Harns Marsh Preserve: Late Summer 2010

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.

Go Fly A Kite At Harns Marsh

While I was very tempted to take up Fabs Forns' "Project July: Interaction" Sticky at Birdphotographers.net, with a goal of photographing birds and their offspring this week, I decided instead to return inland to Harns Marsh Preserve knowing it unlikely to see fledgling birds.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in July 2010.

If you have yet to visit BPN, I strongly encourage you to do so.

There is some extraordinary and world class wildlife photography there with a great community of members and educational opportunities.

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

I have lately been getting an earful of the fledgling activity of the Common and Boat-tailed Grackles at my front door as there are a few nests in the Sabal Palms unfortunately without an ability to photograph them.

The adult birds have been observed bringing insects to the young and removing their droppings from the nest.

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

I haven't been able to get out of my mind the comment made to me by American Birding Association member, Hemant Kishan, who told me of his disappointment of his experience at Harns Marsh Preserve in April of this year.

Upon each of my visits there, I've considered the wildlife experience very rewarding.

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

This week I arrived at the preserve and saw two Limpkins and a Snail Kite before I parked the car.

In my few hours observing the activity at the preserve this week, I didn't see as many smaller birds as I have in the past, but certainly to be expected in mid-summer.

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

The vocal calls of birds at the preserve were abundant while a few were even recognizable.

I like to think that I'm getting better at my ability to bird by ear.

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

I just wish that the shore and wading birds weren't so typically silent in my observations of them as I need repetition for identification.

The intent of my visit to Harns Marsh Preserve this week was to observe and photograph the Snail Kite which can be expected to be seen at any time of year.

The Little Blue Heron (1st year) above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in July 2010.

On this latest visit, I walked south to the treeline and waited for the action to come to me while taking a mere few shots at the parking area.

I have been expecting the kites to become more prevalent as snails become so as well.

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

Egg casings of the snails were observed in abundance to later this summer and fall benefit the kites and other bird species.

On a previous visit to Harns Marsh, I've observed the Limpkin to favor the snails as the bird species worked the shoreline.

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

Although I wasn't counting, there were at last at least five unique sightings of the Snail Kite.

I was able to observe both sexes of the kite which are very distinctive from one another and what appeared to be a 1st year juvenile as well.

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

It would be quite a thrill to observe the White-tailed and Mississippi Kites at this venue which have yet to be documented, while the range of these species makes it a possibility with the greatest of fortune.

On a couple of occasions, the Snail Kite flew so close to me that I wasn't able to keep the bird in the viewfinder of the camera.

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

The alligator I observed on my last visit to the preserve was not seen.

Although the Limpkin could be heard at one point or another from every direction, it was especially active when a Snail Kite flew low over its breeding colony far to the north from where I was.

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

When the kite was feeding up close at one point, I was able to observe that it is very selective in the part of the snail that it eats.

After the snail is pulled from its shell, the darker parts of it are discarded by the kite before the off-white snail itself is consumed in small bits.

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

I noted that the sign at the parking area with its certain prohibitions at the preserve was missing.

One of the rules I recall were that no boats were permitted in the water.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in July 2010.

With the sign gone, it seemed appropriate to see a boat, with fishing enthusiasts, in the water for the first time.

Fellow wildlife enthusiast, Tom Obrock, occasionally reports about his experiences at this venue as well.

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

Needless to say, it was another enjoyable wildlife experience at Harns Marsh Preserve.

I hope Hemant gives it another chance to impress him.

Bunche Beach Preserve Dedication

In the age of segregation in the United States, greatness and legacy was born.

Ranger Hitchcock with Lee County Parks and Recreation above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

In southwest Florida, in 1949, a half acre parcel of land was purchased on San Carlos Bay by those with foresight in Lee County which would in the following year be dedicated to Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche and was called Bunche Beach.

At its dedication, an estimated 3000 people certainly reveled at one of the first "black" beaches during the historical age of segregation with Bunche Beach today part of and bearing Dr. Bunche's name at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve.

The gentlelady above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

During this earlier period, Dr. Bunch had traveled a path that led him to receive the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize for his United Nations negotiations between Israelis and Arab States in the creation of the Palestine accord.

