Foraging
On the first morning of our Sanibel stay I was cruising around one of my favorite spots, the Bailey Tract. Bailey Tract is part of the Ding Darling NWR and is a popular spot for critter watching, bike riding and hiking. One can find alligators, lizards, turtles, river otters, bobcats, coyotes and a myriad of bird species. I was looking for black-necked stilts, and even more specifically, baby stilts. I found a female that appeared to be tending a nest scrape, although it was hidden by some grasses. I watched for a while and moved on. Over the next few days, I saw a pair of proud and watchful parents and four tiny fluffballs. Unfortunately, they were always too far away to get any decent shots.
Fast forward to eleven days after I initially saw the female. The fluffballs had grown considerably and were venturing out all over the pond. (im)Patiently I stopped and waited and was soon rewarded by the chicks coming very close by me. Here, one is foraging through the shallow water, probing the mud for insects. My how fast they grow!
My sincere thanks to all who spend the time to view, like or comment on my photos. It is much appreciated!
© 2024 Craig Goettsch - All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use without permission is prohibited.
Foraging
On the first morning of our Sanibel stay I was cruising around one of my favorite spots, the Bailey Tract. Bailey Tract is part of the Ding Darling NWR and is a popular spot for critter watching, bike riding and hiking. One can find alligators, lizards, turtles, river otters, bobcats, coyotes and a myriad of bird species. I was looking for black-necked stilts, and even more specifically, baby stilts. I found a female that appeared to be tending a nest scrape, although it was hidden by some grasses. I watched for a while and moved on. Over the next few days, I saw a pair of proud and watchful parents and four tiny fluffballs. Unfortunately, they were always too far away to get any decent shots.
Fast forward to eleven days after I initially saw the female. The fluffballs had grown considerably and were venturing out all over the pond. (im)Patiently I stopped and waited and was soon rewarded by the chicks coming very close by me. Here, one is foraging through the shallow water, probing the mud for insects. My how fast they grow!
My sincere thanks to all who spend the time to view, like or comment on my photos. It is much appreciated!
© 2024 Craig Goettsch - All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use without permission is prohibited.