Burrowing Owls of Punta Gorda

I was told, by a friend who lives in the neighborhood, that the owls had moved on.  Another friend confirmed that they hadn't seen the owls in quite sometime.  I was perplexed and expected to find some information about what happened to them but, nothing.  I've been here, in the neighborhood, for about two weeks and have visited the nest/burrow at least half dozen times and seen nothing.

However, last evening, just before sunset, I drove by and to my surprise and elation, there were several owls poking out of the burrow.  I'm not schooled enough to know if these are male and female or adult or juvenile, but I suspect they are adult male and female.  I visited again this morning and the same two were evident.  I did not take any photos this morning, however, as the light was really bad.  I'm settling for what I got last night and thankful.

Hope you enjoy these.

 

Gotta love the eyes.

Passing Through Ding Darling

Last time I went through Ding Darling, I spent a lot of time there and was privileged to view a wide variety of birds.  I felt especially privileged to see and photograph a large contingent of Roseate Spoonbills, who seemed to be just waiting for us to arrive and in no hurry to leave.  Not so lucky this trip.  However, I was lucky enough to witness several other species which I had not seen before, and was especially happy to capture this osprey keeping watch while his mate fed their young.

 

I also saw some cormerant, anhinga, white and brown pelican, gopher turtle, great blue heron, small blue heron, hooded merganzer, red breasted merganzer, egret, ibis, red bellied woodpeckers, tourists, and the ever present noseeum's (nasty critters).

 

Reports going in were not looking good, and the place was a bit slow, as are most of the bird breeding habitats right now.  At least, the ones I've been to.  I'm guessing water level has something to do with it.  Water is kind of low right now, even though it is raining as I speak.  I'll bet this guy is happy about that.

In spite of all that, it was a rewarding short drive through the habitat and glad we made the trip.

I'll probably be back here before I leave south Florida.

Pinkney Island

Pinkney Island NWR is a salt marsh located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, just outside of Hilton Head. My friend, Kelly, told me about this place. She heard I was going to Savannah, Ga and this was on the way and one of her favorite places, so I told here I'd stop and check it out. It's a beautiful place and well kept, but, unfortunately, there weren't many birds about, which is what I expected to see.

One of the destinations on the island is the Ibis Pond, (above image) which is the site of a major heronry. All manner of heron and egret breed here in late spring, and though I did see one Great Egret, hiding in amongst the growth, it was not photographable. I did see a lot of small birds flying about, none of which I can identify, save a sparrow, and there were lots of black and turkey vultures in the sky. I also saw a number of Moorhen floating about and was surprised to note their near proximity to the alligator.

Other fascinating creatures in the Ibis Pond include the American Alligator, several of which were sunning themselves on the banks, and though they were not immediately obvious as I strolled about, their presence became a source for my continuous attention, once identified.  They look so docile and harmless, just lying about so motionless.  I know better.
I'll look forward to another visit to Pinkney Island, hopefully on my return north and then it will be filled with birds.