Ding Darling

On the way to our usual Wednesday trip to Ding Darling Wildlife Reserve, I stopped at our local eagles' nest. Daddy was sitting sentry while the three eaglets were staring to stretch their wings. There is likely about ten days between the oldest and youngest of these three babies. At this stage, the Eaglets are nearing the size of their Dad, the smaller of the two parents.

It should not be too long before one or more of these youngsters fly off to enjoy their own adventures.

At Ding Darling, there wasn't an overabundance of birds; the tide was rising, and by and large, the birds were elsewhere. Here is a bunch, gaggle, or group are some Merganser Ducks just paddling through the scenery.

We go to Ding Darling on Wednesdays because our favourite Docents [Rovers] volunteer on Wednesdays and they always have the patience to teach us new things. 

Phyllis and Dave volunteer, bring their own telescope and their personal archive of knowledge to share with any visitor with an interest. They do gather a crowd...

Sophie and Caitlyn are still at the sponge state, so they quizzed the Rovers on just about everything. What fun.

Here is Sophie scoping something special, like a Great Blue Heron. 

Now Sophie is making pictures of morning glories to share with friends in the still frozen North.

Sophie and Caitlyn sharing what close sisters share.  This results is almost always laughter.

Sometimes preening is the best thing to do. Pampering yourself seems to be one of Nature's dictates.

We ended up watching this Reddish Egret doing his very active hunting shenanigans One has to wonder if the trophies are worth the antics.

Here is our hero, chasing off a claim jumping heron. I just can't believe that such an elegant bird can look so straggly.

Mind you, he doesn't look much better diving for another morsel.

On the beach, this Little Blue Heron was hunting for land crabs.
He's just starting to get his breeding plumage and colours. Maybe I'll find a better example before we leave...

Meanwhile, our Reddish Egret is showing off the transmitter and arial on his back. This guy [or doll] is sporting a transmitter complete with arial. [Remember that you can see all pictures larger if you click on any one of them.]

A sudden gust of wind changes all the grooming... By the way, have you noticed their blue legs, part of their breeding dress kit?

A quick trip to a legendary bookstore, subway, and a return to Dave and Phyllis's to enjoy the subway and pool makes for more fun and laughter. So ends another happy day in Sanibel.

The trip 'overseas' was slower due to the daily ebb of Sanibel workers and visitors trying to get off island at the same time.

BBQ at Crooked Pond Crt completed the day and everyone is suitably tired if not exhausted...