Juvenile Black SkimmerJuvenile Black Skimmer

Six years ago this morning I was photographing birds at Fort De Soto County Park and I wanted to share a few images and memories of that day.

I started photographing birds right after the sun came up and this juvenile Black Skimmer was among the first birds I pointed my lens at.

Sandwich TernsSandwich Terns

It wasn’t long before I found myself photographing a pair of Sandwich Terns kind of having a fight over a driftwood perch.

Wood StorkWood Stork

And then the largest wading bird on the beach that morning, a Wood Stork giving me the eye.

Juvenile American OystercatcherJuvenile American Oystercatcher

This American Oystercatcher juvenile was special to me, I had watched and photographed it since it was only two days old. It was always a delight to photograph it as it grew and flourished.

Semipalmated PloverSemipalmated Plover

Then I photographed a few little plovers foraging, walking and fluffing their feathers on the sandy beach. This Semipalmated Plover had been preening and fluffed its feathers before heading out to forage.

Piping PloverPiping Plover

The Piping Plover wasn’t too far away from the Semipalmated Plover as it foraged while heading down the beach, I like how in this image its size can be compared to the preening Sandwich Tern in the background.

It was a delightful morning with the birds I love.

Mia