Saturday, April 28, 2012

Sanibel Fallout (continued)

I took so many pictures on Monday and Tuesday at the Sanibel Fallout of neotropical migrating birds that it's hard to choose which ones to publish. The birds were all so beautiful but the heavy foliage and bright sun made photography a challenge.

Summer Tanager
This Summer Tanager sat still near the main path for quite some time - to the delight of the many birders.

Summer Tanager
According to my "The Stokes Field Guide of the Birds of North America" Summer Tanagers and Scarlet Tanagers can cross breed.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Even thought this shot is not as clear as I would have liked, I thought the colors on his wings were interesting, so it's included.

Indigo Bunting

At the exit to the park, late in the afternoon, (on our way to Doc Fords for dinner) we saw a large flock of Indigo Buntings - both male and female - on the ground.


Indigo Bunting

Blue Grosbeak

Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird

I didn't identify this Kingbird until I got home and looked at my pictures. Both my sister and I moved the "unknown" birds to a separate folder on our computers for later attribution.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female)
It's easy to see how these birds got their name!

Along with the birds, it was fun to bump into fellow birders that I recognized from my time with the Caloosa Bird Club, Vince McGrath and Ruth Woodall. I also enjoyed visiting with Charlie Ewell and Cheryl Anderson as we stalked the Black-billed Cuckoo, Veery and Lincoln Sparrow. I was surprised to read Bob Pelkey's SWFloridabirder blog and learn that we were also birding side by side. I'm sorry I missed the opportunity to meet him.

2 comments:

Ministry Mom said...

Gail - What a fantastic experience. Thanks for posting pictures of birds I've known about for years and only seen in bird books. Your photography is amazing.

By the way, I'd like to return your One Block Wonder book to you but need an address. Do you want it in Florida or Colorado? - Sally

Bob Pelkey said...

Sorry to have missed you, Gail. We were definitely focused on the wildlife. I remember comparing the Stokes and Sibley guides and preferred Sibley's at the time of acquiring it. I'm envious of your additional sightings of species at the lighthouse this past week.