Sunset on Sanibel Island, 12-26-19
Our dear friends in Fort Myers have been on our minds and in our hearts
since Hurricane Ian came ashore on 9-29-22.
The catastrophic destruction of these places we love is heartbreaking to see in photos and videos.
We send our love, courage and strength, and we're with you in spirit every step of the way, as you recover.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
It is Fall now.
Many of the migratory birds have been seen on several days in succession, rotating through in small flocks. They're feeding in the layers of trees, shrubs and ground cover finding insects, seeds, nectar and berries. Ironically, our area is behind in rainfall, so the birds are looking for water. They've been at the dripper baths, stream bed, and bubbler and even taking turns in the sprinkler when we're watering the plants. Here are some of the highlights.
10-2-22 Blackburnian Warbler
10-6-22 Blackburnian Warbler
Blackburnian Warblers have been part of these flocks. The first year male has a bit darker eye line and a very yellow throat!
10-6-22 Two Tennessee Warbler females with Blackburnian Warbler female
First fall female Blackburnian Warbler is a bit faded looking in comparison. It is on the right of these two female Tennessee Warblers.
10-5-22 Blackburnian Warbler female
In studying the guides, I believe this is an adult female Blackburnian with an orangey tinge to the yellow in the throat. That's an American Goldfinch in the lower right corner.
9-24-22 Ovenbird
An Ovenbird, also a warbler, made full use of the bubbler on the day it came in.
9-25-22 Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Green Warblers have been consistently seen.
9-25-22 Magnolia and Chestnut-sided Warblers
Magnolia and Chestnut-sided Warblers were bathing buddies.
9-26-22 Two Magnolia and Tennessee Warblers
Two Magnolia Warblers flank a Tennessee Warble on the bubbler rock.
10-1-22 Magnolia Warbler
This Magnolia Warbler gave a great view of its underside while it perched on Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum).
9-26-22 Black-throated Green, Nashville and Tennessee Warblers
(Clockwise from left) Black-throated Green, Tennessee and Nashville Warblers decide their next moves.
9-28-22 Northern Parula
A Northern Parula feels most at home at the bubble in back.
9-30-22 Nashville and Tennessee Warblers
Nashville and Tennessee Warblers are often seen traveling together and can be confusing. The Nashville has the white eye rings.
10-1-22 Tennessee and Chestnut-sided Warblers
The Tennessee Warbler is the most common of the group, and chums it up here with a Chestnut-sided Warbler in the stream bed.
10-6-22 FOS Orange-crowned Warbler first fall female
One of my favorite birds, this first fall female Orange-crowned Warbler is a bit on the dull and dingy side of plumage coloration.
10-6-22 FOS Orange-crowned Warbler first fall female
10-6-22 FOS Orange-crowned Warbler first fall female
10-6-22 Tennessee Warbler and FOS Orange-crowned Warbler first fall female
After taking over 100 images, the little bird showed a bit of its often concealed orange crown! And, of course, it's with a female Tennessee Warbler.
10-2-22 Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Black-and-blue Salvia
Immature Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are still being seen occasionally, this one nectared at Black-and-blue Salvia. (Not a native plant but full of nectar for hummers at this point in fall.)
10-4-22 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are often flitting about.
10-5-22 Red-breasted Nuthatch
10-2-22 Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatches have been heard and seen, it seems there are two around right now. A pair stayed all last winter, so maybe we'll get lucky again this year.
10-4-22 FOS Summer Tanager
10-7-22 Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers have enjoyed the dripper bath and the bubbler rock.
10-5-22 Least Flycatcher
9-29-22 Eastern Phoebe
Flycatchers have been active. A late Least Flycatcher, the grayest of the Empid group, and an Eastern Phoebe have been in the swampy thicket finding insects to eat.
9-25-22 Red-eyed Vireo immature
10-6-22 Blue-headed Vireo
10-6-22 Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos love splash-bathing in the bubbler basin and pond.
10-2-22 Brown Thrasher eating American Beautyberries
10-5-22 Rose-breasted Grosbeak eating American Beautyberries
10-5-22 American Robin eating American Beautyberries
American Beautyberries (Callicarpa americana) are taken by many species, including a Brown Thrasher, female Rose-breasted Grosbeak and an American Robin.
10-7-22 FOS Brown Creeper
10-7-22 FOS Brown Creeper
10-7-22 FOS Brown Creeper
Our FOS Brown Creeper arrived yesterday, 10-7-22. It was quick to investigate the bubbler area, bathe and then politely left its fecal deposit away from the water. Many of the birds do this! They appreciate clean water!
Have a nice cuppa and enjoy all the photos!
To see all the September birds since 9-23-22, the first full day of fall: September birds
To continue with October birds: October birds