Near Perfect Tide With Kites

An avid fisherman told me a couple of years ago that winter tides are lower than those at other times of the year.

The sunrise above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

I haven't been able to corroborate that any more than being in agreement through my own experience.

The tides that impact Bunche Beach should be considered relevant although I have had remarkable experiences under all conditions at this place.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

After a glance at the tides about an hour before sunrise with an opportunity for wildlife observation, I was pleased to see that the low tide at Matanzas Pass was slightly pre-dawn and ripe for a long overdue visit to Bunche Beach Preserve.

Hemant Kishan had told me via email that he had observed Long-billed Curlew at Bunche Beach late last week.

Eva and Martha above were photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

Since I've only observed this species of bird twice before, it was a great hope to see the curlew again.

Hemant had noted that he has seen a Far Eastern Curlew in China, a Eurasian Curlew in India, and the Long-billed Curlew in California, while his sighting of the latter was his first observation of the LBC in the state of Florida.

The crab trap above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

I wasn't a mile down the road when I realized I had forgotten to bring the flash with me again, so I turned around to retrieve it.

The tide was lower at the beach than I had seen before allowing me to walk further into into San Carlos Bay than I have been before.

The Cockle Clam above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

My initial perception of the morning was disappointment as I initially only saw a Great Blue Heron and what appeared to be White Ibis on the horizon.

A visitor with an out of state plate on his vehicle made an effort to capture fresh marine life with a shovel.

The harvester above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

The heron was entertaining to watch as it went into a sleeping posture after preening itself several times.

As I reached the point in which I would settle down and observe the action, it became evident the birds I initially thought were ibis were actually White Pelican.

The Ring-billed Gull above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

Other White Pelicans were observed in high altitude flight while Brown Pelicans offered close flybys with strong evidence of breeding colors.

Though the seascape appeared desolate initially, it would prove to offer great diversity.

Genevive above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

There were a number of fellow wildlife observers that were present throughout the morning.

It was interesting to see marine life in shells that were exposed as the water had retreated so far into the bay.

The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

It was learned that the mollusks are called Cockle Clams while I also found that Sanibel Island is considered one of the top three shelling destinations in the world.

Black Skimmers were prolific at the preserve about an hour after my arrival.

The Spotted Sandpiper above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

It would be very unusual not to see the species at Bunche Beach this time of year.

It was regrettable that I didn't see the Long-billed Curlew as hoped, but the visit to Bunche Beach Preserve was extremely rewarding nonetheless.

The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in January 2011.

My second excursion of the week led me to Harns Marsh Preserve to meet up with Frank Constantin whom I coincidentally met while observing the curlew for the first time at Estero Lagoon two years earlier.

It was a remarkably clear morning with a light fog on the marsh which burned off within an hour after sunrise unlike preceding trips where the fog lasted for hours.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

Frank had arrived at the preserve earlier than me and was in position to capture a stunning image of Cattle Egret in perfect light which he showed me on the viewfinder of his camera.

The few hours spent at the preserve with Frank passed too quickly.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

The Snail Kite would tantalize with their presence for good photography.

A review of images taken has shown that at least one female kite at Harns Marsh is banded.

The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

Contention between a pair of Snail Kites was observed at the time of a kite's capture of an Apple Snail.

It was interesting to observe as well the attack of a juvenile Bald Eagle by an Osprey.

The Bald Eagle juvenile with Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

Limpkin, the other species near assured to be seen at Harns Marsh were entertaining to observe as well.

Frank had told me that that he observed their feeding behavior for the first time.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

A visitor to the preserve approached us at one point seemingly apologetic for his tardiness noting that he had an encounter with Florida State police.

A group of wildlife enthusiasts arrived well after first light whom I learned were visiting from Quebec as Frank explained to me with the visitors speaking in the French language.

The wildlife observer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

Frank's conversation with one of the participants led to the understanding that they were each charged $2000 for food, lodging, and tours to wildlife venues for ten days.

