Bird Club time! Today: Bird Rookery Swamp

The Caloosa Bird Club meets every Monday - Nov through April - it has been 6 months since the last trip and I welcome the fact that we are resuming - let's go!

Today's meet took place in Naples - Collier Co - at Bird Rookery Swamp. This is a combination boardwalk/nature trail that is 12 miles in length if you do the entire loop, the group usually turns around way before that. It feels like you're in a different part of the world when you enter this peaceful place - like heaven on earth - come and see.....

Our group today was a nice size - 21 members + 3 guests. This is the trail leading to the boardwalk.....

A Red-shouldered Hawk was silently watching, I love how the sun emphasizes his amber colors.

A Swamp Sparrow gave us good looks right out in the open across that little ditch.

This red maple leaf brought me back 'home' to Canada.

The trail opens right after the boardwalk...don't you just want to go and walk!

An Eastern Wood-pewee, no eye ring and wing bars.

A small gator laying over a log.

Beautiful vista, eh?

On the way back, the same gator was spread across the log with green algae on top probably trying to disguise as an iguana.

I love Lillies - the bees loves them too.

Interesting information about the Witches Broom

Shortly after we left the area - destination: IFAS Extension for lunch. This is where we refuel and go over the E-Bird list for the trip...53 species...not bad at all. We then went to Oil Well Road, a venue that was really productive a year ago with lots of ducks - this year not so much - it's almost dry and I think a bit early for the ducks. My E-Bird list for Oil Well Road.

 Elaine and I left the group and decided to return to IFAS Extension to spend some time in the garden.

We were rewarded with great sighting of a couple Hummingbirds.

I would have liked a better camera view point so that the colors would be more noticeable but as the song says: You can't always get what you want.

But nevertheless, this bird was on my 'wishlist' today and my wish was granted - I am greatful and I was blessed.

A snoozing gator

The weather was not cooperating today and I felt restless - so what better way to chase the blues than hop in the car and drive through Ding Darling - the birds were seeking shelter from the rain but the gator didn't seem to mind.

Peek-a-boo - I see you

Shipley & Pond Apple Trail

There has been a lot of progress at the Bailey Homestead and the Shipley Trail is looking really lovely....come and take a look....

As I entered the trail, I couldn't resist admiring these Cassia blooms....

also a new sign has sprouted on the north side of the trail...

and look at these vines producing natural arches...

in the background more Cassia blooms.

The trail took me to the reclaimed water pond area and WHOA! Now, judging from the distance between the eye balls and the tip of his nose, I'd say this is a 8-9ft gator....I hadn't seen one that big in that pond before.

An Eastern Phoebe welcomed me as I made my way to the Pond Apple Trail.

I was glad to see that the DQ Eagle was around, well camouflaged in that Australian Pine, wouldn't you say?

A Better view of the Bald Eagle - I wonder where his mate is.

He took off while I was watching and he flew to another Australian Pine by the reclaimed water pond....see the tree....

and the Bald Eagle in the tree - gotta love this Canon SX50 camera - not too many outfit can bring you this close to your subject.

A Pileated Woodpecker flew quickly by me while......

I was watching this lady Anhinga

I made a point of scouting the entire water's edge just to make sure the gator was not laying on the side of the road waiting to surprise me.....aha.....

turns out he was using the path to bask....

I was right on my estimation - this is a big gator

a sneaky grin too. Soon after he up and went into the water when he realized more people were coming.....the path was clear to proceed.

A male American Kestrel is more my cup of tea....

Back to where I started I can see a Great Blue Heron feeling quite comfortable in these new digs.

 The construction is just about done, as a matter of fact the SCCF nature garden has made its move and will have a soft opening next week, the Bailey Homestead is scheduled to open early 2016. I will keep you all updated and I will pass the word around that it's a great spot for the birds to stop by. My E-bird list for today.

Bailey's Bobcat

As I get older or should I say wiser, I've realized that I can plan my days/weeks/months way ahead of time but the end results are totally out of my hands.....I'm okay with that because often times the alternatives that surface are usually icing on the cake.

In my simple planning today - my goal was to see birds and open myself up for any surprises that may come my way....perhaps a rare sighting would be good. So, come along and see how my morning went....

The moon is full and the day is just about to begin - that in itself is exciting.

A flock of American Robins landed right behind me....

for me it is always exciting to see them especially since it doesn't happen very often.

A half hour into my walk I spotted a Bobcat leading the way - once in a while he would turn to see if I was still following.

He was focused on the Marsh Rabbits - following them in his 'cat' demeanor and jumping into bushes in his attempt to snag one....in this instance the Hare persevered and won.

Behind me a mother with a cranky baby in a stroller caught the cat's attention....

one more look and off he went ....

at a quicker pace.

In the meantime, a flock of White Pelicans were spotted seemingly floating in the air.

On my way out of the Bailey Tract - a small gator was seen watching people....

I bid him farewell with glee in my step. This day surely brought a different spin - and oh, what fun! My E-bird List for today.