Summer came back. And so did work. But this morning I pretended to be an early bird, and got up before sunrise. I had to go out for a walk, at least once this week. So there I was having coffee on my terrace when the first light showed up at the horizon. The bay was calm. And the sky was on fire. Quite a reward for getting up early.
The salt marsh was still in darkness, but with my light-sensitive birding binoculars, I could see Mama Sandy’s white head at the nest. Last night when I checked on her just when it was getting dark, I saw her there too. I wonder if she has started to sleep at the nest already. Claiming it so nobody else gets any foolish ideas.
A little later, when I approached the salt marsh from the beach, it was already basking in the morning light. And Sandy was still sitting there. The little prick in the right corner of the nest.
On my way over to greet her, I spotted Mr. Mayor, the older Great Blue Heron. He was inspecting the marsh, and handsome as always.
The youngster had also arrived. Presumably for breakfast. But he didn’t like to meet me. He is right in thinking I’m a bit biased about his escapades at the Osprey nest last spring. So he took flight when I approached.
Then I spotted the Reddish Egret. He was scanning the marsh, but wasn’t up to any tricks. Too early, I guess. He hadn’t even gotten his feet wet.
I was looking for Miss Rosa. She is usually an early bird. And there she was! Shuffling water with her “spoon” to locate the right breakfast items. She lifted her head and nodded a greeting. Such a good mannered bird, and very photogenic.
When I arrived at Sandy’s nest, she was keeping a keen eye on the skies and sounding a few alarms. I didn’t see anything alarming. But then I also didn’t have her vantage point. Or her assignment to guard the nest.
I think she was yet to fetch her breakfast. She flexed her wings and did some morning gymnastics. But she didn’t fly away while I was there. I made a short gif image of her routine. Just in case you’d like to try it. I’m sure it will strengthen your wings.
I didn’t have the time to see if Papa Stanley was at his resort. But I’m sure he’s okay too. Hopefully I can find some more time to spend outdoors over the weekend. With that I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Keep moving!
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
Nice to see you up so early Helen! Beautiful sunrise, there is a precious stillness that time of the morning, but very active down on the salt marsh. Thankyou for taking us along.
Oh, I just had to get up to get my walk. But this time everything went well and I didn’t fall in a hole like last time 🙂 The birds were also just waking up. Thanks for coming along, Karen!
Great photos!
Thanks Brad!
A GIF! Wow. My fav!
Thanks David. I have to do one every now and then for you 😉
Thank goodness I serve a purpose.
That gif is great! One of the best things about blogging is trying (and sharing) new things. I’ve learned so much technique that I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.
And yeah, Mama Sandy is wise to keep the foolish from their ideas.
Nancy
Thanks Nancy! I agree…blogging encourages us to try new things… and then bravely share them. I think Mama Sandy knows that her nest is coveted real estate. It’s hard to come by supported nests, like this one, right between two fishing waters.
Visited Sand Key this past Saturday…
No pics of the birds, no one was home at 3 in the afternoon.
Maybe we’ll have more luck this weekend.
I so enjoy your treks, especially since I am familiar with the terrain.
Love, hugs and blessings … ME
In the afternoon when the weather is warmest, most birds go into hiding in the shade under/behind some bushes, high up in the trees, or in the high grass. You can’t really spot them although they may be home 🙂 I like to go there in the morning (late morning usually liveliest) or just before sunset. Love, hugs and blessings to you too!
Glad you found some breathing room today, Tiny. Great shots.
Thanks Nancy! Need more of the same over the weekend 🙂 Fall is supposed to return next week for us!
What a lovely start to the day! Beautiful, dear Tiny.
It was a beautiful morning. Thank you Isabella!
Wonderful sunrise.
Thank you Susan. I though it was beautiful too.
I live the stroll, Tiny!! And Miss Rosa is delightful!! 🙂 Looks like record breaking temps over here today, also. Hope you have a lovely weekend!! ♡
Thanks for coming along, Lorrie! It was not that hot as it was early 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend, my friend ❤
My favorite time of day – what wonderful light for your pictures! Mr. Mayor looks particularly dashing and of course Miss Rosa is as gorgeous as ever. Will try to follow Sandy’s example and keep moving this weekend. 🙂
The light was wonderful yesterday, today we have some clouds. The Mayor is such a handsome bird, and Rosa is my favorite model, not shy at all 🙂 Sandy is in very good shape now, molting is done and she’s gained her weight back. She’ll be ready for the next nesting season soon. Have a beautiful weekend, my friend.
