I set off to drive to the preserve in search of birds.
Isn't the back leg kicked out cute? I think he was traveling faster than me!
I told myself, I would just walk around and look.
But walking around turned into a nice long...hot hike!
And I did see a beautiful Red tailed Hawk.
His tail really glowed in the sun!
But the sighting of the day was this cute and very clean Gopher Tortoise.
This looks like a regular road but the gate is locked so you rarely see a work vehicle on the road.
But on this particular day, I looked up ahead and saw this tortoise on a mission.
You really need to stand still and let them pass so that they can get on their regular trail that leads to their burrow. If they feel threatened, they will get off and go through the weeds but that is not their easy path to their home.
So I stood still in the hot sun and took photos.
And there he goes!
It's funny how the sun doesn't bother you as much when you are watching something interesting.
Now the road is overgrown with grass and that makes a soft surface to walk on.
The views out on the preserve are stunning.
And the wildflowers are abundant.
I love this morning glory.
And at the trailhead, I was joined by another Jeep!
Jeep parking only! Haha!
Halpata Tastanaki Preserve
Have a beautiful weekend!
Take a drive even it you can't hike!
36 comments:
...a wonderful post, but your header captured my attention.
Beautiful series of photos.
Cute turtle walking on the path.
I also think the red-tailed hawk is very beautiful.
Have a nice weekend.
Greetings Irma
The Gopher Tortoises are so fun to watch. When I worked for FWC, they were everywhere out there at the Tenoroc PUA. Great photos, and especially of that red tail glowing in the sun!! Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful spot and how fun to stand and watch a tortoise! The morning glory is gorgeous!
What a brilliant hike you had at the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve; those expansive views and the abundance of wildflowers look absolutely beautiful. www.melodyjacob.com
That is a unique morning glory.
Happy Autumn Days!!
xx oo
Carla
I am trying hard not to be jealous... I LOVE this and I love tortoises too.. I would have stood there as long as he was walking. what a great day you had
Oh, I love the Red Tailed Hawk, and also the very determined Gopher Tortoise! They are such fun to see, and I'm glad he wasn't out on a busy road! That I don't like to see! Looks like you had a perfect hike, even if it was hot! This has been an unusual September! We had fall like temps for a week or so, and now back to our normal hot September, but we need rain so badly! Looks like some may be on the way. Take care and enjoy your walks for us!
Yes as Tom said, your header caught my attention too ... it's beautiful.
I enjoyed your other photographs too, especially the tortoise.
Have a great weekend.
All the best Jan
Love seeing the tortoise!!!
You had a good day on the trail. That is a big tortoise.
I would love to visit and explore this place. Look at that tortoise on a mission! That red tailed hawk!!! Great photos!!! Have a great weekend!
Everything looks so lush and pretty. Love that little tortoise and so nice that you stood still and let him pass. Great pic of the hawk's tail and pretty morning glory. Your blog header is amazing. x K
Loved seeing both the tortoise and the Red-tailed Hawk!
Wonderful photos ~ love the tortoise ~ awesome ~ hugs,
an artist reflects
https://anartistreflects.com
There are so many exciting animals and birds where you live. The Red tailed Hawk is absolutely magical.
I'm looking at your post from Friday and see how beautiful the spotted horse mint is!
That was a fun outting and that tortoise is very handsome!
It’s fun to walk through the woods with you, and share what you were seeing. THank you for the photo study.
Hello Diane,
Beautiful captures of the Red-tailed hawk.
I love the Gopher Tortoise too, a great sighting.
There are some sightings I would stand in the hot sun too.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
your header is gorgeous, what a pretty butterfly!! i always enjoy seeing turtle and have been seeing a lot lately!! the little leg kick is adorable as is the front wave!! you captured the red tailed hawk so well in flight, i don't know how you do that, i try and always fail!! i also saw some pretty morning glories, the ones i saw were a very deep purple. i like this color!! we go for "rides in the car" often and i enjoy that with a car picnic if it is hot out!! have a great weekend and enjoy the new week coming!!
What a beautiful header. Loved seeing the Gopher Tortoise and the Red-tailed Hawk.
How wonderful to see the tortoise and so kind of you to let it pass by. Nice post, Diane.
What a lovely walk you had. Your photos are absolutely stunning. I love ❤️ the tortoise 🐢 Thank you so much for sharing.
I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to you for your visit and kind comment on my blog. I post on Mondays and Thursdays.
You have a lovely blog, I really enjoyed my visit. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada 🇨🇦
That turtle is on the move! Those are terrific action shots -- he looks like he's running!
More than once your short stops have turned into long hikes. It's hard to say no to mother nature. Your header photo is very stunning.
You do have marvellous walks and hikes! The tortoise is the best.
Wonderful photos. You must of really been enjoying yourself if the turtle was going faster than you.
Hello Diane :)
Beautiful Header, and anther great series of photos. I enjoyed seeing the turtle and the Red-tailed Hawk. Thank you for sharing your sightings Diane.
All the best,
Sonjia.
Awesome action shots of the turtle. Love the way its leg is kicked out. Perhaps auditioning to be a Rockette?
I have watched many turtles since moving to Florida in 2017. They are indeed so funny and cute with the way they will extend out a foot when they are sunning themselves. I wonder why they do that?
Wonderful header. I am glad that you permitted the turtle to go on his way without impediment or interference.
How fun to be watching the tortoise on his mission to get wherever he was going. We just don't see that kind of wildlife on the beach area of South Florida. What a treat to see the Red Tailed Hawk in flight. Beautiful photos - thanks. Judee
Excellent photos. I like the turtle. Have a nice day ! Greets
Hello, my friend. You know so much about so many things! I always learn something when I visit. Of course, my favorite picture is the Jeeps! Have a cozy afternoon, and stay cool.
Love the determined tortoise!
A beautiful series of photos
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