Photos by Jean Hall | DOWNY is the scene at Sand Dollar Islandnewly hatched Black Skimmer chicks.

A Royal Tern newly fledged chick part downy and part houndstooth pattern.

The Reddish Egrets are tall and longlegged withunique feather colorationand they dance for their foodor at least it looks that way to humans.They are the rarest of all egrets in the United States and aredesignated by the State of Florida as threatened species.

Marco Islanders are so fortunate that they do not have to go far to enjoy this rare beautyoften observed by the shallows ofTigertailLagoon stalking their prey.

A juvenile Reddish Egret has been seen regularly in the mornings, right in front of Residents Beach and travels as far south to the JW Marriott. Most mornings this young beauty is flapping his wings, running, zigging and zagging in the watera unique feeding behavior, mesmerizing regular beach walkers and hotel guests.

Caution:This is ararewildbird and as a juvenile must learn to hunt for foodwhich are small fish plentiful by the surf line. FEEDING Wildlifeis not recommended. Enjoy this beauty on our beach and she will continue to bless us with its presence.

Juvenile Reddish Egret frequently seen in the mornings right in front of Residents Beach and JW Marriottstalking his prey by the surf dancing for hisbreakfast.

Be ready to take out your cellphone and record a Jagger type dance from the Reddish Egret! Again,watch respectfully from a distance.

The scene is allDOWNYfurther to the north on the wilder side of Sand Dollar Island. The nesting colony of Black Skimmers are recovering from the effects of Tropical Storm Cristobal. They have re-nested and theDOWNY babies arescampering all over. The colony is looking very healthy according to Jean Hall ofAudubon of the Western Everglades.

Black Skimmer Mom with downy chicks at Sand Dollar Islanddoing verywell having recovered from Tropical Storm Cristobal.

Also, joining the Black Skimmersare the beautiful Royal Terns distinct with their red-orange bill and black tufted cap during the breeding season.Some of their chicks have fledged withplumage showing its houndstooth pattern.

There were also Least Tern nests witheggs,and they are very late.Again,Mother Natureis amazing allowing the Least Terns to re-nest several times.If you happento get too close trying to look for chicks, you will hear a loud warning overhead from a protective parent.

Walk on the wild side of Marco and experience the DOWNY Beauties just emerging!Watch from a distance and respect the posted areas.

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BEAUTIES and the Beach - coastalbreezenews.com