Carol D Hughes Nature's World of Photography -

ANNA MARIA ISLANDBACK TO MANATEE

I have spent many happy hours over the last 10 years observing the wildlife in the vicinity of Anna Maria Island. Some of the preserves I have had the privilege of visiting include, Leffis Key, Robinson and the latest fairly recently opened - Neal's Preserve.

In addition to the resident and varied avian population, Florida Gulf coast 'bird enthusiasts' benefit from the Spring and Autumn migration of birds between the Northern states and South America.

Among these colourful visitors are Tanagers, Grosbeaks, Buntings, Orioles, two species of Humming birds and several types of warblers. The majority only stay around for a few days to 're-fuel' so you have to be quick to catch sight of them.

Local Anna Marie residents are passionate about the native flora and fauna that surrounds them. There are several new nature 'preserves' in the area that have benefitted from their support. I have seen the results of the local volunteers’ hard work and have taken pleasure in observing the plants and wildlife that have made the reserves their homes.

No article would be complete without reference to the local Manatees. These can be seen either Gulf side or in the local inland waterways - but it is a 'special' occasion when they are spotted from the 'Rod and Reel' or ‘City’ pier whilst sipping an ice cold drink!

AMERICAN AVOCET
(Recurvirostra americana)

AMERICAN BALD EAGLE
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

AMERICAN OYSTER CATCHER
(Haematopus palliatus)

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER
(Mniotilta varia)

BLACK BELLIED PLOVER
(Pluvialis squatarola)

BLACK RACER
(Coluber constrictor)

BLACK SKIMMER
(Rynchops niger)

BLUE CROWNED PARAKEET
(Thectocercus acuticaudatus)

BLUE DASHER
(Pachydiplax longipennis)

BLUE JAY
(Cyanocitta cristata)

BROWN PELICAN
(Pelecanus occidentalis)

BROWN THRASHER
(Toxostoma rufum)

CASPIAN TERN
(Hydroprogne caspia)

CASSIUS BLUE
(Leptotes cassius)

DOUBLE CRESTED CORMORANT
(Phalacrocorax auritus)

EASTERN GREY SQUIRREL
(Sciurus carolinensis)

EASTERN GREY SQUIRREL
(Sciurus carolinensis)

GREAT BLUE HERON
(Ardea herodias)

GREEN HERON
(Buterides virescens)

HAMMOCK SKIPPER
(Polygonus leo)

HOUSE FINCH
(Haemorhous mexicanus)

LITTLE BLUE HERON - JUVENILE
(Egretta caerulea)

LITTLE BLUE HERON
(Egretta caerulea)

LITTLE TERN
(Sternula albifrons)

MARSH RABBIT
(Sylvilagus palustris)

MITRED PARAKEET
(Psittacara mitrata)

OPOSSOM
(Didelphimorphia )

OSPREY
(Pandion haliaetus)

OSPREY
(Pandion haliaetus)

PALM WARBLER
(Setophaga palmarum)

PILEATED WOODPECKER
(Dryocopus pileatus)

PILEATED WOODPECKER
(Dryocopus pileatus)

PRAIRIE WARBLER
(Setophaga discolor )

RED BELLIED WOODPECKER
(Melanerpes carolinus)

RED SHOULDRERED HAWK
(Buteo lineatus)

REGAL DARNER
(Coryphaeschna ingens)

ROSEATE SPOONBILL
(Platalea ajaja)

ROSEATE SPOONBILL
(Platalea ajaja)

SNOWY PLOVER
(Charadrius nivosus)

SPINYBACKED ORBWEAVER -
(Gasteracantha cancriformis) (Linnaeus)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER
(Actitis macularius)

VIRGINIA OPOSSOM
(Didelphis virginiana)

WHITE PEACOCK
(Anartia jatrophae)

WILLET
(Tringa semipalmata)

YELLOW CROWNED NIGHT HERON
(Nyctanassa violacea)

YELLOW CROWNED NIGHT HERON
(Nyctanassa violacea)

YELLOW THOATED VIREO YELLOW THROATED VIREO
(Vireo flavifrons)