The First Annual Eel Festival!

Last night in the salt marsh the Eel Festival was a tremendous success! All the birds were plucking out these little eels and no fish at all which is how it should be at Eel Festival.

Actually we were rather surprised as this is not normal to have so many eels come through all at once. The birds became totally focused on catching and eating the eels, although several did have to struggle quite a bit to get these slippery creatures down, as you might imagine. Some of you may recognize the great egret as our old pal “Radar”. He has a tracking transmitter pack attached to him with two antennas sticking out.

Radar is part of a study on migratory habits although we are not sure how much useful information he provides since he never really travels very much. But he was out enjoying his evening at Eel Festival along with the rest of the crowd!

Great Blue Heron with eel

Green Heron with eel

Juvenile White Ibis with eel

“Radar” with eel

Tricolored Heron with eel

Wood Stork with eel

Battle In The Salt Marsh!

It was an odd evening yesterday in the salt marsh among the oyster beds. Many of the birds seemed to be more interested in fighting and squabbling with each other then they were in fishing which is what they would normally be doing. The great egrets, for example, simply could not get along and were totally unwilling to allow another bird to occupy a nearby area. The egret on left in these photos charged in aggressively with the idea of running off the other bird. But the tables were soon turned as the chased became the chaser, who sent the vanquished intruder flying off over the oyster beds in disgrace.

The Amazing Death Defying Alligator Jump!

Earlier in the weekend we were watching this alligator that showed up in the marsh and proceeded to get numerous small fish all in a panic.

The fish were popping up in all directions to escape the gator, including the particularly thrilling and dangerous over the nose jump! 

While some fish managed to successfully perform this desperate stunt and avoid capture, there were many who ended up on the alligator’s dinner menu. 

August…A Month Of Birds In Flight!

Great Egret

Great Blue Heron

Green Heron

Juvenile Tricolored Heron

Juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Heron

Osprey

Roseate Spoonbill

Black Skimmer

White Ibis

Wood Stork

Return Of The Roseate Spoonbills!

It has been almost three weeks since we have seen any Roseate Spoonbills in the area, so last night we were pleasantly surprised to see three come flying into the marsh.

One chose to rest in a far off tree while the remaining two landed in the salt marsh in hopes of grabbing a late meal.

They spent a little time picking around in the water, even joining some White Ibis at one point.

But all too quickly the pair decided they needed to leave and go join their friend in the tree who was sitting with a group pf Egrets and Wood Storks.

That’s where we last saw them but we have hopes they will stay in the marsh area for a nice long visit!

Cracked Crab For Dinner!

Earlier we were watching a pair of juvenile yellow-crowned night herons patroling the evening salt marsh at low tide in search of a meal.

One of the juvies eventually headed off on it’s own and was successful in catching it’s favorite treat, a nice tasty blue crab.

A few crunches…a quick gulp…and the crab was part of this youngster’s dinner!

Reflecting Alligators

 Occasionally, the water in the marsh is as still and smooth as glass. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it can create interesting reflections of the birds and alligators who happen to be fishing along the shore and in the water.  This was the case recently when we saw several alligators who were floating and hunting in the glassy water. They seem to enjoy the nice smooth marsh pond which allows them to glide effortlessly while fishing.

Ever Get The Feeling That You’re Being Watched…Or Followed?!

Last week we saw this wood stork hunting for fish in the salt marsh among the oyster beds.

However woody was not the only one hunting in the marsh, an alligator was also lurking in the same area with hopes of acquiring a meal.

The wood stork was aware of the alligator’s presence and knew it was in no real danger, even turning it’s back on the gator at one point. This alligator would be extremely unlikely to bother a bird like a wood stork and it was actually  after the same thing as woody, fresh fish for dinner!

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