During this journey, we escaped into the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the warm gulf. I had read about this place in so many birder books and it exceeded my expectations. Captiva Island is one of the most desired locations for tourists. We went on a weekday and left early before everyone woke up in Florida to find a parking spot. And thanks to great planning on our parts, we had a fantastic trip into the unknown.
Brown Pelican |
A great place to start your day for breakfast or afternoon lunch |
We grabbed breakfast and I ran to the beaches before the thousands of people arrived to chase all the birds away. A sip of coffee and a quick run to the beach turned out to be a great idea as I was able to find several birds up close.
But we were heading away from Captiva Island to Cayo Costa State Park where we would be secluded and not have to deal with the tourist crowd. So we brought our cooler of veggies and water along with beach chairs and umbrellas.....
Cayo Costa State Park |
And from there I explored the beaches alone away from noisy crowds. Sydney enjoyed the sun and water while I tracked Ruddy Turnstones. I was able to observe them close from the water while they foraged around vegetation left on the beach. Several hung out on piers and others were strolling around on the beaches.
Ruddy Turnstones |
Sanderling |
It was also here that I found my first US Anhinga! I had only seen them in the dark rainy forests of Panama a couple years ago. When I saw this bird again, I smiled. This bird moves like a snake through water or a needle pulling thread. Cue Sound of Music:)
Anhinga |
Laughing Gull |
It wasn't my Shire(Wisconsin) nor was it the mystical Central America. But it was tropical with too many birds all around me. I was in my own country birding and it felt safe. Granted, we had to seriously navigate around the Spring breakers and the Northerners who have had to endure a most painful winter. So in a sense, I'm glad I live in Arizona because I didn't feel the need to tan or soak in the sun all day on the beach......
We sat on the boat to and from Cayo Costa. I remember wishing that time didn't exist. Being with my friend and being in Florida around so many new birds made me wish I had a month to spend there. But life does not wait nor does it care what you do with it. So we made the most of it.
Watching a Double-crested Cormorant tackle a large fish and then swallow it whole was fascinating.
Double-crested Cormorant gets his meal |
Horseshoe Crab |
Swallowtail Kite |
Magnificent Frigatebird |
So no Northern Gannets. They will have to wait until next time. We had a wonderful day at Captiva and Cayo Costa State Park. Stay tuned for more! Next week we'll discover a religious sect ruled by women and Gopher Turtles......
For more on our world's birds check out Wild Bird Wednesday!
Seriously... That bird swallowed the fish whole?
ReplyDeleteNice shots of all your birds. Florida sounds really good right now.
A wonderful post Chris. I thoroughly enjoyed the photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing weekend... Awesome Anhinga.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful birding adventure, especially having a beach to yourself. I saw Frigate birds in Mexico and was totally impressed with their size. OK, so not as big as a condor. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou do have fun on your birding outings, Great sightings and photos, Chris!
ReplyDeleteNice shots of the Kite and Frigatebird. I hope I can get a chance to see them soon!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Shots! :)
ReplyDeletethe turnstones are pretty. like the anhinga, too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! What a fabulous weekend you had.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, looks like a great place.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Interesting to study all the details!
ReplyDeleteThe swallowtail kites are such beautiful birds and unmistakable in flight. The laughing gull is another favorite for me. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris. What w a wonderful trip with great birds found and shot. You will see the gannets next time perhaps.
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent post, Chris. Elegantly described and beautifully illustrated.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from UK - Richard
Great set of birds - and I like the horseshoe crab as well.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if my kids will experience "green shock" the first time they see the UK?
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Hi Chris. It's a small world when I can go out tomorrow morning and get my fill of Turnstones, Sanderlings and even Gannets. And here you are a zillion miles away enthusing over my commons. Such is the joy of World Birding - I love it.
ReplyDeleteCan't see those Swallow-tailed here though - shame.
Great post Chris with some wonderful photos and birds. What a superb time you had there. I particularly love the Horseshoe crab :)
ReplyDeleteps I hope you don't get a comment twice. Blogger is playing up :(
Chris, I am so glad you got to go there! What amazing pictures! What amazing adventures! It just makes me want to go back again as well! There is so much to see!
ReplyDeleteYou've shared a wonderful collection of birds from your beautiful day. The photos of your surroundings show us you do pay attention as well. Glad you had such a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on such a successful day! Lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat sighting of birds and I love the cormorant with its meal. Got to watch out for those crabs indeed. Looks like a lot of fun and adventure to be had in this place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful array of photos!
ReplyDeleteI like that horseshoe crab. I remember the first time I ever saw one (dead) and thought I had discovered some prehistoric animal. I was about ten.
Your images make me really look forward to our stay on Sanibel Island in only two weeks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots, Chris!
ReplyDelete