Friday, March 15, 2024

Halpata Tastanaki Preserve - Plan B

 I've learned over the years not to worry if I get a late start or change my mind about my original plan. 


Iridescent Green Beetle

There may be a reason not to go in the direction I was headed.

On this particular day, I had planned to take a hike from the trailhead near my house, beginning on hwy 484. But when I came to the hwy, the traffic was at a standstill to my left. So I turned right and drove to Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.


It was a beautiful day and I saw lots of birds and wildlife.


I love this new sign on the fence post.


Gray Catbird


I found out when I got home and searched online that the traffic was stopped because of a bad wreck involving 2 cars and an ambulance. It had happened less than an hour before I left my house. So I was thankful for my late start that morning.


I watched 2 Florida Scrub Jays from a distance.


I see the most variety here on the HTP preserve and it's one of the first (it's actually the second) trail we ever hiked here in this part of Florida.


Three White-tailed Deer ran across the trail right in front of me! I was happy that ONE showed up in my photo!


Dove


Flycatcher


Monster (thanks for asking, Iris! I always wonder if anyone will question my 'monsters'. This is a broken trunk of a tree about 4 ft high. It looked like a huge 'monster' bird...just for fun!)

And how about this very cute animal track!


So it turns out that Plan B was the best plan. It's great to have so many trails close by so that I have choices. I have much to be thankful for!

Are you having good weather to enjoy time outdoors?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

Friday, March 8, 2024

Blue Run Park and the sights on a Spring day!


 I don't know where to start!

Well, I know where to START....

 
Green Heron

I just don't know where to end!


I hate to leave out the several species of Warblers or the Herons, turtles and alligators, flowers and butterflies but I'll have to save some of those photos for another day.


He put his best foot forward! 

Did I mention that the weather is perfect here in Florida right now?

Oh, I did? lol


Cormorant

If I had more time and energy, I would be out on the trails every day.

Oh, I've said that already too!


I do believe this is the most beautiful Great White Egret I've ever seen.


Even the photos taken through the leaves that aren't perfectly sharp look beautiful and dreamy.


It was a perfect day for a special outing and we enjoyed visiting with others that were there enjoying a day at the park!


We had expected some major paving on the trail but they had just patched some areas so that was nice! 


Pied Billed Grebe with the catch of the day.

We'll go again soon!


Oh wait....a cute little baby gator! 

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

Friday, March 1, 2024

King Kong, Fact or Fiction?

 
Well, we all know there is a King Kong because we watched the movie when we were kids.


But I'm more likely to see Bigfoot in the forest around here.

I have heard crashing around in the woods and underbrush but that would probably be caused by a black bear.



I spotted this sweet little forest gnome on this hike.

You can see it was hard to spot on the top of a big boulder.


When I finished my hike in the diggings near SR 200 I got to watch a Brown Thrasher digging for worms and insects.


He was scattering the leaves and having a fine time.


I stood very still and watched him.


So what does this post have to do with King Kong?


I found the jungle where he lives.


It's been a long time since I watched the movie but these big boulders made me think of King Kong and glance over my shoulder when I heard a noise.


This one was a big as a house!


What would you rather see....or hear in the forest?


an imaginary monster

 I guess we all like the sounds of bird song best!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

Friday, February 23, 2024

February brings signs of Spring!


 We definitely see signs of Spring in the month of February here in Florida.


I'm sure that's why so many people visit the state during this month.


I've seen more birds, wildflowers, colorful leaves and an abundance of butterflies already.

And I want to give an update on the honey bee hive at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.


The bees are busy making honeycomb and it changes from week to week.


I thought in the beginning that it was a swarm and they would leave after a couple of weeks.


But they have been there for over 4 months now!


Here's the same photo taken a week apart and put together for comparison. You can see the same stick in each photo.


While I was on this particular hike, I got to watch 2 American Kestrels in all their glory!


This one was particularly cute!


Kestrel in flight


And even saw a few Eastern Meadowlarks!

They always show up in the Spring!


The weather has been beautiful allowing me to hike just about every other day for the month, which makes me very happy!

Are you seeing any signs of Spring where you live? Don't worry, it will be here before you know it! 

AHHHH Chooooo!!! lol

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

Friday, February 16, 2024

Deep in the Forest!


 Time to put on our hiking shoes and go deep into the woods!


Don't be skeeeeered!


You're in Bear Country now!


A REAL bear den!


OK! That's close enough....let's keep going!


We'll only go during the day when the monsters don't look as scary.


Because you KNOW there will be monsters in the forest!

Some real.....


others imagined!


Use your imagination!

But don't let it run WILD!


I love hiking deep into the forest BEST! 


Gnome Country! It's my favorite place to be!

We'll just stop now to watch the pretty Warblers!


Time to FLY!


Were you skeeeered? Maybe just a little? Me too!


I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !