Harns Marsh Preserve VI

With great anticipation, I made my sixth trip to Harns Marsh Preserve in Lehigh Acres, Florida today.


The birds above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

The correct spelling of the preserve is a mystery to me as the Caloosa Bird Club identifies it (with directions to the preserve here)as Harnes Marsh.

I was unsure of what the lighting conditions for photography would be. As was the case on prior visits to the preserve, the sky was somewhat overcast with intermittent high clouds today.

The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

This made for less than ideal conditions where I would prefer consistent bright light. This allows the chance for better imagery at a greater distance.

The temperature was 44 degrees Fahrenheit upon my arrival. The relative warmth of the water created a heavy mist on the marsh that burned off quickly once the sun had risen over the trees.

The Boat-tailed Grackle above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

It was my initial intent to walk around the preserve as I had on my last visit, but there was enough action in the vicinity of the parking area to keep me busy observing what was immediately accessible.

Not to mention, I wasn't rested enough for the journey that can be daunting.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

I thought I had made a sighting of the Snail Kite which I would note as a given at the preserve, but after review of my images taken, the bird I thought was a kite was actually an Osprey. This was the first occasion I have not seen the Snail Kite at the preserve.

I did, however, see a few other species up close I had not seen before at Harns Marsh including the Bald Eagle, American Kestrel, and Killdeer. The latter I was especially surprised by which I would only expect to see at the beach, or at least much closer to it.

The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

Gayle Schmidt's checklist for the shorebirds at Harns Marsh is surprising to me with a dozen species observed. The Killdeer made my first sighting of plover at the preserve.

The Limkin was present, but disappointingly silent. I missed its call across the water which is very distinctive.

The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

It was a treat to meet Jerry and Susan, from Naples, whom had made a walk along the Northeastern boundary of the preserve. Upon their exit, they told me that they had observed the merganser which I didn't clarify. I had assumed it was the Hooded, but the Red-breasted has also been observed at Harns Marsh in the past. Susan and Jerry were planning on making a trip to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve to observe the smaller birds, as Jerry described them, before heading home.

Before the arrival of the first fisherman to Harns Marsh on this day (I think its only half the time I haven't seen one), I thought I was observing the breach of unusually large fish on the water's surface. After a short while, I realized I was seeing something else.

The River Otter above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

As I made my way South, a large River Otter crossed my path within a dozen feet of me. It was quite fast in its effort to leave the marsh, crossing the small ravine to my left, and entering the woods. Since I had observed two of the creatures together in the water, I walked a little further and waited with hopes to see the other otter. After a few minutes, it also made a bee line to the woods, but somewhat cooperatively stayed in the ravine for some portraits.

This was the first occasion I've seen the River Otter. The second otter was significantly smaller than the first I'd seen out of the water but was not as fast. A female or juvenile I'm not sure.

The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

Across the marsh, at first light, I observed what I thought were Snowy Egrets. Closer inspection identified them as Cattle Egrets.

The highlight of this most recent visit to Harns Marsh, without doubt, was what appeared to be a territorial battle between two Great Blue Herons.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

All the other typical wading birds were observed with the exception of the Reddish Egret which I have yet to see at Harns Marsh.

The Osprey were in greater numbers than I've seen before here. They were in the water twice, but not to be photographed.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

The Bald Eagle was an unexpectedly observed predator of the marsh. Susan mentioned seeing the juvenile of the species which I did not.

The eagle was harassed by the kingfisher on a couple of occasions.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

I also observed the American Kestrel and Northern Harrier, but was not able to photograph them. I considered the harrier too far away to pull the trigger.

The kestrel fought a strong wind from the North where it was virtually still for what was a good 10-15 seconds, but I could not respond quickly enough to get the shot of it. I was more memorized by its presence for half the time than I had to react before it took the wind way out of range.

The Great Blue Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

Another treat in visiting the preserve was my first observation of the Tree Swallow. The species made its way through in a flock of a few dozen. There were some stragglers that allowed for some photographs.

This species, which is extremely fast in flight, reminded me of my challenge in capturing images of even the larger and slower birds I often see.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

Before leaving the preserve, I also met Bob and Denise visiting from England. They had plans to bike the preserve at least in part. This is a recommended way to visit here as the boundary of the preserve is too large for a walk, especially in the summer months.

Bob had told me of his and Denise's trip to San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve where a recommendation was made to visit where we were. I, of course, recommended that they visit Little Estero Lagoon, a stones throw from where they're staying.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

One of my work mates that makes frequent trips to Fort Myers Beach for physical fitness has told me that the bird migrants have arrived. It's been nearly five weeks since my last visit to the beach which seems like an eternity.

In another month or so, a greater diversity of ducks should arrive, when I hope to make my next visit to Harns Marsh Preserve.

The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

A trip to the beach is a long overdue necessity at this point while I haven't had a recent opportunity with preferred conditions.

There are going to be extremely favorable low tides at the beginning of next month.

The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

I hope to visit Bunche Beach Preserve, Little Estero Lagoon, and Tigertail Beach in the coming weeks to take advantage of the better shore birding known.

Before the year ends, I also hope to report from DDNWR. As a reminder, this venue is closed on Fridays.

The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2009.

I also need to update my pbase galleries of the Great Florida Birding Trail (where you may click on a venue of interest) from a recent trip across the state.
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Random Thoughts V

I haven't been to any of my local beaches in over a month. I mention this because I would normally be at one at least once a week when possible.

The butterfly above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

Some of the beaches in the SW Florida area can be uncrowded which allows for ideal shore and wading bird activity and observation where there's great enjoyment.

