Shore Birds Seek Shelter!

Today was a very cold day for North West Florida in late October... It was only 41 degrees when I arrived at the fire cache, and there's a freeze warning tonight for inland counties. Unheard of!



I had to really search for the birdies today. They were all seeking whatever windbreak they could from the harsh north wind, like this juvenile ring-billed gull.



These gulls and terns liked the jetty.



The snowy egret did as well...



There were others hiding from the wind over the berm, but I didn't get many photos - my hands were too numb. I did catch this juvenile Herring gull eating a lunch left by a kind fisherman.



I am definitely a warm weather girl... I know, I went overboard with the snowy egret. I couldn't decide on the best photo, and it was nearly all I took pics of today. It was that cold.



It was still beautiful at Pensacola Pass, and it might have been a tad toastier were I in the water instead of driving an ATV!

Angels, both Blue and White

The Blue Angels were out this morning during my bird survey, which was good in a way. They kept startling a snowy egret that was feeding near the end of the boardwalks. I've been trying to get a good photo of a SNEG for years, so I took a few shots today. They're pretty awkward when they feed!



There was a landing pose...



a photo-op with the egret finding a fish,



being vigilant,



chasing lunch,



ruffling feathers in the wind,



simply flying (from the scary Blue Angels -- they are loud on Perdido!)



taking off...



trying to walk through the waves (those are large waves for such a slight bird!)



balancing...



posing elegantly mid-flight,



feeding, again..



stalking prey,



hunting even more persistently... ad infinitum. This was one hungry, and co-operative, bird. All these shots were within less than 5 minutes!

Fort Pickens is Gorgeous in Fall!

The last Santa Rosa Area loggerhead nest still hasn't hatched, but I could hear the hatchlings this morning. The cool fall weather must be slowing them down a little, but it certainly is making the other animals happy!



This SNPL (snowy plover) seems to find people's footprints a cozy place to hide from the brisk morning breeze. You can even see the toe marks!



The egrets were everywhere this morning, which makes me happy when my camera is ready. This one reminds me of an angel, corny I know, but that's me sometimes.



I really needed a pick-me-up today. Somehow getting out in the field, working with sea turtles and watching shore birds run in the waves takes me away from myself. It's a good thing!



If you've read this blog before, you know I love RUTUs (ruddy turnstones). This little guy is looking for snacks in the pre-Ivan road ruins that were unearthed again when Ike passed by.



It's amazing how much the island can change overnight!



The west end of the island is really shaping up...



The fort looks great...



Some of the buildings even have park staff living in them again, though they need generators for power.



Even the marsh is healthy and full.



It's such a great place to call an 'office'. I'll really miss it here!

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!

A Perdido Key Morning

I often arrive in the park, even at the distant Perdido Key area, well before dawn, and I ride the beach, searching for turtle tracks or hatchlings while waiting for the sun.



The snowy egrets wait with me.



When the sun arrives, it's always the start of a beautiful day!



Even if there are masses of jellies on the beach.



Just how often do you have time, or opportunity, to watch a great blue heron stalk his own shadow?