This morning’s sunrise was typical. Light rain was dappling the surface of our lake and a thunderstorm was moving in from the southeast (right) as I took this photo from our patio.

Local birders have been reporting decent numbers of warblers migrating through our area, so they were my main objective on our first morning out. Along the unpaved road that leads into the wetlands, I got a quick shot of a Great Egret.

An adult Bald Eagle flew over towards our subdivision from the direction of its nesting area about a mile away in Pembroke Pines.

After Mary Lou and I finished the “aerobic” portion of our walk along the gravel road, I stayed behind at the place that I formerly called the “Fake Hammock.” It is now only the ghost of its former glory days, as all the large trees were cut down by recreational RV users who built a fire pit in the center of the small clump of trees and shrubs.

After an absence of over six weeks, I was disappointed to find that the clear shady area under the canopy where I used to sit and wait for the birds is now in full sunlight with grasses and vines up above my chest. Since I did not have my snake boots I did not venture inside the “hammock.” Instead I birded its margins. The morning light was nearly perfect.

The first warbler to appear was an American Redstart.

An inquisitive Blue-gray Gnatcatcher approached quite closely.

Four Brown Thrashers had gathered to feast on the berries of a Trema tree nearby.

I had trouble identifying this flycatcher as it seemed rather small, suggesting it was an Alder Flycatcher rather than an Eastern Wood-Pewee. However, its peaked head and slight hook at the end of its bill confirmed it was the latter species. Click on the image for more photos and discussion of its identification.

This male Northern Cardinal has nearly finished its post-breeding molt and looks good in his fresh coat.

 
On my second visit to the hammock area I saw more warblers. A Northern Parula made its first appearance.

Prairie Warblers provided some splendid views. Here is a male.

The female Prairie Warbler has more subdued markings, but I liked this pose.

A Northern Waterthrush paid a brief visit. I was lucky to catch it through the foliage.

A female Common Yellowthroat was likewise quite elusive.

When I was about to leave, I was startled a very loud splash in the nearby canal. I spun around to catch a parting shot of the unsuccessful fisherman, an Osprey.

Not to be overlooked was this Band-winged Dragonlet…

…a Zebra heliconian…

…and a Halloween Pennant.