East Beach, Fort DeSoto - January 18, 2015

There were so many birds settling in for the night here.  I am still not sure what they all were, but definitely plovers, willets, dunlin, and some kind of sandpipers.  Also got to see a cruise ship go under the Sunshine Skyway and light up the suspension cables.



North Beach, Fort DeSoto - January 17, 2015

This herring gull had decided that dropping a shell containing a hermit crab would get the crab to come out.  I have never seen one do this before, although I saw crows do it on TV.  I think all the crab got was the large arm of the crab, which it probably gave voluntarily.  I think that worked out for both of them.

Skimmers (above) and Oyster Catcher (below)

Fort DeSoto - January 17, 2015

Saw so many things today.  One of the more interesting was a hammerhead shark caught by a fisherman on the pier.  Unfortunately he couldn't get the hook out, but he did kick the shark back into the water, so that's something. 

 Old Fort area

Red-bellied Woodpecker

 Ground Dove

Brown-headed Cowbird between Starlings

 

 Bay Pier Area

Cormorants

 Palm Warbler

 

Gulf Pier area

Ruddy Turnstone

Reddish Egret and Hammerhead Shark

Sunset at Circle B - January 16, 2015

Even though I only got to visit for a little while after my training was over today in Lakeland, I got to see some adorable wildlife and great light for sunset.

Baby Racoons at Circle B - January 16, 2015

These cuties were doing everything they could to be adorable today.  They were so small, which doesn't show up in the photos.  They kept finding food every few seconds and then dragging it to shore. 

Circle B Bar Reserve - January 16, 2015

As usual, saw a lot today.  More than just one post's worth!  My favorite sighting of the day, but also maybe the saddest, was this odd possum.  He seemed to be blind and deaf, and he walked funny with his head tilted to the side.  I think I scared off a hawk that wanted to have him for dinner.  He was so odd but also so cute and had no fear of me even though I assume he knew I was there by smell.  Also saw many other creatures including an armadillo, and baby raccoons (check out the next post!)

 

Lake Morton - January 16, 2015

Was at a training for work today in Lakeland and got to visit the lake on my lunch break.  Just got a couple of swan shots before I had to get back.