The Uncommon At Bunche Beach Preserve

It is a rare occurrence when I am overly focused on a single species of wildlife in a week's time.

The Laughing Gull above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

Such is the case this week when I had the opportunity to get into the field at Bunche Beach Preserve for some Florida wildlife observation.

My hope had been to observe Bald Eagles beyond their range I've otherwise studied south of Fort Myers Beach of late.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

Upon arrival at the preserve, I made my typical walk west in anticipation of the eagles that are more often reported there than I've seen them.

The Bald Eagle would ultimately not be seen during the overcast conditions.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

After walking about a quarter mile passing many typical shore and wading birds expected to be seen, I caught site of bird in the bay that I didn't recognize.

The tide had turned shortly after sunrise when the wading birds appear to be most successful in capturing prey.

The Common Loon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

The most entertaining bird species seen was Reddish Egret which is not always seen at the preserve.

It was the observation of the mystery bird I would later identify as Common Loon that preoccupied my attention.

The Common Loon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

Once I made sighting of the bird, I would attempt to stay ahead of it as it drifted with the tide to the east.

The loon never made a significant attempt to avoid me other than drifting too far into the bay at one point.

The Common Loon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

Since I was already waterlogged, I walked further into the bay to encourage the bird to head back to shore which it did.

This allowed me about an additional 15 minutes of observation time.

The Common Loon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

The opportunity for stunning photography when the bird had prey in its beak on a couple of occasions was lost as I struggled to keep the camera level with it as low to the water's surface as I dared.

The wave action coming onto the beach was fortunately minimal.

The Common Loon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

The Common Loon is considered an uncommon to rarely seen transient along the Gulf coast, so this sighting was especially exhilarating.

Pbase member and Texan Joe Fischer has noted that the loon is most spectacular in its breeding plumage which has been his great fortune to observe.

The Common Loon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

The loon tested my ability to document a rare sighting well as I would need to manually focus on the bird on occasion.

A drizzle and fierce wind from the west cut short the rare opportunity I had in photographing the species.

The Common Loon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in February 2011.

Winter Wonderland 2011: Estero Lagoon

Well into winter now, it was a treat to have some warmer Florida weather conditions for a change.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

It had warmed up nicely to about 70 degrees at the time of my late afternoon visit to Estero Lagoon.

I have attempted to convince occasional visitor Frank Constantin of the preferred lighting conditions at the lagoon approaching sunset while Frank prefers its morning light.

The Reddish Egret juvenile above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

My experience has been that the birding action is more active later in the day as very early risers adjacent to the lagoon possibly scare the wildlife away in the low light conditions before I arrive.

I passed a photographer this week along the lagoon's western edge walking away from the possible action with what appeared to be a 70-300 zoom telling him that he was headed in the wrong direction.

The Willet above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

He replied that it was "martini time" as he was making a bee line for the Tiki Hut.

It is always tempting on afternoon visits to Estero Lagoon to walk south along the beach to the cut the tidal forces from the Gulf of Mexico has made in the beach for the vital regeneration of the south lagoon where the wading birds will congregate for easy pickings.

The Ring-billed Gull above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

I chose to stay at the north lagoon where something interesting always seems to happen as well.

An accommodating Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was a surprise at the spot I settled down at as on previous visits to the lagoon I typically see the species closer to the Holiday Inn and never before on the far side of the lagoon unlike this week.

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

If you've never had the experience, Florida wading birds in particular may allow you surprisingly close to them while I recommend you simply allow them to come to you.

There were regrettably no successful flight shot opportunities this week although it was with great interest of mine to devote the time to observe the behavior of the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron again.

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

The species will stalk its prey, always for small crabs in my observations, with almost motionless behavior until the time of the strike.

Once the bird has its attention focused, it will seemingly not be deterred until it gets its meal.

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

The species often appears oblivious to its surroundings although was distracted with a cracked branch under my feet on one occasion when I wasn't so careful.

This week's visit to the lagoon was with the intent to experiment with a high ISO equivalent setting of the camera while also using flash on occasion.

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

I found in review of the shots taken a personal preference for several significantly overexposed images, and will attempt to use the technique more in the future.

I'm intrigued by a computer program you might have an interest in, recommended by Kim Komando this week, that is free.

The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

The program allows the viewing of EXIF data (camera settings, time, date, etc.) of a JPEG image which I thought a neat idea.

It is not necessary when viewing my images at pbase as I let you see all that information if it interests you.

The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

I think a side benefit of the program which can be downloaded by clicking here allows you to keep EXIF data hidden which should be the right of the photographer.

