Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Hike #64 Halpata Tastanaki Preserve

Remember we call this hike HTP!

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And the star of the day was the Rufous-Sided Towhee.

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I see them pretty often.

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And hear them a lot!

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But it’s very hard to get good photos of them!

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I also saw the Florida Scrub Jay in this same area.

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A pretty little Warbler.

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And for the ‘oddity’ of the day!

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A White Grub!

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BIG…and UGLY!

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So we’ll end with a pretty Downy Woodpecker.

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And then a RED Cardinal showing up so well in the scrub!

We’ve hiked for more than an hour over a little rougher terrain today.

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How are you doing?

Did you remember your walking stick today?

23 comments:

Arlene G said...

Cardinals are my favorite winter bird. They just lift my heart!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I read through several of your last posts, Diane, and enjoyed hiking along with you. You and your hubby are so lucky to enjoy these hikes together. You have so many wonderful paths to follow. My late beloved and I loved to hike together, too. I miss those walks.

Debbie said...

i would LOVE to take hikes like this...or to live in a climate like you have there in florida. i say that, but then i think about the 4 seasons and i think i would miss them, i do enjoy the different seasons!!

today was a great bird day, you saw a lot and captured some beautiful images!!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Anyone for grub stew?

NanaDiana said...

Beautiful- that little Florida bird really blends into the background! No walking here-we have solid ice in our area. ugh!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day, Diane! xo Diana

MadSnapper said...

the second Rufous looks a tad angry, did you scare him with your camera? ha ha.. I like the ugly grub and would surely have taken his photo.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, another great hike. The trail looks nice and the bird sightings are great. The Towhee is beautiful and I love the Florida Scrub Jays. Is your oddity a Chickadee, I see black on the head and underneath the black is the white. I hope that grub is food for some critter. Great post on your hike. Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!

Debby Ray said...

Great captures of these pretty critters...well, maybe not the grub so much. (smile) Happy Wednesday, Diane!

happyone said...

Beautiful photos but I must say I am NOT fond of grubs. : )

carol l mckenna said...

Beautiful photos of our feathered friends ~ favorite is the first one ~ ^_^

Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

No walking here but you make me at least 'think' about it! GRIN!!

Ann said...

I didn't do any walking but I sure enjoyed yours.

DUTA said...

I like the picture with the bare branches and the woodpacker between them. The bird has got the same grey color as the branches; it integrates perfectly in the picture.

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

Oh, I love these walks you share with us, Diane. They are always peaceful and beautiful. It is so nice to take a moment and enjoy the beauty of God's wonderful creation!

Yesterday, I watched three squirrels playing in a tree in our front yard. Oh my goodness... were they busy chasing one another! So cute!

Thank you, again, for sharing this lovely post and beautiful birds! Blessings to you!!! Net

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

my 'nature' walk today was in a Walmart--(too cold here for a walk anywhere else!!) got me some good exercise and some groceries and a couple things to decorate with--
did watch a squirrel eat the bird seed outside in the tree in front of the window this morning and then a Nuthatcher came by for a bit while I was cross stitching-does that count???

Jeanie said...

The scrub jays are very pretty. Laying off the walking for awhile. Doc's orders while my foot heals. I get around and can go where I need but nothing too much!

Vee said...

Well, I do have a walking stick. Haven’t been taking it anywhere lately, though. Oh that bright flash of red in the brush must have been a thrill. We love seeing Cardinals in my corner.

Meditations in Motion said...

Wow! Amazing nature pictures. I wonder what kind of warbler that is. I usually just see them in their breeding plumage, so I don't recognize him!

Sandy said...

I love all birds, but a cardinal is just the prize.

Terri D said...

I don't need a walking stick when you take us hiking!! Great photos and that grub is indeed an ugly fella!!

Tom said...

...decorating is in slow motion here, just wreath hung on the doors.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I’m tired from this hike, because I haven’t gotten acclimated to Florida yet )). Seriously, what a lovely place to walk...I’m loving this series. And I’m glad to be in the same State as you are...

Carla from The River said...

I hope one of the birds eats that ugly fat grub. ;-)
Great photos. My favorite cardinal was featured too. YAY!