Saturday, December 10, 2016

Look HIGH in the Sky!

When you hike, you are constantly looking up!

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Last weekend when we hiked at Blue Run Park, we saw a flock of Wood Storks high in the sky.

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They were on there way for parts unknown and reminded us of Geese, flying in a “V’.

I wasn’t sure what they were until we put the photos on the computer and got out the bird books just to make sure.

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This is a photo I took of one in Tuscawilla Park last summer.

So this week, when I walked out in the driveway and looked up at a large flock of birds, I wasn’t sure what I was seeing!

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But after looking at my photos up close and comparing them to Sibley’s Guide to Birds, I realized we had just seen a large flock of American White Pelicans!

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WHAT?

A large flock of White Pelicans were flying over us here in central Florida! WOW! That’s the first time we’ve ever seen them in the wild.

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We saw one at Tuscawilla park awhile back, so here’s what they look like up close.

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It’s always amazing to see birds and animals in the ‘wild’!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

28 comments:

Cloudia said...

How thrilling!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

We see tons of brown pelicans here on the east coast. I had a thrill crossing a colony of white pelicans at the Terra Ceia Preserve State Park. They are really majestic to see as a colony.

Susie said...

Diane, You get to see some wonderful sights. My daughter Kathy loves bird watching....mostly because it's free and relaxing for her. :) She would be envious of all your spottings. Blessings for a fun weekend, xoxo, Susie

Arlene G said...

We must be on the same migratory path, Diane. Those white Pelicans were here at the Tennessee River in DROVES about two weeks ago. They stop here for about a week and everyone takes their cameras to snap pictures.

Linda said...

Wow, what great sightings. It pays to keep your eye on the sky.

Cranberry Morning said...

Oh how wonderful to see all that amazing wildlife, Diane! No wonder you look up when you walk. Beautiful sight! xo

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Congrats on your sighting and pics, Diane!
~

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful photos of the birds in flight and on land ~ thanks,

Wishing you days of contentment ~ ^_^

bj said...

I just love the things you see on your hikes...and that you are so good to share them with us..xoxo

Lorrie said...

Wonderful sightings! It pays off to keep looking up.

NanaDiana said...

If this comes through a 2nd time just delete it. My comment was just sitting there and I couldn't tell if it went through or not. Anyway- I said that now I know where our pelicans went. They sit right in front of our house on the bay all summer. Amazing, aren't they? xo Diana

Daniela said...

Dearest Diane,
I'm feeling so amazed at your stunning pictures, thank you for sharing all this with us !

Hope you're enjoying the best of weekends,
I'm sending blessings to you,
with utmost gratitude

Xx Dany

happyone said...

How cool to see these different kinds of birds flying in formation. Great shots.

Red Rose Alley said...

A flock of white pelicans flying over you, how exciting, Diane! They are such beautiful birds, and I love their looooong beak. In your pictures, they kind of do like the wood storks because of the black around the edge of its wings. That's great that you are knowledgeable with the birds of nature. :)

Have a lovely weekend. It's raining like crazy here today!

~Sheri

eileeninmd said...

Hello, both the Wood Storks and the White Pelicans are awesome sightings. Great collection of photos. I saw some White Pelicans land on our lake this morning. They are cool.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Joanne said...

WOW pelicans! My mouth literally flew open! I have never seen a sight like that. Thanks for sharing! Have a great day.
Blessings, Joanne

Anonymous said...

Hi Diane! Oh, what beautiful sights you see. There was a certain time of year when we lived in Galveston that the white pelicans would come and have their babies and then fly away again. Hope all is well with you and it's always great to hear from you.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Vee said...

You sure see fascinating things down there! What a thrill it must have been.

Anni said...

Of the two species we have here in the states, I enjoy the colors of the brown pelican more, but the white ones are super too. And yes, I've been there with the ID in flight confusion too....even white ibis could throw me off when they're up in the sky so high.

Fabulous images and great narration today.

I thank you for sharing this post with all of us birders at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend!!!

Breathtaking said...

Hello Diane!:) Great sightings, and wonderful in flight shots. I get my bird books out all the time to check on ID's, but I could never see the birds you see. Thanks for sharing!:) Hugs from Portugal.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Very impressive flocks! We now see very few Wood Storks near our south Florida home because they moved their breeding range to the north. It's nice to know they at least have not left the entire state!

BeachGypsy said...

Thats a big group of the white ones! So neat you were in the right place at the right time and HAD YOUR CAMERA! I'm so glad you did! Hope y'all had a great weekend!! I feel like I spent it wrapping presents!! LOL

handmade by amalia said...

Well worth looking up, I love birds in flight, they always looks so economical yet elegant.
Amalia
xo

Sam I Am...... said...

Awesome! It's great that you can enlarge and then id them with your guide book.

Lowcarb team member said...

Certainly was worth looking up.
Great pictures you've shared.

All the best Jan

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Aren't they wonderful!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

I love looking up into the heavens and seeing what might be flying high over me...not too much in these colder months, but we have had mention of thousands of Sandhill Cranes flying over all well, all within 20 miles of me...me I saw nor heard none of them...your shares are all terrific. Merry Christmas Diane~

Anonymous said...

What an amazing sight!