Dr. Bunche also received the Medal of Freedom from President Kennedy in 1963.

The gentlelady above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

The history of Dr. Bunche is very interesting and I encourage you to research his life.

A remarkable facility constructed for the use of future Bunche Beach Preserve visitors was dedicated on 19 June 2010, while also honoring D.J. "Petro" Petruccelli who served as an executive of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce for 22 years and was a 25 year member of the Lee County Parks and Recreation Services Advisory Committee.

Tom Obrock above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

If it weren't for fellow Florida wildlife enthusiast, Tom Obrock, who advised me of the dedication and ribbon cutting at the preserve, I would always regret missing it.

The building on the current 719-acre preserve site has greatly benefited from further land purchases and donations while utilizing solar power for its electrical needs and has composting restrooms with no running water available.

The gentleman above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

The name of the road to Bunche Beach is John Morris, but I thought I heard it referred to as Bunche Road during the ceremony.

This road now terminating at San Carlos Bay from the north was once the primary route across the bay with its wooden bridge destroyed by a hurricane in 1926.

Ranger Miller with Lee County Parks and Recreation above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

The officials re-dedicating the preserve and its new facilities were all passionate in their words and well received by the crowd at hand.

While additional parking spaces were created in the 2010 renovation of the preserve, many were lost seemingly as a compromise.

Senior Supervisor, Cindy Carter, with Lee County Parks and Recreation above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

Significant parking closer to the beach has been eliminated.

Bunche Beach Preserve is one of my favorite venues to visit at any time, but particularly at low tide when one can walk over a large expanse of the bay to observe the often prolific bird activity there.

The gentleman above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

At the time of the ceremony, I was fortunate to observe an Osprey with prey while a few other bird species also passed overhead.

Bunche Beach Preserve has a proclivity to attract the endangered Piping Plover which currently receives federal protection.

Lee County Florida District 4 Commissioner, Tammy Hall, above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

My first observation of the Piping Plover was in the infancy of my interest in birding while at Bunche Beach Preserve.

My interest was of course heightened when I observed this bird species with evidence of numerous captures of it due to the bands on its legs.

The blessing above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

My research of banding has led me to believe that there can be great importance in the pursuit of birding.

While the Piping Plover is rarely seen, wading birds, and shore birds such as Wilson's Plover and Black Skimmer are much more frequently observed at Bunche Beach Preserve and are equally welcome and seen nearly year round.

Lee County Florida District 3 Commissioner, Ray Judah, above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

Least Terns were again observed near the west channel of Bunche Beach Preserve this past week and were actively feeding.

I'm now in my second year of observation of the Least Tern at Bunche Beach Preserve and am wondering where these particular birds are nesting and feeding their young.

The gentlelady above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

Many of my very favored wildlife photographs have been taken at Bunche Beach Preserve and include an image of the Little Blue Heron that I was humbled by having published in the 2010 Jan/Feb issue of Audubon magazine as an editors' choice in the inaugural photo issue of the periodical.

Another photograph taken at this must see venue involves interesting feeding behavior of the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron.

The gentlelady above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

This particular image which I have chosen to use on my contact card was culled from hundreds of thousands of images taken at wildlife venues around Florida.

Google maps has a current snapshot of the site available which was interestingly captured at an apparently very high tide.

The gentlelady above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

Additional writing of my experiences and observations at Bunche Beach Preserve can be seen by clicking here.

A representation of what might be seen through photography at Bunche Beach Preserve can be seen by clicking here.

Roger Clark with Lee County Parks and Recreation offering a tour of the preserve's grounds above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

Visit this astounding venue ideally around sunrise or sunset at low tide when you can.

Be prepared to walk in the water in the bay, while swimming is now an available option at the recreation facility which also offers two kayak launches, two fishing piers, and 310 feet of boardwalk for wildlife viewing.

The ribbon cutting above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunch Beach Preserve in June 2010.

There was a tremendous amount of activity and hard work by many in the hours preceding the dedication.

Bunche Beach Preserve is open from dawn to dusk year round.

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.