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.

Eagle Lakes & Sugden Park in Naples w/Caloosa Bird Club

Ahhh....Monday morning and the Caloosa Bird Club is calling - let's go birding!

Today's itinerary: Eagle Lakes in Naples, Florida.

A Blue Grosbeak was a very nice surprise today.

An American Wigeon showing off.

An Indigo Bunting had me guessing for a bit - those female/first winter bird are tricky for me to recognize.

This park is large with wide cement trails that we shared with bikers/walkers, the view is great everywhere you looked....just watch where you're going.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks - my favorite.

A Great Blue Heron doing a dance for another nearby.

You know you're into snowbird season when the Coots are in great numbers.

Here's a reptile that generated quite a conversation - from the angle and the distance, some folks thought it might have been an alligator snapping turtle but as can be seen here - the scutes are 'gator' like and not cone shape.

We later moved to the Sugden Park where we consumed our lunch - a Kestrel was glowing in all its beauty - don't you agree?

A few Bald Eagles were spotted flying overhead - beside this young one, our eyes followed a mature pair carrying nest material....

to their nesting site nearby. A great way to seal the day! My E-bird List for Eagle Lakes and my E-bird List for Sugden Park.

Venice Rookery

I have heard from several people over the past two years about this little gem of a place called "Venice Rookery". It is small and intimate, a great inviting setting with ample opportunities for great nature enjoyment....come and take a look...

Right away I noticed how many families are occupying the small island and each families at different stages - here are a couple of Great Blue Heron chicks waiting to be fed.

Situated at the top is a parent standing over its nest - most likely with eggs.

In the middle is a Great Blue Heron chick that is practicing its wings - getting really close to fledge the nest.

A Great-crested Cormorant family.

This Great-crested Cormorant is drying its wings off from diving and fishing.

The covered pavilion is close to the parking area, from there I took the path that traveled around the entire lake - finding many intimate benches along the way with glorious views.

Anhinga chicks patiently waiting for more chow.

More families - including the Black-crowned Night Heron flying off to gather up more sticks while catching the other's attention.

One of my favorite families - Great Egret

This was my first time to see them at this stage - I will not soon forget.

Another family - the chicks here are much younger.

One big cozy and happy Great-crested Cormorant family.

Back to the Black-crowned Night Heron - being busy building his nest.

Gathering up more sticks - I watched how he picked just the right one and very carefully too.

Flying back to try it on for size and I bet it's going to be just right.

Looks like they will be neighbor with the

Black-crowned Night Heron

More sticks - and building the nest deep inside the rookery island.

"So, kids, listen up - we're having new neighbors and you better behave, you hear?"