I was told today of a sighting of the Scarlet Ibis at Lakes Park in early 2009. This inland venue is one that I should be visiting more often with its prospects for exciting wildlife observation and photography.

The Short-billed Dowitcher and Black-bellied Plover above were photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

Pbaser and attorney, Bob Duckwall, has an image in his galleries of the Scarlet Ibis that he has observed in the area.

The Scarlet Ibis is a rare species for my area that I have not had the privilege to observe in my excess of two years of bird observation.

The Short-billed Dowitcher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in October 2009.

As always, it's been fun to read the blog of renowned wildlife photographer, Artie Morris. His education and entertainment is not to be missed.

After a year of periodic research of a song that I'd like to add to the music player, it was finally found through the help of Andrew Linne. The composition is exceptional and a must hear. It is called "Candle of Hope."
READ MORE - Random Thoughts V

Fall 2009 Florida Birding Migration Action II

Well, it's been more than a week since my return from my Fall 2009 trip along the Great Florida Birding Trail traversing all four of the regions within it.

The Northern Mockingbird above was photographed at Trout Point Nature Trail in November 2009.

The start of the journey led me through and out of the South Region of the Trail into the East Region. From the East Region I entered the Panhandle and then, on the final leg, didn't make a stop other than to fuel the car as I drove through the West Region of the Trail on the way back home. Thus my significant observations within them were limited to only the East and Panhandle Regions.

Regrettably, I have had limited time to present my observations in words and images to you here, let alone review my notes and images taken during the trip.

The Sandhill Crane above was photographed along the Great Florida Birding Trail (East Region) in November 2009.

I have been making progress. I spent much of a day creating the galleries at the pbase site which will serve as a reference for several dozen of the venues visited within the Trail on this trip.

There was certainly too much driving involved in comparison to time spent observing wildlife. I had a very enjoyable time nonetheless.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in September 2009.

The Garmin GPS device worked interestingly. I'm sure I would not have taken many of the routes the machine advised otherwise, but it offered an education on the latest our technology has to offer. At one point, I was wondering if the device was working correctly as it led me through some seemingly extremely rural areas.

I stayed at four different chain's hotel/motel rooms along the trip. All were very accommodating and pleasant. This might be explained by the competitive pressure put upon them by the likes of the newest hotels built adjacent to them. The pricing was reasonable at the time of the trip.

The observation of many familiar species of birds was made in my journey with others I've seen before, but rarely. I also caught glimpses of the likes of the Carolina Chickadee, and am optimistic I can crop images taken of such rarities (for me).

The diverse habitats along the way were distinctively evident as were the species that lived within them.

Juggling the great interest I have in my work and that of my hobby results in what you experience here.
READ MORE - Fall 2009 Florida Birding Migration Action II

1700 Miles

It was an attempt of mine, with the opportunity, to observe migratory action of birds that may be making their way through Florida these past few days in the late 2009 migration period.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed at the Prairie Bird Loops within the Great Florida Birding Trail in November 2009.

While I was able to travel through two new regions (the East and Panhandle) along the Great Florida Birding Trail, I was only able to add a handful of new species of bird to my wildlife lexicon that I had not seen before.

My 1700 mile journey without doubt went by much too quickly.

The Common Moorhen juvenile above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

I managed to travel through 12 clusters of the trail and visit 31 new venues within them.

Some were more rewarding than others for the wildlife seen.

The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

Without question, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offered the most exciting viewing along Black Point Wildlife Drive.

I spent half a day there while attempting to photograph a greater plethora of the larger wading birds than I have seen anywhere else.

The Dunlin with Willet and Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

I had hoped for the best weather and light conditions at this time, but was dealing with overcast conditions all morning. I was also shooting into the brightest light for the most part.

It was an opportunity to photograph under conditions I would normally avoid.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

The greatest diversity of wildlife was seen at this venue, including an alligator seen that appeared no less than 12 feet.

In its vicinity, I spent a lot of time observing moorhens including what appeared a solitary juvenile which seem accustomed to living within the close proximity of such a predator as I've also observed in the Everglades area.

The Common Moorhen above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

In my opinion, the best wildlife observations can unquestionably be had at virtually any of the venues closer to home within the Southwest portion of Florida.

I can say for sure, based on my experience, that wildlife is prolific within the South Florida Birding Trail virtually at any time of the year to a greater degree than the observations I've made outside of it.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

Certain venues seem to accommodate specific species of concern or interest. These creatures will be found around areas of water that provide them sustenance.

The drive home along I-10 was extraordinary in the view I had of the area of Torreya State Park. The light was perfect with the vista of the trees along the Apalachicola River.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Big Lagoon State Park in November 2009.

It was on my third trip through the area along I-10 that I had the opportunity to appreciate the magic this Florida state park has to offer.

I was very tempted to make an immediate u-turn, but decided to make a return trip there in the future.
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Give Me Jet Lag

While I've never had the opportunity to experience jet lag, I think I have at least a small appreciation for its affects after the recent impact of daylight savings time and then crossing the time zone by car back into "normal time."

The aircraft above was photographed at Trout Point Nature Trail in November 2009.

In this case, it might more appropriately be explained as a form of significant disorientation.

The start of my Florida 2009 Fall journey was under Lake Erie and led to an area South of Lake Michigan only by the proximity to the Florida and Alabama state line.

The Royal Tern above was photographed at Big Lagoon State Park in November 2009.

The trip was equally along the Florida Panhandle as it was within the peninsula of the Sunshine State.

I don't regret a minute of it.
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