Saturday, February 22, 2020

Living on the WILD side! The Florida Bobcat!


We love to hike at Blue Run Park at least once a week! You just never know what you'll see when you go! But you know you'll see a LOT!


A few people had stopped in the parking lot when we pulled in and told us a Hawk was right there on a post near where we parked!


Red-Shouldered Hawk


That was the first WILD sighting!


And then we saw Storks! 


We've seen Storks here in Florida but never at Blue Run Park!

So that was exciting!

We thought is would be the highlight of the day!

But things were about to get even WILDER!

When we hike, we wander away from each other and stop at different places to look and take photos. So it was GREAT that we happened to be near each other and looking down the trail at the same time!


Because a Bobcat walked across the trail in front of us! I didn't try to zoom in so my photo is from the 'true' distance away that he was from us. He's in the shadows near the center of the photo!


But hubby got a better photo....


and I cropped it so you can see the details! 

It was the most exciting sighting of the year! I saw a Bobcat on the Florida trails one year ago! The post is HERE.

Lots of beautiful birds and another sighting of the Storks on our way out. 


Just an amazing hike, living on the WILD side!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.



36 comments:

MadSnapper said...

this is exciting even to me, just seeing the photo of the bobcat, he sure is handsome. I love storks, they are so ugly they are beautiful. I remember the first time I saw them here, I was with my birder friend and she said look storks. I said that's not a storke. I was thinking of the kind that bring babies. ha ha… I have seen many since then and get excited each time. what a beautiful walk you had

Edna B said...

Wow, What great shots! I've never seen one of these cats up close and personal. Or the storks either. Your walks are soooo exciting! You have a super day, hugs, Edna B.

Barbara said...

What amazing sights you enjoyed at Blue Run! A Bobcat! And storks!

Hmm... has anybody had a new baby recently? (smile)

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Love the closeups of the Hawk and the Bobcat. I love the Storks too. I have seen the Bobcat, just a blur running across the trail at Circle B Preserve. Cool Bobcat sightings and great photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend. PS, Thanks also for the comment and visit.

Susie said...

Diane, You and hubby had an exciting hike. I love that hawk . So pretty. Gee, that bobcat looks long. I have never seen one myself, other than photos. We are having some pretty days this weekend. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

NanaDiana said...

What amazing finds this time. Those bobcats are so sleek and beautiful. Storks are amazing and have kind of an awkward beauty, I think. xo Diana

Gayle said...

A fearless hawk. And a bobcat--yikes!

Ella said...

A Bobcat! I will be really exciting if I can see one ... I love Felin's endless ... no matter if they are big or small ...
And then the storks ... are not the birds that bring the children into the world ?! Or do I get it wrong? LOL
Have a nice weekend, Diana!

Anu said...

Hello. Wonderful photos. That park looks great.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

In all my years of watching wildlife, since I was eight years old, I have never seen a Bobcat or a Lynx, so I have a little envy here!

Sandy said...

I can't tell if I am excited or scared! Great sighting. The hawk is pretty too.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Oh, I love your walk on the "wild side". You truly did have a wonderfully exciting walk that day! Love seeing the bobcat! They are usually night creatures, so to see one in the daytime is a real bonus! He looks long and lean! Very pretty. The storks are interesting creatures! I don't think I've ever had the privilege of seeing them in the wild. And I certainly don't want them "visiting" me with any "presents" anymore. They already did their duty for me with the delivery of three big boys. LOL. That hawk was just waiting for you to come and take his picture! Amazing that he stayed right there! Love your walks. I do miss our wild-life in Salt Springs, where we saw bobcats in our yard. We had a night wildlife camera that captured many interesting critters in our yard at night, and sometimes in the daytime. so now I will enjoy the "wildlife" vicariously from your posts/pictures! Thank you for sharing with us. Have a beautiful day...it's a bit chilly!

Tom said...

...it's the only way to live.

RedPat said...

That will be a day that you remember!

Jeanie said...

What a wonderful collection of spottings these are! Really stunning creatures!

Lowcarb team member said...

It really was an amazing hike.
Loved all of your photographs, especially the bobcat.

Enjoy your weekend.

All the best Jan

Elkes Lebensglück said...

*wow* that are so beautiful, fantastic Photos!!!
Greetings elke

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! What an adventure ~ lovely wild life shots ~ love the Hawk ~ and the BobCat I would steer clear of too. ~

Happy Moments to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Ranten said...

What an exciting trip!

Terri D said...

We saw a bobcat on our way out at the farm (Joe's client) a couple of months ago. S/he was too fast to get a picture but I was very excited to see one in the wild! They are beautiful. We have storks on our Lake Morton and pelicans and lots of other waterfowl. Also amazing to see. Thanks for sharing your hike with us!!

Jenn Jilks said...

So cool!!!!

Linda said...

Your husband got a great picture of the bobcat! Love your birds too.

italiafinlandia said...

You met many awesome critters. How nice!

Phil Slade said...

Wow. Super sightings today. It's not often a hawk sits around for close-ups like that
And the Bobcat was a real bonus. I guess they always run away from us humans?

Debbie said...

what a great day of "really wild" sightings!! i am so surprised the hawk stayed put in a busy parking lot!! are you nervous when you see the bobcat, perhaps they are tamer than the ones seen in the jungle!!

awesome captures today...keep walking and we will keep enjoying!!! have a happy sunday!!

Anni said...

I've heard there are bobcats here, but the only one I've seen, sadly, is road kill. Your photos are stunning. Beautiful hawk!!

Thanks so much for sharing your link at I'd Rather B Birdin this week.

Inger said...

Before reading your blog, I had no idea about this side of Florida. It's amazing to see all the wild animals. We have redtailed hawks here and bobcats too, but I consider this part of California wilderness. The parks you have in Florida are just fabulous.

As are the photographs you and your hubby take.

Jenn Jilks said...

How great to have a back up photographer!!!

Linda said...

Exciting sightings for sure and certain! The bobcat was amazing! We’re you frightened at all? I may have been!
Love seeing all the things you see on your hikes! I haven’t even been down to see the critters here at the ranch. Not this trip or last one. Hopefully my knee will be strong enough when we come in March!

NatureFootstep said...

congrats to the sights of both gorgeous birds and the bobcat :) That was a wonderful sight :)

Ann said...

wow, that is exciting and maybe just a bit scary too

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

That is just fabulous! What an incredible day. Wow, thanks to both of you for sharing . The bobcat is beautiful and great birds.

Arlene G said...

Wow Mr Bob Cat was just sauntering along. I would have been nervous of him for sure. I thought of you the other day Diane. Amelia saw a bald eagle on her way to work and was able to get a photo. She loves birds too.

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

That was an exciting hike! Great photos as usual!

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh my, a Bobcat! What a sight that was for you, Diane. The Storks are amazing too. Their white feathers are so pretty. The yellow flowers are a sure sign that Spring is coming. I always love to see the Hawk - it's such a grand bird, but always has a gentle face. : )

~Sheri

Carla from The River said...

WOW!!! That is amazing Diane. Another bobcat!!
Great photos as always.
Thank you for sharing.
Carla