Birds and other wildlife of Southwest Florida
Besides chasing the Burrowing Owls and Florida Scrub-jays, I also took pictures of other birds and wildlife. Most of these were taken on Naples Beach, with some taken on Sanibel Island.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
Brown Pelicans are a common sight on Naples Beach, they seem to leisurely cruise above the beach all day long.
Sanderlings are the most numerous shorebids found on the beach.
Black-bellied Plovers in their winter plumage are less numerous, but one or two of them can always be found if one cares to look.
Willets are also very common on the beach.
Snowy Egrets are one of the most elegant birds found on the beach.
On my last morning, near Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, I saw a White Ibis wading in the water on the beach. While not a rare bird (in fact they are very common in Florida), I seldom see them on the beach.
On that morning, I saw saw a group of Red-breasted Mergansers swimming close to shore.
A probing Ruddy Turnstone was also seen on the beach.
On two occasions, I saw gulls -- first time a Lauging Gull, another time a Lesser Black-backed Gull, catching or eating a fish.
Almost my last encounter with birds on the beach (and my best) was with a mixed flock of gulls and terns. The most numerous of these are the Sandwich Terns.
There were also a few Royal Terns in the flock. One of these had a projection below its bill. I later found out that it was its tongue, and the condition is known as oral fistula. The bird seemed otherwise healthy and alert, despite its suffering. I wish it well!
Among the mostly white gulls and terns, the Black Skimmers contrast sharply with them.
It was on Naples Beach that I also saw a few dolphins, some apparently feeding near shore. But it was difficult to photograph them, as their surfacing was unpredictable.
On Sanibel Island, we saw a Gopher Tortoise munching on beach plants. I also saw one last time on Naples Beach.
Our stop on Sanible Island was brief this time, and our visit to J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge was very short indeed. My only photos there were of a lizad (likely a Brown Anole) outside the visitors center.
Brown Pelican
Brown Pelican
Sanderling
Sanderling
Black-bellied Plover
Black-bellied Plover
Willet
Willet
Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret
White Ibis
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Turnstone
Laughing Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Sandwich Tern
Sandwich Tern
Royal Tern
Royal Tern
Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer
Dolphin
Gopher Tortoise
Gopher Tortoise
Lizard