Unusual Florida Fox Squirrel

Florida Fox Squirrels are regular visitors to our backyard but this year we have an unusual one - he has a short stubby tail! Normally, Fox Squirrels have very long tails - as long as their body - but this one has either had an accident or is an interesting variety.

He is still cute.

We also have lots of Doves that feed on the dropped sunflower seeds under the feeders. Most are Mourning Doves, but today we had two Ground Doves. They are much smaller and have different markings.

Our Goldfinches are getting more yellow color every day.

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

No trip to Southwest Florida would be complete without a trip to Sanibel's Ding Darling. The day was overcast & windy and we had no clue if we would see anything.

 It was a pleasant surprise to round the turn and see a flock of Roseate Spoonbills. They were all facing into the winds. When there was a stronger gust, most of them pointed their bills to the sky.

 Then, suddenly, they all took off.

 I thought this Ground Dove was especially pretty.

 At the entrance to the drive, this immature White Ibis was there to greet us. He never moved while we snapped pictures.

 The gal at the gate told us there was a Yellow-crowned Night Heron down the road and sure enough, there was!

 He entertained us for awhile.

Bowditch Point, Fort Myers Beach

On the way home from Corkscrew, we drove along Fort Myers Beach to Bowditch Point Park on the far north end of the island.

I don't think I've ever walked by this sign that it hasn't had a resident Brown Pelican sitting on it.

 You all know I can't walk by a Great Egret without taking at least one (maybe ten) pictures.

Great Egret

 Ground Doves are smaller, and cuter, than Mourning Doves.

This is a Magnificent Frigatebird. They live over water and rarely land. I think the upcoming storm has blown them closer to shore.

Another Osprey - one of many that lives at Bowditch.