A visit to the Shipley/Pond Apple Trails

Now that turtle season is coming to a screeching halt, I have more time and more energy to spend on the trails and revisit some of my old favorites. It has been several months since I last visited the Shipley & Pond Apple Trail and today seemed to be a good day....so, come and visit with me...

The sun is rising, the colors are changing and the birds are coming alive by the look of wings in the sky.....

A pair of Black-crowned Night Heron flew above me and I wondered where they will spend the day.

Looks like the Dairy Queen Eagles are back in town - this one perched in an Australian Pine while the other 

called from the depth of the Pond Apple Trails....I leisurely made my way down.

I was able to skip and jump over these puddles but when I finished crossing the boardwalk I had to retreat because there was no end in sight as to where a dry walking spot could be.

 However, I was in for a sweet surprise....not one but two Ovenbirds were spotted.

On my way back I also enjoyed watching some of the wild flowers that grows here and there along the trail.

I made it back to the retention pond area and spent some time watching the bird life .... many Anhinga and Little Blue were perched on top of the roped fence area...a Green Heron perched too.

The Bald Eagle was still holding his post.

Some interesting fungi growing on a tree trunk, sharing space with a Christmas Vine.

One of my favorite wild flower: Lance-leaved arrowhead, it blooms from Apr-Dec by ponds, rivers etc.

And the Seagrape tree which permeates the air with the sweet smell of ripe grapes - luring me to taste a few - yum .... sweet and tart, not much to eat since it has a large pit inside but the taste is heavenly.

Suspended above the water was an Orb Weaver - its web catching the sun's rays while sparkling away.

 A family of Red-bellied Woodpecker were busy feeding and learning the ropes - they were fun to watch.

The Bailey Homestead Preserves is still undergoing renovation and preparation for grand opening - perhaps later this year.

On the other side of the trail - many frogs were heard and seen jumping away as I approached, making me smile as I enjoyed their serenade.

The man made pond is ready for wildlife to come.

A deck has been built in front of the pond - looks like a good spot to rock the day away.

The gazebo is filled with information, four benches has been added since I was here last.

It is refreshing to see that 68% of Sanibel Island is preserved and I am proud to call this place: Home, Sweet Home.

Take a look at my E-Bird List and see what I feasted my eyes on.

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.

Wood Storks at the Pond Apple

I spent quite a bit of time this morning along the Shipley Trail and the Pond Apple Trail, the special occurrence that took place today was the return of the Wood Storks along the retention ponds area - it was super fun to watch them .... the photos will speak for themselves.

 It was quite entertaining to watch and especially to listen to their bill clapping. Once in a while they would separate and go their own way and then before you knew it - they repeated the whole process all over again. Folks, there is no better way to spend a morning! Go Birding, it's fun!