Friday, April 14, 2023

Red-shouldered Hawks, all grown up!

 
We've had the fun of watching the Red-shouldered Hawks grow up at Blue Run Park.


And something about the lighting gave us some of the best Hawk photos that we've taken!

I loved the background in each and every one of these.


And this Hawk was intent in watching for a 'catch' down below and gave us some neat poses.


I just have to bring out an old photo though! 


We watched this nest of Red-shouldered Hawks a few years ago and this is one of the babies.

They are all grown up now and we still see hawks on the limbs of this same tree or nearby.


When we hike this trail, our eyes are usually drawn to the Rainbow River that runs to the North of the trail. But today our best sightings were in the swamp.


This Great White Egret put on a show.


Walking along a log with his long 'toes' guiding him


He was fun to watch. 


Nature is always entertaining if you get out on the trails and take the time to look at the beauty that surrounds you.


I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.  

  Mosaic Monday HERE and I like Thursdays HERE !  

Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to view the Ocala's Good Life magazine article about our hikes. My friend told me yesterday that it was my 15 minutes of fame. I'm trying to get 15 more minutes this week! lol 


Enjoy our article in Ocala's Good Life magazine HERE.

56 comments:

EricaSta said...

A wonderful post again, dear Diane. Yes, I know, I`m late ... it`s always hard with my corona.

Therefore, I enjoy especially reading some posts, like yours.

Hugs by Heidrun

Red Rose Alley said...

Those Hawks are grand birds for sure, and the baby Hawk is precious. The Hawk's face reminds me of the Owl. I bet it was interesting to watch the them grow up when visiting the trail all this time. And the Egret is always a graceful bird. Looks like you are enjoying Spring. We have been getting sunshine the last few days and Spring is arriving, maybe soon. ; )

Have a peaceful weekend.

~Sheri

Jeanie said...

These photos are exquisite, Diane. He is really a stunner and how fun you have been "with him" all along!

MadSnapper said...

the lighting was perfect, just right! he is gorgeous and I also like the egret in that light. the baby is adorable.

MadSnapper said...

great article, and the photo is so good of both of you, love that bobcat

Tom said...

...you captured so much beauty!

Jenn Jilks said...

Well done, re: the article.
I love the hawks!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Really breathtaking photos! Thank you! Cathy

Creations By Cindy said...

Wonderful pictures! I love how you capture the beauty and yet simplicity of the wildlife. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Red-shouldered Hawks are uncommonly handsome birds, and your pictures are superb.

roentare said...

Beautiful photos

Terri D said...

The hawk was posing for you!! Wonderful photos!! Awesome.

Vee said...

It is wonderful light and shows the hawk off to his best advantage. Course it takes a good photographer!

Angie said...

Diane - I laughed out loud when I saw the picture of the young hawk - such a "geek"! I suppose many teenagers go through a phase like that! Gorgeous photos! And now I am going to check out your 15 minutes of fame!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

The hawk is so pretty, but his eyes are quite fierce! So exciting to see them grow and stay near their tree. Amazing to have egrets living around you, too. The closest thing we have here are great blue herons. Always fun to take a hike with you! x K

Irma said...

What great photos.
Red-shouldered hawks are beautiful birds.
Greetings Irma

Ann said...

Love the photos. Those first few of the hawk are gorgeous. He's a handsome guy.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Beautiful captures of the Red-shouldered Hawks. The background is lush and beautiful too. I love the beautiful Egret too. Great photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.

Wally Jones said...

What a unique opportunity to be able to chronicle the hawk's transition from chick to adult!

As usual, your wonderful images make me want to head out the door to see what I can find!

Hope you're enjoying the weekend.

RedPat said...

Those are fabulous shots of the hawk. He really did pose nicely for you.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Diane:=)
Fabulous captures of the Red-shouldered Hawk.Wonderful lighting too.

Rhodesia said...

Wow, I am so jealous of the sightings of the Red-shouldered Hawk. Lucky you and fabulous photos.
We have been away on a very long holiday but hope to catch up with blogs very soon.
Cheers t'other Diane

Bill said...

The photos of tge Red-shouldered Hawk are absolutely beautiful. Fantastic light, background and pose, Perfect!!

Bob Bushell said...

The Red-shouldered Hawks are beautiful Diane, I love them.

Villrose said...

A pretty hawk! Egrets are fascinating to watch. We have some here, as well.

italiafinlandia said...

