A quick trip to Sanibel Island

We made a long weekend trip to Sanibel Island on the gulf coast of Florida, just outside of Ft. Myers. Sanibel is known for sea shells. It also has J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a great spot for birding. The lower photo shows a united nation of birds: An adult and a juvenile Roseate Spoonbill, a tricolored heron, a snowy egret, and some ibises.

Roseate Spoonbills at Ding Darling

We really like Roseate Spoonbills. Their color is spectacular and they look a little goofy with the spoon shaped bill. The lighter colored spoonbill is a juvenile.

Roseate Spoonbill

 

 

 

We went to a few birding locations in the St. Petersburg area looking for a Roseate Spoonbill but didn't see any. However, we spotted one in a drainage pond in front of a condo, did a U-turn, and got a few pictures. Mike likes the roseate spoonbill because they have the same coloring as cotton candy.

Florida Birds

It will take a while to sort through the photos, but here are four good ones from St. Pete.
Pileated Woodpecker, Roseate Spoonbill, Bald Eagles, Yellow-crowned Night Heron.