Plenty of Pelicans

Today, I recorded changes in the north shore tideline along Fort Pickens. Once I was finished, I was able to take time for a bird survey on the south shore. It's so much fun to watch the birdies!



I ran into another park employee walking down by the fort, trying not to disturb the flock of pelicans resting on a sand bar. They were everywhere today!

I did cause them to fly after I counted them and drove by. I try to give them space, but the sound of the ATV always seems to spook them.



That may not be the worst thing on a cold day as the activity warms them, and their sandwich tern (SATE), laughing gull (LAGU) and herring gull (HERG) friends!



Watching them float en masse on the wind, I wondered about the parallel behaviors between schools of fish and bird flocks. The impressive synchronized behavior can help protect them from predators, leaving the vulnerable, weak or slow more exposed to attack than the strong. Did the behavior evolve separately in these two divergent vertebrate groups?



Of course, there were other birds about as well, like this pair of wading willets (WILL). They sound like squeaky wheels when startled.



My favorite RUTUs (ruddy turnstones) were active as well.



This lucky one found a clam washed out by a passing wave. It looks like hard work to get at the tiny meal!



The pre-Ivan road is much more visible on the south shore these days as well. It's interesting to see how it's becoming part of the habitat, supporting algal growth and who knows what else... I may have to go tidepooling a bit next time I'm out there!

Perdido Key Saturday

Yes, I've spent a lot of time at Perdido Key this week, often waiting on the sun.



Today, I had to finish the Kemp's stranding from Friday, check on a hatching sea turtle nest and do a quick bird survey.



RUTUs were involved...



There were SNEGs as well (snowy egrets)



and the ubiquitous models, the great blue heron. I never get tired of their statuesque poses.

There was another stranding today as well -- a stunning juvenile green sea turtle over on the Pensacola Naval Air Station that had been sliced by a boat propeller. I always hate those calls, but it's important to learn what we can from an animal, even though it's sad to have such a learning opportunity.


I almost bought a 500mm lens last night, but decided to wait til I know if I have a job in December. I'm just anxious to take better pictures!

Sunrise in the Sea Oats

Again with the sunrise, I know. The only thing missing in my morning ritual lately is a steaming mug of green tea. If only I could figure out how to keep some hot til I drove all the way to PK. With the chill in the air, it would definitely make sunrise a perfect moment.



I never know if I should include disturbing photos like I took today of a stranded Kemp's ridley, so I'm leaving it out for now. It was a sad sight on the east tip of the island, but it's a part of life. It's really sad to lose an adult, knowing how many obstacles they have overcome to reach maturity. To lose an adult Kemp's is sadder still as the species huddles on the brink of extinction. It makes me very happy to know we were able to release over 500 Kemp's hatchlings this summer!



The ruddy turnstones seem to follow my every turn lately. I'm not quite sure what that means, but it's lovely to see them!



Of course, the semi-palmated plovers are back in town as well. Both birds make me think of men in tuxedos for some reason. They just look all dressed up!

Another Gorgeous Day on Santa Rosa Island

How can you complain with a job like mine? The day started bright and early with a stunning Perdido Key sunrise.



The surf was calm and soothing.



Then, it was off for a bird survey, with a few Willets (WILL) escorting me down the length of the island as I kept spooking them with the ATV -- a necessary evil. Sorry!



The sanderlings (SAND) had a few ruffled feathers as well, but not from me. Maybe the flies were annoying them too.



There were not many species on the south shore today, but one Ruddy Turnstone (rutu in bird lingo) made my day.



I parked the ATV, and he kept creeping closer and closer.



Maybe the bird confused me for one of the new large pieces of driftwood that floated in after Ike.



How's this for size?



As beautifully aged, hollowed, and weathered as it is, I don't think anyone will be carting it home as a souvenir, which means it will stay on the beach for all to enjoy.