The Shipley Trail - FOS American Robin

The Shipley Trail which borders the Bailey's Homestead and the new home for SCCF's native Nursery is progressing nicely - the nursery is open and the Homestead will follow on the early part of next year.

Come and take a look at all the progress...

This is viewed from the parking lot - in the back is where the Shipley Trail is.

The Bailey Homestead.

The Windmill which borders the trail and the homestead property.

The fresh water pond.

I made my way to the Shipley Trail which overlooks the Bailey Homestead.

A bit of history on the Windmill.

I walked to the reclaimed water area which sits behind Matzaluna Restaurant and at the end of the Shipley Trail - technically this area is also known at the Pond Apple Trail - the two trails connect. This morning several birds were already resting from their breakfast feasts.

A Tricolored heron.

A pair of Killdeer.

From the trail head of the Pond Apple Trail I am looking across the ponds and into the tall Australian Pine.....

where the pair of Bald Eagle is presently resting.

Further along, some little frogs were seen jumping the bridge (railing) into the nearby vegetation as I approached.

Plenty of purple moon flowers can be seen along the trails.

I love to be on a trail - looking ahead yet not knowing what I will encounter....an adventure awaits.

On my way back I noticed a few more Killdeers, as I raised my binoculars to count them I am surprised to see how many there are....

the more I watch, the more I see - I counted 24.

A Young Anhinga claimed a wood post - he watched intently as I walked slowly by....

after I passed him, I turned to watch his demeanor - he made me think of: Ready, set, GO!....but he fooled me because he stayed put after all.

Back along the boardwalk - I noticed the pollen dwellers.

And my surprise for today - an American Robin - my first of season sighting....the Robins have been making their way down south and looks like this fellow has arrived in Sanibel - how precious!

A young Indigo Bunting was also spotted along the trail...

in the midst of the Yellow-rumped Warblers, which have become a dime a dozen.

Folks, the birding is getting better and I would venture to guess that the wildlife/birds are approving their new grounds that surrounds the Bailey Homestead/SCCF nature Gardens ...check my E-Bird list for today - 33 species!

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.