How delightful to see Mama Sandy doing her morning exercises! Gorgeous photos of all the residents, but Miss Rosa really takes the cake today. 🙂 Happy weekend to you, Helen. x
Miss Rosa was in such a reflective mood yesterday 🙂 And Sandys workouts seem to be working…she’s in good shape now. In another 8 weeks, she’ll be building the nest again. How time flies. Have a wonderful weekend, Sylvia XX
Love the movement in the last picture. Fun! 🙂
It’s fun to make these gif images, but this one is a little wobbly because I didn’t have the time to trim all the pictures exactly the same 🙂
A beautiful sunrise and walk through the salt marsh! So glad to hear you got an early morning walk in with that heat and busy schedule. Gotta take care of our favorite salt marsh photographer/blogger. 😉
Thanks a lot for your kind words Cyndi! I feel almost sick when I don’t get in my 3-4 walks/week…and that’s happened lately. I’m going to try to improve on that…next week we should have more fall-like weather. Have a beautiful weekend!
Why do the best images have to be so early? Smile…wonderful job!
I know…for a night owl it’s the painful truth. The light is gorgeous early in the day. Thank you Laurie. I hope your weekend is beautiful!
Beautiful pictures Tiny! – “Love Nature and Nature will be generous with you!” -H.J 🙂
That’s a good one 🙂 Thank you H.J.!
Some really great shots there and looks like blends. Loved it. Glad you saw your feathered friends, spoonbill a lot different than ours..beautiful.
Happy you liked the salt marsh birds. Your spoonbill is whitish, right?
Yes, totally white.
What a lovely start to your day Tiny! Great captures … Love the GIF of Sandy working out 😁.
Thanks Val! Sandy is an example to all of us. She’s in great shape now, almost ready for the nesting season 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend, Val.
She does look radiant! Have a great weekend, Helen.
I just love this post! Beautiful bird images, Sandy looks cool and happy!
Thank you Amy! Sandy seems to be in good mood and in good shape 🙂
Have a great weekend!
I might get up early too if I had a view like that to enjoy while sipping my coffee. The spoonbill picture was a special treat.
Unfortunately I’m a night owl so I’m not often up to enjoy the sunrise. Rosa will be happy you liked her picture.
Thank you so much for this latest update! What a treat 🙂
I think it’s definitely worth getting up early for this 😀
Happy you enjoyed this short update, Takami 🙂 I wish you a wonderful week. XX
Beautiful pictures! So many lovely birds!
Thank you, happy you liked them!
Another beautiful presentation Tiny! The clarity of your images is stunning:-)
Thank you for your kind comment 🙂 Have a blessed week!
Mama Sandy and I do the same morning wake-up routine (that is, without the lift-off)
I’m trying too, but my wings are not that flexible. Sandy provided a good example though…keeps me trying.
How lovely to start your day by greeting the sun, providing you had an early night! Hahaha. I stay up way too late for that. You posts always makes my day. The wildlife really helps to calm and put things in perspective. Thank you! Hugs, Koko 🙂
Thanks for your kind comment, Koko. And sorry for my tardy response. Life’s been a bit too busy lately. I’ll need a walk to the salt marsh soon again to put things in perspective, as you say 🙂 I stay up too late also, but here and there I still try to get up to see the sunrise. Have a wonderful week & many hugs!
Well,a great birder and now an early bird that did catch the glory of the moment!Wonderful scenery,you caught the dawn painting the skies with her unique magical colours,dear Tinny!Fascinated by Mr.Mayor’s portrait and the performance of the Reddish Egret on the wing!The faithful portraiture work of Miss Rosa mirroring on the reflective waters is glorious and so is Sandy’s posture against the flawless blue skies!And last but not least,stunned by Sandy’s animated,morning gymnastics and your fabulous work again,dear friend Tinny 🙂 xxx
Thank you, dear Doda, for telling me about your earlier comments! I found so many comments I had missed and feel embarrassed. I hope to get up and out early again some time soon, but work has kept me up late so many nights. When the nature is waking up is such a beautiful thing to witness. Much love, Tiny
I know how it feels when our inboxes are about to explode … I find it quite frustrating.Have a wonderful and creative day,dear friend Tiny! Love & Hugs to you 🙂