ML608401566

Observation details

Absolutely EPIC morning! Located the first group of 9 by ear, heard them calling around 8:30am, 1/4 of a mile east of the big pond. While photographing the the first group 13 adults flew over and continued west towards Fort Myers beach. While walking back towards the big pond we watched as an adult and a juvenile flew from the south and landed in the northern most salt marsh near the houses. I decided to make the trek south to hell peckney where I found another group of 25 plus an additional 2 adult birds flying south over the mangroves. We could hear additional birds calling from the southeast corner of hell peckney but could never get eyes on them. Please use caution if coming to see these birds, the hike is almost 4 miles out and back. The entire hike is in ankle to knee deep water and mud. By 10am it was incredibly hot so pack plenty of water. Don’t take this hike lightly. Bring hiking poles the mud is slick and you can’t see the holes on the trail due to the water. Many pictures, video and audio to come.

Additional species

• Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
• Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus