Wood Duck At Six Mile Cypress Preserve

It's approaching the peak for migratory birds making their way back to the place they will spend the summer, breed and rear their young.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

I had considered making a trip this week to a far away place (one of many) on the Great Florida Birding Trail known to offer a spectacle of this event.

There are a few wildlife venues that are known to be magnets for fallouts of migratory species.

The Carolina Wren above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

I have squandered opportunities to observe these migrants returning from the tropics in years past and have decided to make them a primary focus this year.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve was chosen for its proximity to home and simply that it's one of the best wildlife destinations in the immediate Fort Myers area that I know of.

The spider web above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

I arrived at the preserve after the drive wondering why the snow birds have wanted to leave the area so prematurely with unfavorable weather still lingering up north.

The traffic on the local highways has been thinning quite substantially though Boston driving tactics are still seen daily and are to be very wary of.

The spider above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

There was no bird activity near the parking area of the preserve nor in the Cypress trees at the entrance to the boardwalk that I found unfortunate.

I chose to walk the boardwalk the "wrong way" and visited the photo blind at Pop Ash Pond first to find a solitary Anhinga drying itself after an early morning dip.

The Florida softshell turtle above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

At Otter Pond a few turtles were seen before I headed to my favorite observation spot at Six Mile Cypress which is Marker 19 near Wood Duck Pond.

A bird strafed a squirrel which I speculate might have been a Merlin that was a highlight of my time at Marker 19.

The Carolina Wren above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

I heard the Red-belied Woodpecker for an hour before it finally came into view high in the treetops.

The Carolina Wren was the most visible bird species on my visit to the park and offered better opportunities to photograph the species than I've had before.

The Wood Duck above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

With the lack of the expected photo ops at Marker 19, I moved on and was at the amphitheater on my way out of the preserve when I was asked by a fellow visitor if I had seen the Wood Ducks.

I was almost incredulous as it's a species I had never observed before which I had considered making an hours long drive to see in the past.

The Wood Duck above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

Needless to say, I was back into the preserve at the point that I was given directions to where the ducks had been seen, but no ducks.

It was at that point that I met Arne Haryn to learn that he had earlier seen the ducks as well.

The Wood Duck above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

He led me to the point he had seen them a few hundred feet south along the boardwalk where he again found the ducks practically under it.

It was a thrill for me to observe the Wood Ducks for about an hour as they worked their way around the ancient Cypress tree stumps in the preserve at Otter Pond.

The Wood Duck above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

The ducks were an apparent mated pair though no juveniles were present.

Another visitor noted his observation of a Water Moccasin seen closer to Wood Duck Pond.

Arne Haryn (at right) above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

Arne was very especially interested in that and led the way to the snake that was found in the area as described.

It was interesting to hear Arne tell of his visits to the slough decades ago before the boardwalk was constructed.

The Wood Duck above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

He told me that he was a scout for a wildlife photographer friend of his at that time.

An offspring of the snake was seen very well camouflaged with the adult after further observation by yet another visitor to the preserve.

The Water Moccasin above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

I wielded the camera hand held in an effort to capture the adult snake in an image unsuccessfully before Arne offered me use of his shoulder which was neat to get the angle needed, but couldn't find the snake because of my inability to keep the gear steady enough.

A "Hail Mary" was made as I climbed the rails of the boardwalk to get an even better view to find that the grace of modern technology in image stabilization allowed an in focus shot of the serpent.

The Carolina Wren above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

Back at Wood Duck Pond a third Wood Duck observed flew across the pond toward Marker 19 where I was sure I've seen the Wood Duck before while this species is not normally tolerant of spectators.

Exiting the preserve, Arne pointed out the egrets that were nesting across Gator Lake.

The dragonfly above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

Arne specializes in his observations of the micro world allowing people to look through his spotting scope honed in on a wildlife subject he has an interest in while noting that he often looks for a shadow on a leaf.

A follow up visit to Six Mile Cypress Preserve this week was made in an attempt to observe the Wood Duck again.

The Little Blue Heron juvenile above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

No luck there, but did see the Black-and-white Warbler that I had missed on my previous visit.

The Least Tern's arrival from South America was observed audibly on April 11th near my residence for the first time this year.

The Black-and-white Warbler above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in April 2011.

Feature: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

In the heart of the metropolitan area of Fort Myers, Florida, is a jewel named Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve that can be compared to the renowned National Audubon Society Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to the southeast.

The Tufted Titmouse above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

Vehicle traffic noise and a comparatively narrow boardwalk are the two greatest detractions at Six Mile Cypress.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve had its inception in 1976 after taxpayers voted for a self imposed tax for the acquisition of land for public use with the preserve's boardwalk open for public use in 1991.

The Yellow-throated Warbler above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

31 marked points along the boardwalk designate areas of interest with a companion guide available to educate and enlighten about this extraordinary place.

The Slough's boardwalk, at over a mile in length, allows for observation of about 80 acres of land within the preserve.

The Black-and-White Warbler above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

2549 acres constitute the Slough (pronounced "slew") overall.

