The early riser gets the bird

I just love this time of the year, the sky is clearer and the air is cooler - there are more birds and the trail is still quiet.

My visit to the Bailey Tract and the Sanibel Garden Preserve this morning provided nice surprises.

Doesn't this Mockingbird look lovely as he is being kissed by the morning light?

I guess I could say the same about this Eastern Phoebe, his song was a nice bonus too.

Several White Ibis adopted this bare tree, the Osprey decided it was just too crowded and left.

I liked how the clouds/humidity started to move in the area - it sure created interesting hues in the vista.

A young Bald Eagle perched on the tower - which provided me the answer as to why all of a sudden all the birds left.

When the dust settled a few unknowing Eurasian Collared Doves came to roost nearby.

On my way back I stumbled upon a House Wren right out in the open, he had the better viewing side.

A regal Merlin digesting his dragonfly.

You know the ducks are underway when you see a nice crowd of Blue-winged Teal.....I'm ready.

More treats

Yesterday was so rewarding at the Bailey Tract that I felt the need to return today and see what else was in store for me - I was really glad I did.

Fall foliage at the Bailey Tract

The ducks and grebe are slowly waking up.

The surprise of the day: a Swamp Sparrow....seldom seen or heard....what a treat!

I felt blessed to have him pop up in front of me and stay for a bit.

Today was also the day to have ample opportunities to watch the Common Yellow-throat, it doesn't happen very often that this little fellow stays long enough for good looks let alone take a photo.

This is usually the side that I see as it flies by at bullet speed.

A House Wren

What can I say - I'm a sucker for yellow - my happy and warm color.

A Rattlebox Butterfly - a very tiny one which shows pink when in flight. What a nice way to seal the day. My E-Bird List for today.

Bailey Tract - early November

I love the fact that every time I visit the Bailey Tract I get to see different things to entertain my spirit and this week held many sweet surprises.

I wish I had a photo of all the species I saw but that's okay - those that took the time to slow down and pose were really precious.

Such as the Eastern Phoebe - his song is as sweet as its demeanor.

This Pied-billed Grebe had just finished taking a good bath.

And the House Wrens! Oh My! They are so numerous that I think they might be crowding the Carolina Wren aside.

The Red-Shouldered Hawk feels quite a ease using his voice to the highest decibels.

The Gray Catbirds are everywhere and it's quite interesting to listen to their wide array of tunes. My E-bird List for Nov 4, 2015.

It was quite obvious this morning that the Yellow-rumped Warblers have arrived!

It's been a long time since I've seen them in numbers, I'm glad they are back.

I couldn't pass this Gulf Fritillary by without taking its photo.

Many Brown Pelicans passed me by.

Well, it is interesting wouldn't you say that my day begins with a greeting from the Grebe and a farewell too.

I'll take it and I'll be back! My E-bird list for this morning.

A revisit to Rotary Park

The high gusty winds are staying in our area which makes it conducive for the birds to stay a bit longer before continuing their migration journey - another visit to the Rotary Park sounded like a good plan - we were not disappointed.

I felt very lucky to be able to observe a Gray-cheeked Thrush - this is certainly not a daily occurrence by any means.

And another lucky strike - a House Wren right out in the open - giving us ample ooh-aah opportunities.

Except for the hummingbird - this may very well be the next smallest bird there is - A Northern Parula.

A dwarf Poinciana in bloom.

Of course a visit to the Butterfly garden is always in order when you visit the Rotary Park. Lucky for us, we witnessed a Giant Swallowtail laying her eggs...

look closely and you'll see her eggs on some of the leaves.

This Coontie plant is home to the Atala's larva.

The Atala Butterfly.

I'd venture to say that this was a beautiful day in every way - I am blessed.