Late 2010 Southwest Florida Birding At Its Best

This week for the blog started out a little more enthusiastically than normal with Chris and Rachael Baker still "in town" from the United Kingdom on a vacation for them that would hopefully lead to a successful end to their Southwest Florida visit.

The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

A trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary started the week with sightings at the swamp about average for this time of year I would guess.

We failed to see some of the species noted on the recent sightings board as we exited the sanctuary.

The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

Earlier, it was a treat for me to walk back along the boardwalk to where I had last seen Chris go and observe him and his camera honed in on a pair of raccoons directly in front of him.

He was certainly in a much better position to photograph them successfully with his zoom lens which he attached to his camera after the raccoons went back onto the floor of the sanctuary.

The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

I noted that he took off the Better Beamer (flash extender) from his camera as quietly as he could at one point for the better shots.

My attempt to get a good image of Rachael with the beamer resulted in significantly overexposed unrecoverable images as were virtually all my shots of the raccoons.

Chris Baker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

I believe the raccoons were the highlight for the Bakers on this trip while Chris mentioned to me he has not had much success in photographing mammals.

It was a rewarding trip for me in the visit to Corkscrew Swamp where I was to observe and photograph the American Goldfinch for the first time at the feeder.

The raccoon above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

Upon my sighting of the bird, I had not clue what I was looking at, but was certainly captivated by its beauty.

A fellow visitor to the sanctuary advised me that the bird could be seen in its best plumage up north at another time of year.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

I anticipated diligently that the goldfinch and Painted Bunting would offer photo opportunities in the vegetation, but that didn't happen on this trip.

With me in the lead for the drive, I won't go into detail of my missing the exit off the Interstate aside from noting that we nearly arrived at Marco Island.

The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

I guess I might be classified as one of those that would refuse to stop and ask for directions.

You certainly wouldn't believe now that I've been to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at least a dozen times.

The American Goldfinch above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.

With what I thought was assurance for Chris an Rachael to see "a lifer" in Red-cockaded Woodpecker at Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area, we had no luck with a small game hunt going on.

I felt the trip at my recommendation and failure to observe the Red-cockaded redeemed with Chris's ability to photograph Tree Swallows successfully at Webb Lake.

The scene above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.

I struggled to take 11 photographs of the swallows compared to the 58 Chris did which he astonishingly noted.

Chris and Rachael seemed to enjoy the venue nonetheless and led me to believe that they will return to the expansive refuge that offers remarkable wildlife observation opportunities.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.

After a coffee break, a late day trip to Bunche Beach Preserve caught us in the rain close to the west channel with Chris offering the idea to hold out for better weather.

The clouds looked very ominous and I thus drove down to Lovers Key State Park to renew what I thought was my expired Florida State Park's annual membership to find that I won't need to do that until after the turn of the new year.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.

As an afterthought, this is definitely the way to go as I would lose out significantly if I'm not able to visit a Florida State Park until later next year.

By renewing the annual fee at that time will extend the opportunity to visit that much later after that.

The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.

A wise decision as Florida State Park admission prices are relatively high compared to what they were a few years ago.

I support the pay as you go theory with regard to state and national parks in particular to keep them viable.

The Royal Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.

With Fort Myers area bridge construction costs paid off, I however disagree with the tolls for them.

I made a last light of the day trip to Bunche with hopes of capturing an image of potential interest while I noted the parking fee kiosk has been installed.

The Dunlin with Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.

I devoted particular attention to a Forster's Tern bathing at each opportunity while the species unfortunately would be hidden behind gulls or Royal and Sandwich Terns due to their greater numbers.

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was the next point of interest with favorable tides this week.

The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.

I missed dragging Chris and Rachael to the notable venue from Bowditch Point Regional Park.

At Ding Darling, I would meet the photo editor of a North American wildlife publication as we observed predominantly White Pelicans flying onto the scene.

The White Pelican above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.

My anticipated Belted Kingfisher arrived, though didn't offer the best opportunity for photography of it.

