Bunche Beach Tornado Watch

A late in the week opportunity to capture some wildlife imagery was made to offer some fresh stuff.

The scene above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

The start of the morning was very gloomy with heavy winds yet the temperature was warm.

Without precipitation, although Lee County was reportedly under a Tornado Watch, I chose to travel to Bunche Beach knowing that the conditions would not be ideal.

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

The night before I had received a reply from local birding enthusiast, Wes Dirks.

I thought I might meet up with him at the Sanibel Lighthouse, but the conditions were considered to be much too windy for photography of migrating passerines there.

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

With the tide at Matanzas Pass still hours from its high upon my arrival at Bunche Beach Preserve, I had not seen the tide so high at the preserve before.

This was certainly due to the winds from the south that were driving the gulf waters into the bay.

The Dunlin above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

I chose to walk about a half mile to the east along the shoreline and wait for the birds.

The sighting of a Bald Eagle and Magnificent Frigatebird after immediately stepping out of the car I thought a good omen.

The scene above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

This was a very rare occasion when I would not wade in the water as the waves were fierce.

Although I wouldn't see the eagle again, two frigatebirds would fly toward me during my visit.

The Brown Pelican above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

A pair of Ospreys would make flyovers as well although the only species of bird I would see dive into the water apparently in search of food was a Royal Tern.

Many Snowy Egrets braved the conditions headed in the direction of Bird Island that would allow them good cover.

The Magnificent Frigatebird above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

Double-crested Cormorant and Brown Pelicans were prolific in flying toward the lighthouse across the bay.

Willet, Reddish Egret, Tricolored Heron, Dunlin, and Black-bellied Plovers were headed in the direction of Bowditch Point just north of Fort Myers Beach.

The 3rd graders above were photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

A large group of children arrived on the scene that I would learn were two classes of third graders that were to learn about the food chain within the mud flats at Bunche Beach Preserve.

The windy conditions were ideal for an apparently very well experienced Kitesurfer that did some amazing leaps from the waves.

The Royal Tern above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

It was a treat to again visit Bunche Beach with nearly two months having passed.

The storm front that was the cause of the tornado warning that was reported to expire at 1pm was extended to 8pm when I returned home.

The Kitesurfer above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in March 2011.

It wasn't until 8:20pm that lightning could be seen and a trace amount of rain fell.

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).

San Carlos Bay: Early Fall 2010

San Carlos Bay, located at the southern end of Fort Myers, Florida, has three magnificent wildlife venues on its borders which include Bunche Beach Preserve to the north, Bowditch Point to the south, and Lighthouse Park on Sanibel Island to the west.

The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Early in the week I made a long overdue visit to Bunche Beach where I was greeted by an American Oystercatcher.

I made this species my focus of study as long as the bird would allow.

The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

The feeding behavior of the oystercatcher was interesting to observe as it would find its quarry as far into the sand as it could reach and then consume mollusks in small bits.

While Laughing Gulls were abundant in the area of the fishermen at the west channel of Bunche Beach Preserve, a solitary experienced adult gull waited near the oystercatcher waiting for an opportunity to steal its food.

The American Oystercatcher with Laughing Gull above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

I was glad to see that the oystercatcher was the dominant bird and was able to keep the gull at a relative distance.

Such is not the case when observing most other species of wading birds which succumb to attacks from the Laughing Gull frequently.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

A Bald Eagle made a couple of close flybys which was a thrill as I don't see the species often.

It was on the day that tropical storm 16 had entered the Florida Straits after a zigzag across Cuba that I made my way to Lighthouse Park on Sanibel Island.

The Osprey above was photographed at Lighthouse Park in September 2010.

There was drizzle before dawn, but the day turned out to be quite beautiful and fortuitous.

There wasn't any passerine activity noted in the "woodlands" of the park, so I made my way to the beach.

The Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Mere minutes later, a swarm of Laughing Gulls which appeared out of nowhere were fighting over a sea creature certainly startling the beachcomber that happened to be in the middle of the action.

I would spend much time observing the wading and shore birds that made their way mostly from north to south.

The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Fishermen on the pier were successful in catching sharks I'd guess were about three feet.

A fellow visitor to the park had made a walk by me a second time I was aware of when I realized it was Wes whom I had met at Bunche Beach Preserve last year.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

After speaking with him briefly, I observed a few more swallows make their way into the bay at great speed when I decided to call it a day also having missed photographing a larger unidentified species of bird that was the greatest disappointment at the park.

I met up with Wes at the lighthouse on the way back to the car where he introduced me to Vince McGrath and Walt Winton.

