Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of North
Americas premier birding sites. It lies on popular Sanibel Island, in the Gulf
of Mexico, just off of Fort Myer in
southwestern Florida. With our friends Gary and Rosie, it was the Troutbirders
second visit there after a previous trip
in 2010. On that March trip we had wanted to see our beloved Minnesota
Twins in spring training. Take a look at a few of the many birding highlights,
all photographed by Mrs. T. (Click on photographs to enlarge)
There were waders and divers flying all around and beyond the small sandspit lots of small shorebirds (peeps) I couldn't identify with my binoculars.
The world record migrator. This Red Knot has left southern Argentina, is resting in southern Florida, on his way to the Artic for breeding season.
The White Pelicans lining up for a Conga Dance
.JPG)
This Laughing Gull wasn't laughing as he checked us out.
An immature Little Blue Heron who was working the shoreline to pickup up bugs and was too busy to notice us.
Fabulous pictures, TB! I love the birds in Florida, but you are giving me an education about them. Everywhere I went there were bird sounds that I couldn't identify :-)
ReplyDeleteIt must be so wonderful to see these birds in their native habitat. I really liked the Spoonbill. I also have a question, what do you mean by a "lifer"?
ReplyDeleteNice collection of birdie photos! That looks like a place I'd enjoy visiting!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of Florida birds. Your reference to Argentina made me think of the Falkland Islands. Have your ever considered visiting there. There are lots of birds their including many varieties of penguins. Here is a webside I visit http://peterspenguinpost.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletegreat variety! i showed a yellow-crowned today, too, but your shot is better than mine. :)
ReplyDeleteA great selection of birds to see this snowy winter morning! The Roseate Spoonbill has long been a favorite to me and for everyday, the pelicans, white or brown!
ReplyDeleteJo
Those Spoonbills are such remarkable looking birds! Enjoyed seeing the view from your lens. :c)
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing Roseate Spoonbills in downtown Cedar Key, off one of the bridges. I had walked into the village to buy a muffin. And there they were! I envy your trip. I hope some day I will see Florida again-
ReplyDeleteAlways interesting when someone shows photos with a good description of the area.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images Ray -- looks so warm!
ReplyDeleteYou have a photo of a Roseate Spoonbill.. check this gal out.
ReplyDeletehttp://lifewiththreedogs.blogspot.com/2013/02/we-interrupt-these-musings-of-childhood.html
Looks like great fun to me! I enjoyed your photos! :)
I saw the night Heron in Texas,a nice find.
ReplyDeleteEach one of those birds has something special. What a thrill to see and photograph them.
ReplyDeleteOOH, I'm so envious - not in the cards for us to go this year. GREAT spoonbill photo - they never cooperate for me. Glad you had such good sightings.
ReplyDelete