Sanibel Island, FL ~ Birds along the roads

Pileated Woodpecker

Spotted along the causeway from Captiva ont Sanibel were these 2 birds ~ Pileated Woodpecker and Kestral.  The Pileated Woodpecker is a life bird for me and was an exciting find.  Just wish we could have stayed for longer looks but hopefully later in the week we'll find another one to study.

Kestral

Sanibel Island, FL ~ Ding Darling NWR

Willet

For a long time it was a dream of mine to travel the roads of Ding Darling NWR.  Today was the day to explore both Sanibel and Captiva Islands in FL.  Best of all I was able to purchase my Golden Age Pass here at the refuge which is good for life in any of the NWR and parks.  The main wildlife drive is 4 miles long and hosts a great variety of birds.  In addition there are several trails and other areas to explore though we didn't have time to hike as we planned to explore all of the Captiva and Sanibel in just one short day.  I was excited to have great looks at both Roseate Spoonbills and White Pelicans.  We saw several alligators and an otter also.

Roseate Spoonbill

White Pelicans

American Alligator

Fall migration continues

Palm Warbler

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Butterflies still here

2 Male Monarch's

Still seeing  a variety of butterflies in my yard.  One the most interesting sights were 2 Monarch's, both males, and the second male was determined to mate with the first.  Needless to say mating was not successful.  I wonder if they'll be any around after I return from vacation.  Will miss them over the long winter.

Cabbage White

Orange Sulphur

Pearl Crescent

Red Admiral

Painted Lady

Fall Migration ~ New yard birds

Marsh Wren #88 Yard bird

Hermit Thrush ~ #89 Yard Bird

Still making Babies ~ Eastern Black Swallowtails

Cape May Point ~ Monarch Butterfly Roosts

Last evening the Monarch tagging team posted a message on the blog that there were several Monarch roosts building up in Cape May Point. Jenny, Jayne & I were over to the Point at first light and found the main roost by St Mary's Retreat.  It is awesome to view and watch the butterflies wake up, re-position themselves until the sun warms them before the fly away.