The summer wet season is the time of rejuvenation for the preserve when its plants and less obvious inhabitants begin anew.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

As rainwater flows across the mitigation area, the water is cleansed of pollutants.

The water will remain in several small ponds at the preserve in the dry season's winter months with a congregation of sustenance for larger wading birds in particular that will gorge for the survival of their future families in the spring.

The American Redstart above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

During the late summer, turtles and birds will feast on alligator hatchlings.

A pair of visits to the preserve this week were with hopes of observing bird migration activity.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

While my review of Great Florida Birding Trail guides seems to indicate that spring time is the best time of year for wildlife observation and its diversity overall, there was very enjoyable passerine activity as hoped.

The dark understory of the preserve offers a jungle like appeal particularly through the calls of the Pileated Woodpecker.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

Be advised that a very slow pace be made during your visit with opportunities to sit and wait for wildlife to come to you.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve allows for a diverse wildlife experience through both sight and sound and should not be missed.

The Carolina Wren above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

My visits to the preserve this week offered views of water under virtually the entire length of the boardwalk with a fish occasionally darting into a temporary haven.

One species of fish at the Slough called Gambusia specializes in eating mosquito larvae which keeps the biting insect at bay.

The Downy Woodpecker above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

With the rainy season at an end early this year and cooler weather offering near record low temperatures, the water is already receding and ultimately only to be seen in Wood Duck, Otter, and Pop Ash Ponds and Gator Lake at the Ampitheater in the late winter months.

The flora and fauna of the Slough can be enjoyed at any time of year with potentially the very unexpected to delight the senses.

The infrequent visitor to the Slough above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

If the opportunity arises, a visit to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve would be most extraordinary when timed with a weather event during the migratory months of October and March.

Twice daily guided walks are available at scheduled times during the months of January through March with daily walks scheduled during April, November, and December with Wednesday walks scheduled May through October.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher above was photographed at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in October 2010.

Much thanks to Tim Rucci for giving me an introductory primer on the CS5 photo software I will be using for my photo editing going forward.

Feature: Babcock/Webb WMA

If you're looking for a very rewarding wildlife experience away from the beaches in southwest Florida, the 80,335-acre Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, a stop along the Great Florida Birding Trail, is a must see venue.

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

I made my mid-August 2010 and first arrival at the Red-cockaded Woodpecker colony on "north" Oilwell Grade at sunrise as recommended by my friend, Tom Obrock.

The colony's site and others within the BWWMA are easily identified by "RCW" signs along the roads and by white paint around the pines the woodpeckers nest in.

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

It was hoped to observe and photograph the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker whose range once extended into the states of New Jersey, Maryland, and Missouri, but no longer, with the woodpecker's population estimated to be a mere one percent of its original size.

I was rewarded with the sighting of several of the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, though was only able to photograph the closest, which allowed a view of its banding as it made the interesting behavior of leaving its nest cavity to peck at an adjacent pine tree very briefly before moving on.

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

At this spot I would observe in the next couple of hours four species of bird I had never seen before including Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Meadowlark, and Eastern Towhee.

Also seen were Loggerhead Shrike, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and an overflight of Sandhill Crane with the bird checklist for this venue viewable here.

The Loggerhead Shrike above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

In addition, I heard a yet to be seen Northern Bobwhite which there were two of or a solitary bird that made its way south by a couple hundred yards on the west side of Oilwell Grade.

I would spend the next two and a half hours exploring other areas of the Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA while driving along Tram Grade and a side spur where I observed Northern Cardinal, Pine Warbler and an unidentified species of bird.

The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

"South" Oilwell Grade offered another unidentified species of bird that was in the middle of the road on my approach to its dead end and then in the same spot upon my return to Tucker Grade and then Webb Lake Road.

Webb Lake Road offers a wonderfully scenic view of Webb Lake with interpretive signs that highlight the WMA.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

At the end of Webb Lake Road I am quite confident I observed briefly, while regrettably wasn't able to photograph, an Orchard Oriole seen for the first time (chestnut belly, black head, back and tail feathers and appropriately sized for the species) as it worked its way north within the shrubbery at the edge of the lake, with this migratory species not on the WMA's bird checklist.

Also along Webb Lake Road I observed an Osprey and Great Blue Heron, both noticeably larger than any I've seen at beach venues.

The Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed) juvenile above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

Other species of bird observed at the lake included Tricolored Heron as well as an adult Little Blue Heron with juvenile.

There weren't any waterfowl observed on the lake that has possibilities of a dozen known species during this initial visit to BWWMA.

The Eastern Meadowlark above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area permits periodic hunts and therefore should be investigated in advance here to ensure the area is avoided if visiting for other purposes.

There are other recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and camping.

The Eastern Kingbird above was photographed at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA in August 2010.

A guided tram tour of portions of the wildlife area is also available at certain times.