The photo editor eruditely commented on how he judges an image for publication while scrutinizing an image's metadata and also uses an extensive record of photographic documentation of bird species to adjust the color of plumage, if necessary, in an image in front of him.

The White Pelican above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.

The editor commented on the infamous 2009 "Storybook Wolf" photograph that is unquestionably exposed here while noting through his expertise that he is assured that the eye of the wolf was manipulated in the image of it.

As flash photography was discussed (with Tim Rucci in the back of my mind having commented to me some time ago that its use must be applied with great discretion in wildlife photography), the photo editor commented to me the importance of using a "blind" in photographic documentation observations.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.

A blind may simply be a pop up tent, but useful in attracting wildlife to you nonetheless.

The photo editor and his companion enthusiastically told of using such a technique for observation and successful photography of the feeding behavior of a Belted Kingfisher east of Naples.

The immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.

The editor also commented on a renowned bird photographer that "cooks" his bird subjects with powerful flash devices for the best images he can create.

A specific incident was mentioned where the adult birds left their nest which resulted in the fledglings being consumed by a predatory bird.

The Pied-billed Grebe above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.

There is unquestionably a need to understand the difference between artistic photographic renderings of wildlife and mere documentation of a particular subject or event.

The editor was extremely generous in offering opinion on how I may improve my photography and particularly set the bar by calling for a photograph of a Black Rail (perhaps most likely encountered in the Everglades) that he has yet to see a really good image of.

The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The first trip to Harns Marsh Preserve was by far the highlight of the week with a 1st sighting of Ring-necked Duck as "a lifer" and Crested Caracara observed adding it as the 140th aves species seen on the official checklist for the preserve as of this writing.

I believe the free roaming Crested Caracara was possibly observed at the most southwestern edge of its known range.

The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The bird was remarkably carrying something in its beak upon its first sighting at Harns Marsh.

Nesting material would seem unlikely though is hopeful.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The Crested Caracara's wingspan at 49 inches compares to the Red-shouldered Hawk's 40 inches, the Osprey's 63 inches, the Bald Eagle's 80 inches, and the Black and Turkey Vulture wingspans at 59 inches and 67 inches respectively.

It would indeed be a very competitive and stressful environment for the caracara at Harns Marsh Preserve if it stays and perseveres.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The Bald Eagle and Osprey would offer cat and mouse aerial displays with each species following the other extremely closely.

My initial three hour stay at Harns Marsh would offer the pre-dawn 31 degrees resulting in extremely shaky hands which ultimately led to a surprise for me.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The slow shutter speed and out of focus low light shot of a Killdeer along the marsh's shore would include in the image created a Wilson's Snipe that I had not observed in nearly 22 months since a trip to Green Cay Wetlands near Delray Beach.

The snipe was so well camouflaged that I didn't even notice it in the wild as I continued my attention on the Killdeer.

The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

Rachael would certainly not have overlooked it.

I learned this week that I have misidentified the snipe as "common" although most likely a subspecies known as "Wilson's."

The White Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

A significant difference between the two species is an additional tail feather on Wilson's Snipe.

Later in the morning, a fellow visitor to Harns Marsh amusingly inquired if I had observed any penguins.

The wildlife enthusiasts above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The 4 December 2010 tour and bird count offered at Florida's STA5 with its 93 bird species observed with American Pipit added to the list reminds me of my disappointment in my inability to participate in such a monumental event.

A follow up visit to Harns Marsh Preserve to end the week failed to offer another sighting of the Crested Caracara or Wilson's Snipe.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

All the other species observed at mid week were seen or heard again, however.

The Snail Kite was a welcome site while it offered several close flybys.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The clear sky, warmer weather, and early morning light were favorable for enjoyable wildlife photography.

Four American Oystercatchers At Estero Lagoon

On the heals of my relatively inland trip to Harns Marsh Preserve this past Thanksgiving holiday, I was excited to get back to the beach for some observation of shore birds.

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.