There were a few in the group that had the sense to explore on their own making a good walk toward the area of the marsh where an unusual sighting of waterfowl might be observed.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

I thought it odd that they were communicated to with whistles seemingly in an attempt to call them back.

Frank's stunning imagery where he is not afraid to push his ISO high may be seen at his pbase site here.

The Quebecans above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in January 2011.

Sandhill Cranes remained at a distance while the Crested Caracara failed to make another appearance.

Christmas Morning At Harns Marsh Preserve

It was a very foggy and chilly morning at Harns Marsh Preserve on Christmas Day 2010.

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

That didn't deter me from an attempt to have a very rewarding time observing the wildlife which I did.

The first active flight observed was that of Roseate Spoonbill from the area where Limpkin are sometimes seen while always heard.

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

The vultures were seen across the lake on the ground perhaps in their attempt to stay warmer while they're typically observed in the trees at first light.

A juvenile Great Blue Heron was very docile seemingly waiting for the sun to warm its bones.

The Great Blue Heron juvenile above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

Limpkin were observed in flight more so than I had observed at Harns Marsh before.

This species has a tendency to stay very low to the ground even while in flight.

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

Snail Kite were active in their search of Apple Snails shortly before the fog burned off.

Osprey were again observed hunting successfully for their prey.

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

What would become a remarkable observation for me was an inbound flight of a solitary Sandhill Crane that landed directly in front of me from the north.

As I observed this bird in amazement, two more cranes were walking toward me along the marsh's frontage road and emerged from the fog a short while later.

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

Before the Sandhill Cranes arrived, a small flock of Cattle Egret appeared to become active from their slumber.

It was at this time that I was chiding myself for failing to bring the flash and Better Beamer.

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

Always have them at the ready in case they're needed if you have them.

It was a special occasion to meet Hemant Kishan again at the preserve.

Hemant Kishan above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

Hemant, a prolific American Birding Association contributor, was intently observing an American Bittern that he sighted at relatively close range.

He was kind enough to point my camera in the direction of the bird at one point as the bird was so well camouflaged in the reeds.

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

Hemant mentioned his interest in Celery Fields which he believes best visited in September.

It was interesting to observe a scuffle between a pair of Anhinga while the Tree Swallows seemed to be in lesser numbers than usual.

The Anhinga with Pied-billed Grebe above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.

The same pair of Great Egret observed a couple of weeks earlier offered their same repose in nearly the exact same spot I had last seen them.

Since my visit to Harns Marsh Preserve this week, I have read that the Crested Caracara is often seen in flight in the presence of vultures.

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

When I visit the preserve again, my first objective will be to scan the trees where the vultures are typically resting before they fly off to take advantage of the thermals in the absence of wind.

A Gorgeous Redhead At Harns Marsh Preserve

After failing to make my monthly trip to Harns Marsh Preserve in October, the November 2010 visit was particularly rewarding.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I was surprised to see large tents certainly used for overnight camping south of the parking area upon my arrival.

There was no wildlife action evident at all before parking the car at the north gate access point.

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

Immediately upon getting out of the car, however, the unmistakable calls of Limkin could be heard to the north.

With great fortune, my first photographs taken were of Pileated Woodpecker flying overhead from the stand of trees directly in front of me and across the water.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It didn't take long for my eyes to focus on the surroundings and see the majestic Osprey perched in the early morning light.

A few Mottled Ducks were then seen floating in the water seemingly waiting for my next move.

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

An overflight of Mallard was observed within the next few minutes.

A solitary Limpkin was working the shoreline and would prove to be the only one seen, though countless others of the species were heard in the preserve's tall grass.

The Mallard above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As I made my way to the north on a journey I didn't have a specific goal to accomplish, the thought of walking around Harns Marsh Preserve crossed my mind and I couldn't help but dread its distance.

The weather was initially relatively cool at 59 degrees, but was expected to warm up quickly which it did.

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

Not too far along my walk, I encountered a rarely seen (for me) Black-crowned Night-Heron at the preserve.