Feature: Florida Burrowing Owl

On the eve of the 8th annual Burrowing Owl Festival in Cape Coral, Florida, I made my fifth attempt to observe and document the sub-species of Burrowing Owl that is thought to have in excess of 2500 nests in the city.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

I can't imagine a more fortuitous time to finally see the species and spend more than two hours observing its nest and what I would describe as an early riser (in the late afternoon).

All previous visits to Cape Coral with the hope to see the Burrowing Owl were met with failure.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

I had earlier considered stopping by Brian Piccolo Park, in Cooper City, Florida, while traveling through the Great Florida Birding Trail's Night-Heron Cluster to otherwise see the park's reliable nests and sightings of the owls.

Tim Rucci's sighting of the Burrowing Owl at Piccolo Park can be
seen here.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

Time constraints led to my postponing my attempted sighting of the owls on Florida's east coast with greater hopes of seeing the species closer to home on Cape Coral within the official nesting season which occurs 15 February through 10 July.

This species I would highly recommend you seek out when you have the chance as they are so photogenic or are simply fun to watch.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

The Burrowing Owl is very prevalent in Imperial Valley which is home to about 70 percent of California’s Burrowing Owl population.

When I encountered the owl that I considered much more diminutive than I had expected, I made an immediate planting of my presence to it.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

More than 90 minutes had passed before the mate of the bird I was observing emerged from the nest.

The bird first observed I consider to be the male based on my research of it for a couple of reasons.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

It is thought that the male spends more of its time outside of the nest and thus has a more "bleached" color to its feathers compared to the female otherwise very similar in appearance.

The female is slightly larger in size and therefore best distinguished when observing the mates together.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

I am quite sure that my first Burrowing Owl observed was the male as it was certainly smaller than the other that finally made its way out of the nest at sunset.

The action around the setting of the sun became a lot more exciting.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

Both feeding and copulation behavior were observed.

Although the nest observed is on a relatively lightly traveled side street adjacent to the library, the birds seemed to be alert to on occasional car passing or the bark of a dog.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

What I found even more interesting was that the birds seem to have extraordinary eyesight in their alertness to see what was flying overhead.

I was not able to react to the birds as quickly as I would have liked to capture some of the more entertaining postures of the creatures.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

As the light diminished and then seemed to disappear, the birds became the most active, and I'm quite sure I observed the birds mating if only so briefly for a few seconds.

It was near darkness when this activity occurred, so I was relying more on the camera to see than myself.

The Moon above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

The shutter speeds were not very reliable for a focused shot in the end.

My preparation for this event included the reading of world renowned photographer Artie Morris's The Art of Bird Photography, where I was able to set the camera lens to its best performance capability.

The Burrowing Owl above was photographed at the Cape Coral Library in February 2010.

I knew I would have to leave the nest site at some time, but stayed until the lens would no longer focus on the action.

That was really late again, nearly 30 minutes after sunset, when I attempted to capture my last shots to present to you.

Feature: Wakodahatchee Wetlands

A three-quarter mile long boardwalk with rain shelters meanders through different man-made habitat types at a facility known as Wakodahatchee Wetlands which is designed to naturally filter highly treated wastewater in southern Delray Beach, Florida.

The scene above was photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2010.

A very large alligator was observed in my February 2010 visit which is a testament to the successful feeding it has on the birds and mammals that have been attracted to Wakodahatchee.

The gator was interesting to watch in its apparent stealth to take down a Green Heron while the bird was brazen on a patch of land it seemed very comfortable on.

The alligator above was photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2010.

A juvenile alligator was observed during my February 2009 visit.

The five different habitats created on former agricultural land adjacent to the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility has resulted in excess of 150 bird species seen thus far by wildlife enthusiasts.

The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2009.

The majority of the birds are migratory species that should not be expected to be seen year round or even at certain times.

Such an example is the Black-bellied Whistling Duck which I had the great fortune to see in my 2010 winter visit to Wakodahatchee which was not seen in 2009.

The Black-bellied Whistling Duck above was photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2010.

The 2010 sighting more than made up for it as the dozen or so ducks in the group that inexplicably took flight and strafed me for a memorable experience.

Between the two visits, there was a give and take with species seen.

The Double-crested Cormorant and juveniles above were photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2010.

The very attractive Hooded Merganser was pleasantly seen in the same spot I had observed the species on both visits.

The male disappointingly did not show off his crest on my most recent visit.

The Hooded Merganser above was photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2009.

The Wood Stork, a bird species of special concern, was observed at Wakodahatchee in 2010 with about a dozen solitary individuals seen along Alligator Alley on the way back home to Florida's west coast.

Courtship behavior of the Great Blue Heron was not observed in 2010 as it had been in 2009.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2010.

There were a number of nests observed that had Anhinga and Double-crested Cormorant juveniles begging for food from their parents on both visits.

This venue is very popular with visitors that are quite disruptive for wildlife photography when using a tripod as the boardwalk shudders with almost every step even from a great distance.

The wildlife enthusiast above was photographed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in February 2010.

A similar must see venue within the Whistling-Duck and Wetlands Cluster of the Great Florida Birding Trail on a much larger scale is Green Cay Wetlands a short drive to the west.