Saturday, August 25, 2018

Florida Critters

We have a lot of beautiful critters here in Florida!

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This Anhinga was flying high in the sky over Blue Run Park in Dunnellon when we hiked there recently.

But the ‘star of the day’ was an alligator.

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I know many of you are not ‘great fans’ but we don’t see one very often, only when we visit a preserve or a swamp.

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And this was no ordinary alligator! It was the biggest one we’ve every seen! He was probably 9 to 10 feet LONG! Unbelievable! He was WIDE too!

And while we’re looking at creepy critters…

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this looked like a ghost bird!

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(we think it’s a Little Blue Heron and the color was being washed out by the bright sun)

And then there was the very large Pileated Woodpecker.

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He was beautiful!

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I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

31 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, that is a big gator. Love the Anhinga in flight and the pretty heron.
The Pileated Woodpecker is a favorite, they are awesome birds. Thanks so much for linking up your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Gayle said...

That poor heron looks like me after a 24 hr. bug--haha. Your photos make me want to go for a walk but not in pursuit of alligators ;)

Arlene G said...

Diane, you always see the most amazing things! Thanks for sharing with us!

MadSnapper said...

with 4 deaths by alligator in the past few months, I would not want to see that guy, unless you were using a long zoom... and that doesn't count pets that died. the ghost bird is a wow... never seen one look like that even in bright sun... great captures , all of these.

Vee said...

Nope, those gators fill me with dread. Must be all the headlines like “Woman Dies while trying to rescue her dog from Gator.” Acckkkk...

The bird, Imdare not spell it, is quite amazing. I never even knew that there was such a bird.

Susie said...

Diane, In all my trips to Florida, I have only seen one alligator that was not in a display of sorts. It was at the space center, just as we were driving thru the main gates. Not near as long as the one you showed us. Yikes...too big and scary. I like the shot of the woodpecker...just that spot of red on his crown. Perfect. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Ramblings of a Retired Lady said...

I enjoyed seeing those critters this morning. God sure has made some beautiful things hasnt He? Have a nice Saturday.

Inger said...

And I was just getting worried about you and the alligators after reading about the recent deadly encounters. Please be careful. The alligator picture is great, but I think I prefer to stick with my snakes. And interesting picture of that ghostbird.

xinex said...

I live in FL too but I don't like the alligators nor the snakes that I see in our yard a lot. I love the birds though and hubby feeds them every day....Christine

Janey and Co. said...

EEk that gator is scary...and the Heron looks like an albino....do they have them in the bird world?

Terri D said...

That woodpecker is gorgeous!! It is always fun to spot a gator, especially the big ones! Thanks for sharing your great photos!!

Ann Thompson said...

The alligator wouldn't bother me so long as there was no chance of him coming after me.
That woodpecker looks pretty big too

Gina said...

Diane, that ghost bird looks like a statue! And try as I might, I can't tell if the picture is just of the alligator's tail or if its head is there and I'm not seeing it! Regardless, YIKES!

Net - "It's a Wonderful Movie" said...

Oh my... these are interesting creatures! See you later alligator!!! Scary, indeed!

Blessings, Net

happyone said...

Wow that is one huge alligator.

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Loved to see your feathered friends. And that's quite the 'gator.

Wishing you a beautiful day...
Brenda

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Wow, Diane you really do have quite a variety in Florida! I love seeing the birds---that is the largest pileated woodpecker-- What a beauty! Now the gator, we'll just hope he stays where he is! Great photos! ♥

Phil Slade said...

The Anhinga has such a unique profile. Unlike any bird I've seen before - almost prehistoric.

I would love to see a real live gigantic alligator. I'll swop you for a Little Owl?

Anni said...

I am SOOOO jealous of your pileated woodpecker! I want one. I'm now wondering what happened to the two resident alligators at the reserve they're repairing...hmmmm.


We all send our thanks for joining us at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend!

It's me said...

An alligator !!!...when you walk there.?...O my O my....so scarry...happy week love Ria 💜

Lowcarb team member said...

It's a great selection of critters!
Happy Weekend to you :)

All the best Jan

Angie said...

Glad to hear that 'gator was in a preserve or a swamp! And I love pileated woodpeckers!!!

SImple and Serene Living said...

what a wonderful nature day. I think alligators are fascinating as long as they keep their distance. xo Laura

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Just yesterday at a gathering, I was trying to explain why we kind of like seeing alligators when we're at our other home. And why we don't really think they are creepy. And why we don't have to be afraid of them. But I don't think anyone understood... its so weird the way people who have never seen alligators are afraid and creeped out by them. That heron is a funny color.

BeachGypsy said...

oh that first shot is just excellent, the bird soaring through the pretty blue sky, love it! You know I love to see the alligators!! ( I know, I am WEIRD, HA HA) That is a pretty big one. OUr daughter loves them. I love to observe them. We just have to be real careful around them. Did y'all have a good weekend? Ours was low key and peaceful and very nice. Hot, but nice. And the humidity abated for a short while, which was a very welcome break.

BeachGypsy said...

ps---love the woodpecker pictures.....he looks like a big one!!

Aritha V. said...

What a large alligator! Love to see it. We haven't in our country!

Jeanie said...

It DOES look like a ghost bird! Very eerie, this place!

NatureFootstep said...

the heron looks really weird :) And a very large gator :)

Jeannie said...

You were WAY TOO CLOSE to that alligator. If it was less than 5 miles away, you should be running in the other direction.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Wow -big alligator - and wonderful birds. Such a fine day for seeing nature.