Saturday, May 23, 2020

Black-crowned Night Heron and a scary critter


We haven't seen a Black-crowned Night Heron at Blue Run in a long time!



Of course the park was closed for a few weeks but I don't think we've seen one of these Herons at all this year. 


So this was exciting to spot. In fact, another hiker spotted it and told us where to look!


It's always a challenge to see through all the limbs and grasses to look down into the water.


And that is duckweed in the water. It is a plant that grows on the top of the water and is very beautiful.


We have to walk all the way to the bridge to look down and try to spot alligators!


And there he is! 


This young man had just started fishing very near the alligator but he didn't stay long. I don't mean the alligator ate him....I mean he rowed on down the Withlacoochee River!


One more pretty bird photo to leave you with something beautiful!


Do you have a river or lake you can drive to or hike to and take photos? It sure feels great to get outside!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.


35 comments:

David M. Gascoigne, said...

There is a local wetland where I have seen Black-crowned Night Heron for several years in a row, and for at least two years they bred there, but this year nary a sign of them, so I am not sure whether we will have the pleasure in 2020.

Tom said...

...the Night Heron is a lovely sight, the alligator not so much! Take care so that you don't become someone's lunch!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I have not seen a BC Night Heron this season, yet! They are beautiful birds, your photos are awesome. Neat captures of the Gator in the duckweed. I hope the boaters stay safe! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend! PS, your visit and comment are always appreciated.

Gayle said...

So glad you are able get to these spots again and were rewarded by the birds. I wouldn't call the alligators a reward but neat to see them too.
We have been able to go to the state park. It has not been closed.

MadSnapper said...

that gator looks like he is waiting for the next meal to come along. it is a beautiful place to walk..

Louca por porcelana said...

Wow...Great pictures!Hugs!

Caroline said...

Hi, I have never seen the night heron, I think we haven't night herons in the Netherlands. I hope the men in the boat stay safe with the alligator. Nice photos. Greetings Caroline

Arlene G said...

I was unfamiliar with that bird, Diane. You have taught me so much about Florida wild life.

Jeanie said...

That black crowned night heron is a gem! What a remarkable discovery -- I've never seen one like that before.

Ella said...

The Night Heron is a beautiful bird, the alligator ... not at all!
Aren't they dangerous?

Susie said...

Hi Diane, I love seeing the wild things you come upon while hiking. But that gator is scary. Glad the young fisherman moved. Hope you and your hubby are doing well. Stay safe dear friend. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Terri D said...

Our beautiful Lakeland has 32 lakes and I can't wait until I can walk pain-free again and start taking pictures!! I always enjoy yours!!

Vee said...

*shudder* there it is! Glad that the young fisherman moved on. How big was he? The alligator not the young man.

Latane Barton said...

I have a drainage pond just across the road from my apartment and I often go out on the balcony and spot things to take pictures of. I am so thankful that I am here in a safe environment yet can enjoy nature's beauty.

RedPat said...

There is a pond near us where the Black-crowned Night Heron has been for the last few years but I haven't seen him this year. No gators though.

Debbie said...

i have only seen a b-c night heron a few times, it was so exciting. i think the interesting duckweed adds beauty to your images. i find the alligators to be a little frightening, it seems they like to hide in the growth in the water. i don't know if i would be comfortable in a boat in that water!! beautiful images today, have a great weekend!!

Bill said...

Great capture of the Night Heron. The alligator gives me the chills. :)
Have a great weekend!

Teresa Cypher said...

Nice pics! I don't know if we have that heron here in PA. All I've ever seen in the Great Blue Heron around here. :-)

Thanks for sharing these lovely photos. I'd be intimidated by the gator, by the way. :-)

We have plentiful streams and ponds nearby, a river 10 miles south of us.

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. :-)

DeniseinVA said...

You certainly saw a lot of pretty sights on your walk. Thank you for sharing them with us.

The Feminine Energy said...

Oh what gorgeous pictures but oh my, that alligator! Gave me a bit of a chill. Yes, the town which claims my address (even tho we live out in the country) sits right on Lake Michigan. But honestly, I don't go there much. It's too crowded, as a general rule, and now of course with the virus we're restricted... altho I've heard that's easing up a bit. But whatever.... we stay home. I love looking at your pictures tho! :-) Love, Andrea xoxo

Adam Jones said...

Wonderful shots of the Night Heron. What a great looking bird.

happyone said...

Liked seeing the pictures of the alligator. Great shots.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Wonderful photos! The photo of the alligator is just incredible! I enjoy walking down by the Ohio here where I live. It has a lovely river walk! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Anu said...

Hello. Great photos of the Black-crowned Night Heron. It is a very beautiful bird. Alligators look great.

BeachGypsy said...

Love that last picture of the gator.....that's a great one!! I gotta show Mr. Front Porch that one. We were out gator spottin yesterday, I got some pictures but yours are better! I sure had fun though but oh my gosh I am sore today. I recognized those birds immediately....we used to have a bunch of those nesting on the Battery. I'm not sure if they are still there this year, I haven't seen any lately. Hope your weekend is going great. It sure IS HOT HERE....but we are still going out and getting about.

Anni said...

The heron, the verdant scenery, the alligator...all so beautiful today!

Thanks for joining us at I'd Rather B Birdin this week

Jenn Jilks said...

The heron is precious. The other thingie, not so much!

Teresa said...

Mereció la pena verla. Me gusta todo. Besos.

Edna B said...

Awesome photos. I can't wait till I can get out and take some photos at our park. Pretty soon. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

Phil Slade said...

I'm not sure I would be sailing down that creek because that alligator looks huge. I wouldn't mind seeing a Black-crowned Night Heron again though. I'm glad you getting more freedom now. I think we are all a little tired of it now.

Ann Thompson said...

I discovered I can get to your blog on my tablet but still cant on my computer. The heron is pretty but I would be a bit scared of the alligator

Buttercup said...

The closest I get right now is the Hudson River. Not quite the same wildlife, but so grateful for the park and the view. It's really saving my sanity. Take good care!

Jean said...

Beautiful bird! I don't think I'd want to be fishing quite so close to an alligator. Brave fellow. Hope you are having a great weekend so far.

Lea said...

Great photos of the Heron! Would love to see one, but I think I'll just skip the alligator! It is good to get outside!
Have a wonderful day!

Jeannie said...

That alligator made me nervous - glad they aren't close by me!
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry