I'll start with a photo from the Springs because that's where I ended up!
Pied billed Grebe (the best Grebe pic I've ever taken)
You all know I love to hike in the forest.
And they did a great job of opening up the trail after the terrible devastation of the hurricanes last Fall.
But I was not enjoying myself so I turned around. It was hard to do but I looked around at all the damage and knew I needed to walk away.
Little Blue Heron (juvenile)
And some of my bird photos turned out so good from my walk on the boardwalk.
Little Blue Heron
I even saw some 'interesting' alligators!
Two of them, having a little chat.
I think they were getting to know each other in hopes of being friendly.
And one swimming along the river. And don't worry, I zoomed in on them. I was not close!
I also saw a beautiful Anhinga.
One more.
And a Great Blue Heron flew by.
I don't usually get good 'in flight' photos but I was pleased with these.
He was more charcoal gray than white! The sun made him look white.
I even got some decent photos of this Grass Carp.
Thanks to my son, D for help with the ID!
It was a beautiful day at a beautiful place.
But there's nothing wrong with changing your mind when you are not feeling comfortable in your surroundings. For one thing, there was some wind and I didn't want limbs to fall on my head.
I'd rather take my chances with the gators across the way!
31 comments:
...goodie, goodie, you saw some interesting alligators!
That grebe is beautiful -- a wonderful photo and a beautiful bird. And of course you know how much I love the heron!
Welcome back. Looks like a neat place to visit. I'd doo the same thing if the wind was blowing and branches falling.
You were right to listen to your instincts and turn around from that trail. Always trust your gut!! Your photos are always wonderful and these do not disappoint!! Happy weekend!!
Fantastic photos as always. That looks like a really nice place. I can't help wondering what alligators chat about when they get together.
you did exactly what I would do, if I don't feel it, I leave. I just really really lot the chatting gators. awesome shot. you did get a lot of really good bird shots. I just shoooed 2 ducks CHATTING, really they WERE out of the pool a few minutes ago. glad its ducks and not gators in the pool, your gators are way more interesting though
Have you ever seen the vibrating water dance thing that the males do on their backs?--- it's really something if you're lucky enough to see! They do it to attract females.. Also the bellowing they do during mating season is something. Mating season is just starting here!! 😊 Glad you decided to stop your hike --- always trust your intuition! Loved the birds flying pictures. Hugs!
PS--- have you left any gnomes anywhere yet?? 🧚♀️ 🧚♀️
Fantastic and beautiful pictures. Really cool to see the alligators.
Wonderful photos! Love all the different birds, but those gators - oh my, that would scare me, for sure! Too bad about all the hurricane damage. It looks like some large trees were taken down. I've had those 'bad vibes' moments where you just have to listen to your intuition. Saved my life a few times. Just sayin'...You take care. x K
you captured some awesome images of the wildlife this trip, the little blue heron is stunning!! i see grebe here but they are so small and always so far away, i can NEVER get a good picture. and flight shots, that's out of the question...yours are good, mine are always horrible. welcome home, have a great weekend!!
Love egrets and herons. They are lovely
Brilliant wildlife photographs - especially the bird life with wings outstretched. Not sure how I'd feel about alligators coming from a country where little other than earthquakes (and other humans) might kill you.
What a beautiful series of photos.
I love the Great Crested Grebe and the Silver Heron.
I wish you a good weekend.
Greetings Irma
Sounds like a mixed bag of a hike, but you got some fantastic bird and gator photos! That Pied-billed Grebe shot is especially great, those little guys are tough to photograph!
Hello,
I thought you were away, having a fun camping trip.
Awesome photos of your visit to the Manatee Spring SP.
I love the cute Grebe, the pretty Little Blue Heron and the awesome captures of the Anhinga with the wings spread out. The gators look like they are having a chat. Love the Heron in flight too. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.
You always have such neat birds and get such neat photos!
Beautiful photos and so life like felt like I was with you.
Happy dancing today I spotted my very first ruby throated humming bird of the 2025 season. Let the dancing beging
Hugs cecilia
Such a beautiful place despite the storms but seeing the alligators would definitely turn me around.
Wow ~ great 'in flight' photos ~ wonderful carp photo ~ great photo walk with you ~ hugs
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Hello Diane :)
I'm so glad you turned around and photographed all these wonderful creatures.You really did get a good photo of the Pied-billed Grebe.:) Also the Little Blue Heron capture and Great Blue Heron in flight image are spectacular. I enjoyed seeing the crocodiles in conversation, spring has arrived so it could have been a male sweet talking a female- :)) Perhaps!
Enjoy your weekend Diane
All the best
Sonjia.
What a beautiful place to hike and spend some time in nature. Your photos are absolutely beautiful. I love your header too, so pretty and peaceful.
Welcome back. You got some great shots after turning back.The flight shots of the heron are super.
I'm glad you were at a distance when you saw those alligators. Such lovely photos of the blue heron. I hope you enjoy the weekend and happy hiking.
So important to listen to your instincts.
Lovely pictures of the Grebe and Heron.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
All the best Jan
That Grebe shot is amazing—definitely your best! Totally get turning back when it didn’t feel right. The boardwalk bird pics are awesome (those herons! 😍), and the chatting gators gave me a laugh. Glad it still turned into a great day!
Loved the 1st photo the best. Sad to see the devastation.
Your photos are wonderful and inspire me to get out there in nature. I always think it is a little scary to see alligators, but you seem to be a distance away. The photo of the Grass Carp is quite impressive!!
Beautiful post
Thank you for the uplifting photos, Diane. Haven't been able to get out much yet so these are really appreciated.
Great shot of the Pied-billed Grebe in breeding plumage. Wildlife at the Springs. Nothing like it.
Have a great new week.
Dear Diane, I can imagine it's hard to see the destruction, even if everything has been restored quite well – it's heartbreaking, and yes, when it's windy, you might still be afraid that something might fall on your head. It's definitely better to turn back and take great photos of the alligators and birds 😊👍🏻 Thanks for taking me on your walk!
Love from Austria, Traude
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