“Here Kitty Kitty Kitty!”

Recent bobcat sightings inspired me to return to the Circle B Bar Reserve to search for the bobcat kittens. Alas, the cutest kitties that I photographed that morning were in my living room when I returned home! It was a windy day with good light, and the marshes were covered in people. I photographed for a little while and then returned home to cook for Thanksgiving.

This Pileated Woodpecker flew in over my head by the parking lot. I always enjoy photographing a good Pileated. It reminds me of the pre-Beast days at Oakland Nature Preserve when I was first learning to use a camera and identify birds!

The Purple Gallinules were back out on the alligator flag plants, but not as close as on my previous visit. It was challenging to isolate the birds since they were further away and staying down in the reeds. With such beautiful birds in beautiful light, it was still fun to try to photograph them!

As I watched the gallinules, I heard the persistent chip of a small warbler. Then I noticed the male Common Yellowthroat nestled in the reeds, preening himself. He paused only briefly to smile for the camera.

Off in the distance, a Red-shouldered Hawk flew in and settled at the top of a palm tree stump. He perched in the soft morning light. His head turned in all directions as he surveyed the marsh from his tall perch. I expected him to spot his breakfast and give me a flight shot, but he didn’t. I finally left him on his throne and headed home to bake my Thanksgiving pies!