Friday, August 18, 2023

Fun in the good ole summertime!


 It's hot. It's August. It's Florida! 


But let's tie the jeep to the hitching post at the 49th Ave trailhead and get out on the trails.


I chose a morning after a rain and the woods were still dripping wet and it felt cooler.

Or less hot!


And I saw all kinds of pretty birds.


Isn't this Blue-gray Gnatcatcher beautiful?


And I think this was a young one flying alongside the parent.


I was pleased to get them both in the photo.


I saw lots of wildflowers and some deer grazing.



Look at that tongue! He was eating something tasty!


A Black-and-white Warbler, Zebra Swallowtail and a Flicker.

A nice day to get out early and enjoy the beauty of nature.


And it will cool off one day soon. Right?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

45 comments:

Tom said...

...thanks for taking me along on this adventure. From where I sit, it's cool and lovely.

Irma said...

What a wonderful series of photos.
Photo 5 is my favorite this time.
Greetings Irma

Cathy said...

Beautiful photos of the wildlife there. Looks like a great place for a walk.

MadSnapper said...

those blue birds are gorgeous and oh so cute. it is a little less hot but still blazing here

Jenn Jilks said...

That was a sweet trek!

Wally Jones said...

Outstanding outing!

It is so amazing what we can see when we go out and look.


No worries about the heat. A little walk in the humidity and just going back indoors feels great.

Have a great weekend, Diane!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Oooo... what a lovely look today, Diane. I loved that sweet Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

It's gloomy gray, windy, and wet here today, but we're keeping cheerful on the inside.

Happy Friday!
Brenda xo

Red Rose Alley said...

Those deer always love munching on the greens. The blue-gray birds are so precious. He really does look like a young one. A wonderful day on the trails. I discovered a little place yesterday that is pretty and very peaceful. It's nice that you went out after the rain when it was cooler. Have a blessed weekend, Diane.

~Sheri

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The gnatcatchers are adorable -- wonderful you got those excellent pictures - - and that you don't let the heat stop you! Thanks for sharing.

roentare said...

I always hide in the shades during summer days. Hope the heat will ease soon.

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Oh my as always--beautiful nature photos--love all of them--especially the mom and baby bird!!
hugs, di

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Love your pictures of the gnatcatchers. That was a good feat to accomplish, as they tend to flit about rather quickly. I always love to see the pictures you are able to capture on your walks. You are brave to keep going out in this heat. I do pray it will end soon. I am unable to get out much when it is so hot. Fall is my time to 'rise and shine'. LOL. Hope you have a blessed weekend.

happyone said...

I like walking in the woods after a rain or even during rain.
Your photos as always are spectacular.

Cloudia said...

Early and sparkling with rain sounds perfect and look the birds agree! Thank you for bringing us along. Aloha!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

In that kind of heat “good ole summertime” seems like a bit of an oxymoron!

Ann said...

Another beautiful day out on the trails. That first bird is so cute.

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful sights from your walk on the trail. I love the Gnatcatchers and the B&W Warbler. Pretty Butterfly. Great collection flowers, deer and birds. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend.

Jeanie said...

That gnat catcher is an adorable looking bird. And I sure wish there was one around the lake because he would more than stuff his fill with the little no-see-ums we have here!

carol l mckenna said...

Oh the Mama and baby bird photos is fantastic! Wow! And your other photos are great too ~ always a delight here on your blog ~ thanks,

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

RedPat said...

Your shots of the Gnatcatchers are great. The young one is so cute & fluffy. Have a good week.

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful images of the birds and Deer, thanks.

Lea said...

Great bird photos! Love the Deer!

Linda said...

Lovely shots! The gnatcatcher looks so much sweeter than his name.

Shiju Sugunan said...

Your photos of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and the Black-and-white Warbler are lovely. Here's to cooler days ahead!

magiceye said...

Lovely captures all!

Danice G said...

Amazing photography. Animals are truly beautiful. 'Always look forward to your photography. Hey, the weather is really hot here too.

Phil Slade said...

That's a real nice walk Diane. Very productive for birds and animals both. The Blue-grey Gnatcatcher is a favourite of mine. You did well to get both adult and youngster in one frame. Hey, don't get my jeep muddy on those trails.

Debbie said...

awesome little story to start your post!! the gnatcatcher is gorgeous, the fluffy one is small, and does appear to be young!! i don't think i have ever seen a black and white warbler, it is beautiful!!

a great day to get out, with your own personal "sprinkler system", the wild flowers are so pretty!!!

Bill said...

Beautiful wildlife photos as always. Stay cool!

Teresa said...

Un precioso paseo con lindos avistamientos. Abrazos y buena semana.

Villrose said...

Almost like the forests here - except from the heat. Lovely critters!

Lowcarb team member said...

You got some great photographs, I especially like the Gnatcatcher.
Hope your weather temperatures will cool down soon.

All the best Jan

Creations By Cindy said...

Great pictures. Love seeing your wildlife pictures. GIRL...Yes mam it is hot here in Florida! WHOA! I am ready for cooler weather. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

BeachGypsy said...

Howdy my friend! Love all the pictures especially that last one! Mercy it was so hot today-- no porch time or hiking for us! Took care of the animals and back inside we hurried! LOL

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Birds, flowers, deer in some beautiful woods. Love it!!

Carla from The River said...

I love the wee little flowers.
Your photos of the deer are amazing!! I love the capture of the tongue.
Carla

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Diane, I am constantly amazed by the images you manage to capture (and so beautifully!), especially in this weather!

Rainbow Evening said...

yes, the little bird looks so beautiful....
great capture

Barbara said...

Have you seen the post today (Tues Aug 22) at this link?
https://tdorsaneo.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-tuesday-4-and-little-more.html

Terri had an interesting experience at the bank when one of her blog readers recognized her. Reminded me of the 2 times we have encountered each other at Walmart! I left a comment about that and included a link to your blog.

As for the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, I could have used a visit from one the other day when the gnats were just terrible! Beyond that, they are such a lovely shade of blue and look so soft. Very pretty.

Inger said...

The baby bird is adorable.

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

That Gnatcatcher is an interesting bird. I have never seen one of those before.

Rostrose said...

Dearest Diane,
It's definitely a good idea to go out in the summer too - preferably in the shade of the trees and / or in the mornings when it's not too hot... The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is an adorable little bird with an extremely cute face (both the young and the adult one). Also the other birds, butterfly, plants and the tongue showing deer were amazing sightings that you only got to experience because you went out.
Yesterday we also had such a nice forest trip together with an "old" school friend of mine. We were sweating like we'd had buckets of water thrown over us on the trip up the mountain, but it was wonderful. Unfortunately I couldn't photograph any birds, but a beautifully shimmering green lizard (in the wild) and kangaroos (in an enclosure 😉) I'll show the photos as soon as I look back on August - at the moment I'm still on July...
Have a good time!
Traude
🌻🌺❤️🌺🌻
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/08/drei-einem-tag-viva-frida-kahlo.html

Tanza Erlambang said...

wildflowers look so special and beautiful....

EricaSta said...

Yes, we have summer. I agree. On the other side it`s to hot for me.

Happy MosaicMonday ... on Friday too. It`s a great pleasure reading here.

Thank you again for sharing, dear blogfriend and being part of
MosaicMonday

Wish you a wonderful week, hugs by Heidrun

Aunt Helen said...

Wonderful hike!! I love the little fuzzy, blue/gray bird! He is so cute! The Deer is so majestic, even with his tongue out!! Thank you for a great hike. Love, Aunt Helen