Eye-catching Birds in the Wetlands

As the seasonal rains expand the reach of standing waters in Florida’s lowlands,

 water birds and others enjoy a refreshed habitat and an opportunity to pose for the camera.

~~~~~<O>~~~~~

 A perfectly postured Great Egret stands silent and still as it waits, then it instantly

strikes an unexpecting passing fish.   Nearby a Little Blue Heron patiently waits on a 

felled log for the moment its’ prey comes within reach. 

Great Egret

 

Little Blue Heron

~~~~~<O>~~~~~

A Green Heron gives its' unique call while skipping atop the swamp’s lily pads and a 

migrating Black-bellied Plover likely detoured from its' flight path to feed at a coastal buffet. 

   

Green Heron

Black-bellied Plover

~~~~~<O>~~~~~

A Great Blue Heron stands statue-like as it stalks its’ prey in 

 the shallow coastal marsh.    

     

Great Blue Heron

     

"A free bird follows its' own rules."

                                                                               --- Unknown

The Colors of Spring

 In the fields, gardens, parks and yards brilliant colors of

flowers now catch the eye of the casual wanderer.  They give

reason for one to slow down and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

In the words of the poet Leigh Hunt; "Colors are the smiles of nature."

Let Spring Begin

                            

                        

                                                                 

Holiday Lights In The Gardens

As the sun set beyond the towering palms, the evening dusk beautifully accented the glow

of Holiday Lights in Florida's Botanical Gardens.  Soft chords of a seasonal soundtrack

added to the enchanted setting as one wandered along glowing paths, captivated by the

subtle beauty of radiant palms, glittering bushes and a few beaming critters.

Natural beauty and the magic of the season can make the spirit bright! 

                                                                           

                           

The Magic of a Sunset

 The evening slowly passes as one walks along the shore.  There's a quiet ambiance 

broken only by the call of a gull and water lapping on the sands.  The setting sun 

casts its' brilliance as far as the eye can see and one's mind wanders past 

the day's matters to the pleasures of yesterday and the dreams of tomorrow.

For a few brief moments our thoughts are colored by the magical aura of the setting sun.

~~~  ~~~

It's almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.."

                                                                       --- Bernard Williams

The Sunken Garden

Flowers, with their delicate petals and vibrant colors are always a welcome sign of Spring.

On a very pleasant afternoon at St. Petersburg's Sunken Garden, with camera in hand, one roamed

the paths through manicured plantings capturing some of this landmark's natural, vibrant beauty.

An ancient sinkhole with a small lake was made into a backyard garden with exotic plants by

a homeowner in the 1920's.  Sitting 15 ft. below street level and with its exotic plantings, it became

a popular roadside attraction thru the 1960's.  Today the city owns and maintains these mid-town

botanical gardens with their alluring tropical plantings and wildlife.

    

    

                                                                     

      

~~~  ~~~  ~~~

"Colors Are The Smiles Of Nature"

                                                                                    ---- Leigh Hunt

Natural Beauty On Two Barrier Islands

Two barrier islands along Florida’s gulf shore are perfect spots for enjoying unspoiled, 

natural coastal beauty.  Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island were once joined and 

known as Hog Island until separated by a hurricane in 1921.  Today, while attracting

many visitors, each offers large tracts of undeveloped, protected nature preserves. 

Here, the virgin slash pine forests, miles of natural shoreline and the encircling warm,

tranquil waters are home to many native species and welcoming of humans.

An afternoon trekking along trails and shoreline with only an occasional human encounter

allowed for many captivating sightings.  Including that of an American Bald Eagle!

For 14 years, American Bald Eagles have returned to the island for nesting between

October and May.  Their whereabouts when not in Florida is unknown.  On this sighting, 

while two adults were seen, it appeared their eggs had not yet hatched.

Proud, Determined, Free ... the American Bald Eagle!

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The Osprey is seen hovering over, then swooping into shallow waters, 

snagging a fish and returning to a lofty perch where it claws and 

tears it to pieces to eat and feed to the young.

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The Black Vulture watches from on high for opportunity and will often

 "steal" from other birds of prey.   Yet, it will readily share with its family.

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Several miles of natural shoreline can be found on both islands.  The 

unobstructed openness and beauty allows one to wander, lose track of 

time and appreciate some of life's true pleasures.

~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~

Pathways meander among coastal plants under an open canopy of 

virgin pines with a blue sky and warm sun above.  Ideal for a slower pace 

and a closer look at nature's wonders.

~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~

"In Every Walk With Nature

One Receives Far More

Than He Seeks"

                     ---   John Muir

Nature's Reassuring Beauty

Spending time alone walking a trail without a device or time constraint has 

  long been among one's favorite pastimes.  The calling of a distant bird, the  

 scamper of a squirrel and the soft touch of a gentle breeze pleasantly draw one's 

 attention and clear the mind of its murky clutter.

One is reassured that the world has not been upended when life in the wild 

 is seen today as it has been for centuries.  Waterfowl beautifully navigate

 a channel.  A turtle basks in the midday sun.  A squirrel is unfazed by a

 passing stranger and a young alligator seems to smile as it thinks of lunch.

One's spirit is refreshed while walking a trail enveloped in nature's beauty and calmness.

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"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous."

                                                                                                                 ----- Aristotle