The Wilson's Plover with juvenile above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

The three of them were evidently great friends and a powerhouse of birding skills with Wes telling me he's been into the study of birds for 40 years with in excess of 500 lifers while Vince had acquired his 700th with the observation of a Red-necked Phalarope at Bunche Beach Preserve 27 September 2010.

Vince was able to remarkably document the species photographing it with his iPhone.

From L-R above, Wes Dirks, Vince McGrath, Bob Schmidt visiting from Washington state, Vince Lucas, Jose Padilla, and Walt Winton above were photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

I believe I heard it mentioned that this was the first documented sighting of Red-necked Phalarope in Lee County.

From the lighthouse it was decided to travel to Bunche Beach Preserve in search of the Phalarope.

The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Just before reaching the parking lot, Vince pointed out an approaching Peregrine Falcon that I wasn't able to get a shot of.

I'll be referring to Vince as "Hawkeye" in the future for his uncanny sense of sight and ability to find the unexpected and the kind words spoken of him by Wes.

The Bald Eagle above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Though not seen at the time an entourage of extremely experienced birders congregated at Bunche Beach Preserve around 11am, it was then learned that the Phalarope had been seen earlier in the morning.

With great excitement and anticipation of the bird's return, Tom Obrock appeared from his walk to the west channel where it was determined he had a great sighting of American Avocet.

The Wilson's Plover above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Everyone left the preserve but myself as the Phalarope failed to make a reappearance after about an hour.

I chose to head toward the west channel to photograph the avocet which I've only captured at close range on one other occasion at Lovers Key State Park 02 May 2008.

The Western Sandpiper above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

While I was able to observe the species clearly from Vince's scope before he left, it was impossible for me to see the bird I was heading for as it was more than half a mile away.

When I thought I was close enough to find it with the camera, I stopped and scanned the horizon and was able to hone in on it.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

The American Avocet was ultimately seen clearly in the company of a pair of Royal Terns, several Marbled Godwits, about 40 Red Knots (with a few showing the last remnants of breeding plumage and a pair with flags), several Short-billed Dowitcher, and a few Western Sandpiper.

As the tide was quickly rising, the sandpipers were the first to take flight with the Red Knots and dowitcher mere seconds later.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

The Royal Terns took flight a moment later with only the Marbled Godwits remaining with the American Avocet.

A few minutes later the avocet would be alone and took flight about five minutes after that.

The Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Just before it took flight, where it would land and remain in range for a few more shots, the bird did a really nice wing stretch which I failed to capture as I was attempting to capture some additional images of the American Oystercatcher in the immediate area.

The oystercatchers were in a group of four, three of which had just joined one that was already nearby.

The American Avocet with Marbled Godwit above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

I couldn't help think how enjoyable it was to hear the call of these birds with them assisting my ability to recognize the bird without seeing it in the future.

While the shorebird action was sparse within the mile in either direction of the parking area initially, at this point in time the rising tide was likely the cause of a large flock of Black Skimmers landing to my east.

The American Avocet above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

With them traveled many dozens of smaller birds including Ruddy Turnstone which have been increasing in numbers seen since spring.

As the camera's battery indicator was giving me warning of failure as I was photographing Tricolored and Great Blue Herons, I again decided to call it a day.

The American Avocet with Red Knot above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

Upon arrival at the parking area after my long walk, I was surprised to see Wes again whom was the first to arrive after another reported sighting of the Red-necked Phalarope at the east channel a half hour earlier.

Speaking with Walt about the Burrowing Owl as we waited for the possible return of the Phalarope, it was entertaining to hear him tell of the Burrowing Owl that he sees on his mailbox.

The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

I had asked him if he ever saw the owls mate with his reply no, but he told of observing the mating behavior of Yellow-billed Cuckoo that lasted about the same time as the owls at five seconds.

Wes had told me of the remarkable lives of fellow birders whom were quite passionate in the endeavor to entertain themselves and certainly enlighten and educate others.

The American Oystercatcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

We all decided to call it a day in the late afternoon as the tide at Bunche Beach Preserve had nearly covered all the suitable mudflats that the Phalarope would favor.

I readily admit that it's extremely unlikely that I would have been able to single out the Red-necked Phalarope without the assistance of the distinguished birders I was very fortunate to spend part of a day with.

The Ruddy Turnstone above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

There was no report of an additional sighting of the Red-necked Phalarope in the area as of this writing.

It will hopefully offer more excitement in the days ahead.

The unusual above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in September 2010.

There are going to be tremendous migratory opportunities at all three of San Carlos Bay's wildlife venues in the weeks ahead with a Hawk watch scheduled at Lighthouse Park and led by Vince McGrath in mid October.