It has been WAY too hot to hike anywhere and Halpata Tastanaki Preserve doesn't have much shade at the beginning of the Pruitt trailhead so my visits have been few and far between this summer.
It's such a great place to go because you can always see some amazing sights!
The Sandhill Cranes were right where I parked.
I took the photos before I even got out of the Jeep.
And these horses were at the trailhead too, finishing up a ride.
I think this is a blackbird, maybe a Red Winged Blackbird.
But it was hard to tell with the patchy color on it's wings.
Let me know what you think about the ID. Thanks!
The preserve had some beautiful Pickerelweed down in the wet areas.
A wide sandy trail.
And I've seen a lot of birds chase Hawks but I don't remember seeing a Pileated woodpecker chase one. Maybe there's a nest of young woodpeckers nearby.
Thanks again for the wonderful comments on my Woodpeckers last week. I felt so encouraged reading such sweet comments. Being encouraged by blog friends is one of the joys of blogging, isn't it?
32 comments:
What beautiful photos these are!
The cranes are truly magnificent.
It's warm here again; we had a week of rain and a lot of wind, but now it's summer again, which makes walking more difficult for me.
I wish you a nice weekend.
Best regards Irma
I wonder if the bird might be a grackle? Their iridescent feathers are sometimes glorious in the sunlight.
I have never heard of pickeralweed! New wildflowers for me.
And sandhill cranes...I have never seen one of those either. What a giant bird. Some people say our famous Mothman was actually a sandhill crane that was somehow far from its usual habitat.
...Diane, thanks for showing me around. I was happy to see all of this from the comfort of our air conditioned house. Stay happy and cool.
Hello Diane :)
Wonderful captures of the Sandhill Cranes and pretty blue wild flowers.
Good shot of the woodpecker chasing the hawk away. What a brave thing to do, but something i have learned is that parent birds will do anything to protect their young. Nice shot of the mounted horses, and the trail. I think the black bird is probably a Red Winged Blackbird, only because I can't think of what else it can be.
Enjoy a happy weekend
Hugs
Sonjia.
Siempre haces unos reportajes preciosos, las grullas se ven muy lindas. Gracias y besos.
I love those birds and the beautiful place that you visited. I hope you have a nice weekend.
Hi, I wonder if the horse riders carry water for the horses during the rides. Or maybe they do not go that far, so the horses do not get too hot.
As always enjoy your photos.
Carla
You always have beautiful photos and I know you enjoy your hikes and how humid it has been the last 6 weeks or so--and always thanks for sharing your hikes and photos with us--hugs, di
It’s amazing how nature surprises us, like a woodpecker chasing a hawk, and how the support of fellow bloggers makes sharing those moments even more special
Beautiful photos. Love those sandhill cranes. They are impressive.
You always see intersting things when you're out hiking. Those Sandhill Cranes were a fun sighting.
Too hot to walk outside here too, we've been getting out exercise in the air conditioned mall, but it is not the same as being outside. The sandhill cranes are gorgeous birds. https://craftygardener.ca/orb-weaver/
Diane ~ you always have amazing photos of nature ~ especially like the Cranes ~ thanks, hugs,
an artist reflects
Yes, walking in the hots of summer is not all that good ... hoping it will cool down a bit for you soon ... lovely photos nonetheless.
Hello Diane,
I love the Sandhill Cranes, they are beautiful.
I am guessing but your unknown bird looks more like a Towhee to me. The birds will protect their nest and young from the hawks. Great photos.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your critters and post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
the cranes are so unusual looking but unmistakable with that pretty red patch. i really enjoy seeing them here on your blog as we don't have them here in my area. it's been really hot here too...but it's been getting almost cold at night. we have gone out the last 2 nights just to get fresh air and last night we ice cream. i think the bird in question is a grackle but i am not sure....something about the eye!! the pickerelweed is so beautiful...my color of course!! have a great weekend!!
The Sandhill Cranes are very beautiful, and I like the blue flowers. Nice photos my friend!
Hello again, thanks for such sensational glimpses into your lovely world. Such fine nature views.
I love the cranes. It has been too hot here to go very far so I haven't. Have a good week, Diane.
Such a cute pair of Cranes.Glad you captured them in time. Thank you for sharing some beautiful pictures. Hugs.
Not sure if my earlier comment came through?
The Sandhill Cranes are lovely.
All the best Jan
Everything is so amazing and the cranes are beautiful!
The sandhill cranes look beautiful!
Thank you for these lovely sights you have shared. I have only ever seen Sandhill Cranes once in my life. An extraordinary bird! Have a great Sunday!
The Sandhill Cranes are very impressive.
Love those big cranes and so close to where you parked.
Beautiful shots! Loved the cranes, and the horses.
Great pictures! When it’s too hot here, I usually go up to the mountains or down to the river. Fortunately, both options are fairly close by. Have a good week.
The Sandhill Cranes look unique and beautiful.....
never seen them in nature
I just love the big tall Sand Hill cranes, they are so fun! Love the purple flowers, I called those pickleweed instead of the correct name, ha ha LOL. Yep, its been so hot here to do much outside, so we've been organizing things and doing inside projects and awaiting Fall and some cooler temps! Remember the Meteor showers tonight if you can look! hugs!
It's always fun to see sandhill cranes! I don't see many down where I am in Naples.
Dear Diane,
I can well understand that it’s far too hot for long hikes. In Austria, after a rather cool and rainy July, the heat has also hit us hard here, and my desire to go walking is not very strong at the moment. Maybe tomorrow morning, when it’s still a bit cooler?
Your photos of the Sandhill Cranes are wonderful! The sight of those elegant, tall birds must have thrilled you – I certainly find them beautiful. You’ve also captured plenty of other lovely scenes from nature. I agree that the Pileated Woodpecker probably chased the hawk away to keep it away from its nest – at such times (understandably!) even usually gentle birds can turn into feathered warriors“ 🪶⚔️ 🦅.
Hugs & best wishes, Traude 🌿
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