Day 36 Captiva

Early drive through Ding Darling.  Lot of birds feeding at low tide.

Roseate Spoonbills with Ibis.

Cormorants on Island

White Pelican coming in for a landing.

Ibis

Ibis Feeding

After another great birding morning, we ate breakfast at the Sunset Grill which is very close to where we stay. We ate on the porch and could hear the surf and power boats since the beach is directly across the street.  Al had eggs, sausage, hash browns and rye toast. I had poached eggs and toast.

Spent time at the beach in the afternoon. Beautiful day again on the islands.

Tonight we were invited by Rene and Margarethe to a party for Rene's mother, Ella, celebrating her 80th birthday. The party was held at their home on the open roof garden terrace above their garage ( main house on the property where we stay.) This was a beautiful location for the catered dinner ...there was a slight drizzle of rain just as the party began.......that was then followed  by a beautiful evening under the star filled sky. 

About 36 guests attended including Rene's brother Julien from Boston and his girlfriend Michelle from New York., Ella's sisters, Carol and Agnes,  her brothers Anthony and Paul, both with their wives, and cousins from Italy.  Ella's grandchildren, Mirella, Rene IV, and Maxime were there
 also.  Other relatives including nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends were in attendance.
Dinner was catered by Jacaranda including appetizers of snow crab claws, oysters and clams on the half shell, followed by a pasta course of steamed musssels over linguini. A buffet then followed with beef tenderloin in bordelaise sauce, triple tail fish baked over julienned vegetables, and roasted root vegetables. An lovely assorment of desserts including cake completed the dinner.
Music by the  guiartist was enjoyed by all during the evening.