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a charming critters. Very cute. Thanks for sharing.

italiafinlandia said...

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a charming critter. Very cute. Thanks for sharing.

Mae Travels said...

Very nice photos! You did capture the look on that bird’s face.

best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! such a beautiful feather friend hawk ~ awesome photos ! Thanks,

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

carol l mckenna said...

Great article from Ocala about you and hubby ~ great photos too ~ Bravo to you for sharing and encouraging others to get out in Nature ~ sounds like you live a perfect place for you both ~ Bravo again ~

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

NanaDiana said...

Will read the Ocala article as soon as I post this. What beauties the red-shoulders hawks are, Diane. You take some really great pictures. By the way, I waved when I went by Ocala! lol. xo Diana

NanaDiana said...

Just read the article. What a wonderful tribute to you and your hubby! xoxoxoxo

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Oh, wonderful Red Shouldered Hawk photos...and also the Great White Egret! Yes, watching nature is always very entertaining. We are both blessed to be able to see God's creation around us and appreciate it so much. Thank you for sharing what you are seeing with us. Always a joy to me to see! Have a blessed and wonderful week ahead!

Cloudia said...

Your narrative makes this a wonderful complete experience. Thank you

Phil Slade said...

The Red-shouldered Hawk is very red all over and I guess that is because it gets a deeper colour in the breeding season? It blends in with its chosen surroundings too. Great shots of the egret, It's a species we see here too Diane. Happy Sunday to you.

Adam Jones said...

That Hawk is so very impressive.

magiceye said...

Beautifully captured!

Lorrie said...

The hawk photos are wonderful, Diane, with the perfect background and lighting. Happy Sunday to you.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Great photos!
The baby hawk is a fantastic picture.

Anni said...

Fantastic Diane. Such intimate showing of the hawk, and beautiful swamp scenes.
Thanks for sharing this blog with us at IRBB!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I love your hawk photos. So animated. I love the white egret photo you took.

Lowcarb team member said...

Yes, the lighting was perfect.
Your photographs are fabulous.

I do like your header picture of the Phlox too.

Have a good week.

All the best Jan

Ed Rosack said...

Your wonderful photos show off what a great hike you had!

It's exciting to follow a wild family as it grows.

Teresa said...

Preciosas las fotografías me han encantado. Que tengas una feliz semana.

Rainbow Evening said...

the hawk looks so cute....
excellent captures

Shiju Sugunan said...

You have captured the Red-shouldered Hawks beautifully. Overall, great job on the photos!

Tanza Erlambang said...

Lovely Great White Egret...
I never seen this kind of Egret in nature...
Thank you for sharing beautiful photos...

BeachGypsy said...

love hiking with y'all! wow, that hawk close up is amazing. Love all the pictures, and so glad Spring weather is here, aren't you??? Great outside weather before the bad hot summer weather gets here. We are busy gardening!!! love ya, hugs!!

SImple and Serene Living said...

Love the hawks, but white egrets are my favorite, xo Laura

NatureFootstep said...

great shots of the Red-shouldered Hawk. He is a real beauty. And so are the egret. Fine shots of that one as well.

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

Thank you for your visit to my blog! It was so wonderful to hear from you. It was such a delight to stop by your beautiful blog today; it's like taking a walk with you! Such lovely birds and sights in nature. God's creation is so amazing!

Blessings to you, Net

Veronica Lee said...

Those hawks are magnificent!

Beautiful photos, Diane.

Hugs and blessings

Freckled Hen said...

Your pictures are as beautiful as ever! Thank you for your visit, I check in here at your pretty blog periodically and see all the beauty you surround yourself with. It's always a nice thing to visit here!
Yesterday I was walking through a tiny village and saw a doll shop with a nice display in the window of the cutest dolls and thought of you, how sweet to see your comment on my blog this morning. I hope you are well kindred friend!

Carla from The River said...

Amazing photos, I so do appreciate your 'let's slow down and enjoy nature' life. xx oo
Carla

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Those are the best hawk pictures I've EVER seen anywhere!! Love them -- wonderful hike. Egrets amuse me too -- I never tire of them altlhough they sure are one of the most frequent birds we see (everywhere, from Oregon to Florida!)... You already had more than your fifteen minutes of fame among those of us lucky enough to read your blog. And deserve more than that (way) amongst your greater public. Thanks for sharing the joy.

Debbie said...

I love the photos of your hikes! You always capture the most interesting, and beautiful subjects! I am glad you share with us. Debbie xxoo