The only information I think might best be discrete is that of the location of a shot to protect the subject.

The Snowy Egret juvenile above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

If a fellow photographer at pbase doesn't divulge their EXIF information, I typically won't review their work as I see half the enjoyment of an image in having a basic understanding of the creation of the shot before any post processing work.

The location of the shot should at least be generally noted for added interest of a wildlife image.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

GPS information in metadata is certainly not something to be overlooked if incorporated while a reviewer of the "snoop" program describes it as "great tool to inspect JPEG image[s]."

Back at the lagoon, it was fun to hear the call of a Great Blue Heron (not the most appealing of bird song) that is fairly uncommon to hear as are the calls of other larger birds in the area.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

The use of flash had no obvious impact on the behavior of the heron whatever nor has it on any bird I've photographed I'm quite sure.

I note this because of commentary I've heard that flash is frowned upon in bird photography.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

The story told to me which I mentioned not too many posts ago seems anomalous.

It was fun as well to observe a juvenile Reddish Egret show nesting behavior with vegetation picked out of the water and toyed with for about 30 seconds.

The Little Blue Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, I was greeted with the moon rising toward the east with Roseate Spoonbill observed as a pair in flight in near darkness.

I had little trouble with reflection from the buildings which I recall Frank noting as a concern of his during afternoon photography at Estero Lagoon.

The moonrise above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in January 2011.

A visit to Estero Lagoon has always been rewarding at any time in my experience.

December 2010 Low Tide At Estero Lagoon

Prior to a potential predawn departure to observe and photograph wildlife often requires if I can see stars clearly in the night sky.

The European Starling above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

Weather conditions that I often hear on the radio often contradict what is actually seen at the time.

A forecast for the day in the climate of southwest Florida is given little credence though a link to a weather related website you may wish to investigate may be seen by clicking here.

The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

A day this past week which was cold and dreary and an initial opportunity to get into the field for some wildlife observation was foregone for warmth inside.

Day two was initially overcast, but the clouds dissipated to offer an opportunity for wildlife photography that I prefer to shoot in.

The White Ibis above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

Though conditions would have been ideal at the time to explore Bunche Beach Preserve, I chose to see what might be happening at the less frequently visited Estero Lagoon.

I've found visits to Estero Lagoon to be extremely rewarding at any time of day or tide conditions.

The explorer above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

The late afternoon visit to the lagoon this week was at an unusually low tide.

There happened to be a remarkable lunar eclipse that would occur early the next morning which I took a gander at for a few seconds at 0330 local (an impressive sight).

The full moon (required for a lunar eclipse) above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

Upon arrival at Estero Lagoon, a large number of European Starling were perched on the power lines along the adjacent highway.

There was a disappointing absence of the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron that is occasionally seen near the Holiday Inn at the lagoon.

The scene above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

With the water level as low as it was, I'm thinking that there simply weren't enough fish to attract abundant wading birds.

The fish that I've seen captured by wading birds regrettably appear to have been getting smaller.

The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

The abnormally cold conditions in winter months the last couple of years may be the cause.

Several photographers were about and I learned that one was from Vancouver and another was from Eastern Europe while I regrettably don't remember their names.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

Although a good representation of many of the species of bird of the area was seen, by far the highlight of my visit to Estero Lagoon was my observation of Chelsea Hall.

I first saw Chelsea approaching the lagoon with her camera in hand.

Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

Chelsea was an unmistakable presence on the scene with her sense of purpose.

From the moment I captured an image of her to the distraction of wildlife walking right in front of me, Chelsea was gone.

Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

I looked around to see that she was on the beach headed south.

There were many people in the immediate area shelling, relaxing on the beach, jogging or cycling by.

Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

Chelsea told me that she was from North Carolina and that she was using the Nikon D5000.

She also noted that she has always had an interest in photography and that her boyfriend was a world traveler.

Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

A particular subject of interest to her was a sea creature washed up on the beach.

I waded the Gulf water in an attempt to get a better photograph of her.

The enthusiast above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

As we chatted briefly, a sheller wandered by to place the creature in a bag while I advised she release the living thing which she did.

I believe that Chelsea will have a remarkable record of wildlife imagery that I would be glad to link to if she ever creates such an opportunity.

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

Chelsea was extremely comfortable handling her gear under rugged conditions.

As the sun approached the horizon, I had a few more minutes of optimal light to observe a Tricolored Heron that unfortunately remained at a poor angle but for a brief second for an acceptable shot.

The sunset above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.

My learned use of flash remains in its infancy.

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.