A mystery species seen in a flock of 23 I would later identify as Red-winged Blackbird with the assistance of local birding expert Wes Dirks.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

And very shortly thereafter a Wood Stork gave me a flyby that was so close, I couldn't fit it in the frame of the shots taken of it.

A Wood Stork was also seen in the company of a Great Egret at close range while another stork was seen to perch with a pair of Black Vultures and a Turkey Vulture across the lake.

The Red-winged Blackbird above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It was at about this location that I observed Tree Swallows that were by far the most abundant species seen during my November visit to Harns Marsh Preserve.

It was nearly a year earlier to the day at this same wildlife venue that I was able to capture my first image of the species.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Although I tried my best to ignore these quite fast and extremely unpredictable birds due to my initial very fuzzy unrecognizable images captured of them, they would instill in me a passion I couldn't resist to attempt to photograph them and their behavior.

Of the hundreds of swallows that swarmed around me for an extended period of time, I would only see them at rest on a tall weed for mere seconds.

The Wood Stork juvenile with Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The Tree Swallows were otherwise constantly on the move and would be seen nearly until the time I left the preserve in the late morning.

The second most prolific species seen at Harns Marsh Preserve was American Coot.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

These relatively diminutive birds considering the somewhat unpleasant guttural vocal calls they made throughout my stay were very good cover for a new bird sighting for me.

The Redhead required intensive study for me to identify it in my Sibley guide, with the bird's yellow eyes the clincher.

The American Coot above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I saw no evidence of what may have caused them to take flight leaving the coots behind while the Redhead regrettably did not return to my observation area although likely remained nearby.

Tom Obrock's previously reported Blue-winged Teal was also observed within the group of waterfowl as was a solitary Common Moorhen.

The Redhead with American Coot above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As Black Vultures made flybys, a few Snail Kites were seen actively feeding on Harns Marsh's Apple Snails.

As I had the gumption to continue my walk, I encountered an Eastern Phoebe that I had just photographed for the first time a month earlier at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.

The Black Vulture above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

And while walking even further I was able to observe a pair of Sandhill Cranes that I see infrequently at Harns Marsh Preserve.

As I settled down near a pile of discarded Apple Snail shells, the smaller of the cranes was meticulously preening itself for over a half hour.

The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It was interesting to see that it created a small hole in the ground with its beak near the shoreline.

The Sandhill Crane would put its beak in the hole every moment or so to cover it in water which it then used to preened its feathers.

The Sandhill Crane above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

At one point the cranes would call in almost perfect unison while other Sandhill Cranes across the marsh replied.

The Sandhill Crane has an exceptionally loud call and it was quite exhilarating to be so close to them in experiencing this auditory marvel.

The Sandhill Crane above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

When the cranes decided to move on, it was late in the morning and I decided to return to the car.

About a dozen Cattle Egret were feeding successfully on insects in the grass along the roadway.

The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

About a half dozen Pied-billed Grebe were seen occasionally resurfacing for air with one coming up with a small fish in my observations.

A pair of Roseate Spoonbill were seen doing a rarely seen and unusual acrobatic midair dance.

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

As a small number of vultures were climbing the thermals in the area near the car, a bird that didn't quite seem to fit in was initially a mystery to me.

When an adult Bald Eagle flew into view a short while later, I was confident that I had earlier seen a juvenile of the species.

The Bald Eagle juvenile with Wood Stork above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I investigated my images of the Bald Eagle to be assured that it was a juvenile and not a second or third year sub adult.

I was pleased to see the Pileated Woodpecker again at the spot I had begun my journey as this species cannot always be expected to be seen at Harns Marsh Preserve.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

In all, there were 32 species of bird seen at Harns Marsh Preserve.

This post is something of an experiment in the presentation of images going forward.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I've learned that with the manipulation of images in CS5, the use of default in the reduction of image size, Bicubic (best for smooth gradients), leads to a less distorted image when presented here, as opposed to Bicubic Sharper (best for reduction).