would keep such a nuisance at bay at this venue.

Illegal Documentation

I recently made my first trip to Everglades National Park on June 18, 2009. While there may be virtually unlimited access to this incredibly vast wildlife venue that encompasses a major footprint on the southern peninsula of Florida by water, there are only two official primary entrances to the park by land. These include the Shark Valley Visitor Center at the northern edge of the park between Naples and Miami and the primary access to the park at its main entrance in Homestead south of Miami which allows access for a slice through the park all the way to Flamingo at the end of the highway.

The Black Skimmer above at Lovers Key State Park is always a special treat to observe as it can never be counted on for a sighting.

Everglades National Park is considered to be a world class venue for wildlife viewing. One can expect that for its enormity in size and diversity including eight habitat types. In my limited research of the park, it has been noted that more than half of its area may have been negatively impacted due to man's intervention for control of its water sources for urban and agricultural needs. Weather consequences as well may have been attributable to concerns of a reported 90 percent reduction in the numbers of wading birds observed in the recent past. It is believed that the birds, however, are on a significant rebound.

As with many popular wildlife venues in this part of Florida, it may be expected that wildlife is especially abundant as the water levels from torrential summer thunderstorms and hurricanes subside to the point where food for avian and land creatures is virtually cherry picked for the taking. This scenario was recently described to me by a friend whom observed this reality at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve before the beginning of this year's rainy season. I've made a few visits to the slough with the closest experience seen first hand at the National Audubon Society Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary this spring when a veteran volunteer told me of an alligator getting the better of a wading bird some years ago. Such an event is surprisingly not much more frequently observed at that time as dozens of egrets were seen in the company of a handful of what appeared to be very well fed alligators.

It was during my initial journey into the national park on the way to Flamingo that I made my first observation of the Swallow-tailed Kite with its flight along the road toward me as it made a flyover. The observation was especially exciting as I had not seen the species before. This past week has offered the sighting of the kite in Fort Myers on two additional occasions. I'm very optimistic to offer my own photographic evidence of this species in the future.

In the meantime, you may see the Swallow-tailed Kite as observed by my friend, Tim Rucci, here. I hope you encounter a similar experience.