Bailey Tract's surprises

Every time that I step out - I open myself to receive the gifts of nature - today I left my foot prints next to a gator's print.....what a way to start the day!

A pair of Kestrel watched me as I approached.

I had to return the favor and watch in return - what a beautiful bird!

The Palm Warblers have arrived -  a dime a dozen - but what's not to like, this one even has a rusty cap on.

A Mourning Dove taking a snooze.

And a Gray Kingbird made a magical appearance this morning .... this sealed the day! Tweet!

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.

Bonita Springs little out of the way gems.

This morning Elaine and I drove south to Bonita Springs - map in hand and open hearts to adventures we were ready to seize the day.

We arrived at the crack of dawn and set out to find the Hidden Cypress Preserve and somewhat getting side tracked near a road called: Cutting Horse Lane. We walked between a Utility site and a creek, we observed several species - sorry no photos as there wasn't enough light for my camera (she's picky). Check my E-bird List, we tallied 28 species.

Then, off to the next spot

Upon pulling into the parking lot we noticed another birder - turns out he was watching Bay-breasted Warbler and Chestnut-sided Warbler - nice sightings! After watching them for a bit we ventured forth to explore Cullum's Bonita Trail.

I was able to capture bits and pieces of the Bay-breasted Warbler which was constantly moving - nevertheless it was a challenging fun. These birds are hard to identify in the fall and that sends me back to the books for further study.

Along the trail there is a launching pad for kayaks and canoes....that pad is really nice and low - important factor when you are entering your vessel.

That trail led us to the Bonita Nature Place - across several steps that had been positioned to make climbing those small hills easier - yes....hills in Florida....hard to believe.

A bat house was holding several bats - they were watching me unless they sleep with their eyes open. I wanted to add them to my bird list but Elaine pointed out that they are mammals.

This bench sits on the top of a cliff with the river flowing down below.

The Imperial River - pristine and as it has been for many decades - thanks to Mr. Cullums and his 'future' vision.

Elaine and I enjoyed listening to his stories.

The trail is well kept, the place is a hidden gem...many benches can be found along the way and should definitely be taken advantage of while taking in the surroundings. My E-Bird list for Cullum's (note: birds were mostly seen in parking lot).

We were back on the road, still searching for our destination when we passed this vegetable/pumpkin nursery - some nice Sunflowers were sending their rays our way.

Aha! Finally found it....no wonder they call it Hidden Cypress Preserve - (on Wellfield Road)

It was a bit late for birding and after a bit we decided to walk the edge of the property where we ended up seeing a lot of birds - resting/eating.

A few Roseate Spoonbills in flight

The landing gears coming down first.

Several Wood Storks were present too.

A Great Blue Heron with a White Ibis and a Snowy Egret - they positioned themselves by the water pipe which funneled the excess water from the preserve across the way.

Well, folks, I think this turned out to be a great experience and well worth the travel. My E-bird list for this location.