recently i've added a new fascination to my "interests list" which now includes photographing natural wildlife. it can be challenging at times but some of the photos i took in the park were easy-peasy since the subjects were right in front of me. all the animals at this particular park have been rescued due to some circumstance that prevents them from being in the wild. The birdlife for the most part, although banded, are free to come and go. The park offers a perfect habitat for them so on this drizzly rainy morning there was an abundance of activity. the park is home to florida panthers, black bears, manatees with an underwater observatory in the spring, bobcats, deer, otter and even a hippo. the birdlife included all types of shore birds, waterfowl and birds of prey.
be prepared for lots of photos... of course these will only be some highlights.
the exotic flamingo
wood storks
bald eagle with his flag proudly displayed
along the river there was more birdlife ... these are the critters that i captured hanging out close to the park but not in the park.
fulvous whistling duck
great blue heron nest
pileated woodpecker
double-crested cormorant
a couple of anhinga's drying their wings
on the way home we detoured off 19 down some side roads with a stop at bayport and pine island. it was a florida scenic view of marshland and beach. this was my favorite sight captured there.
gulf fritillary enjoying the beach daisies
i don't always opt for the fun stuff. sometimes it is easier to keep right on working through the weekend. when i do give myself a break from the usual, i realize how important and vital it is. taking time for a fun pastime, amusement or hobby is good for the soul and helps to keep us healthy don't you think? what was your diversion from the normal this weekend?
I do think healthy diversion is healthy. But I don't really have a hobby to speak of (other than blogging--lol). So that means I didn't really do anything out of the normal this weekend, excpet Gigi came over Saturday evening and played with e, who was thrilled and is still talking about it! :o)
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, I think you are mastering your new interest. You should do a trip to Everglades national park plenty of photo opportunities and winter in the best time
ReplyDeleteI was too tired to do anything out of the ordinary this weekend. However, I did receive some inspiration on Sunday afternoon and made banana bread. :)
ReplyDeletemlm: fun with gigi- nice diversion... i thought you went to a harvest party too... hmmm?
ReplyDeleterusty: i haven't been to the everglades since i was a very young girl but would love to re-visit... i will add it to my growing list of places to see. thanks.
jane: now that's inspiration... home cooked baking!
I just love those flamingoes! And NICE job on the eagle shot! It's been so long since I've visited Homosassa. Maybe next trip...
ReplyDeleteWe made that same detour off 19 when we were down that way. It's so beautiful back there. I hate that they charge to get in at Pine Island, though. When we lived there, it was free... and much more natural.
sophie: it was truly a beautiful drive down to pine island and we forked over the fee a little bit reluctantly. when i couldn't get any where close to the 40 or so egrets i spotted off the shoreline i was even more disappointed. oh well.
ReplyDeleteit was fun just to adventure down several of those roads off 98. we went down one and watched some kayakers (not sure that's a word) and canoers on the river.