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 !  

Bluebirds of Happiness

 Of all the birds I see here in North Central Florida and photograph, it seems like the bluebirds are the most popular.

Several of you have mentioned that the bluebird is your favorite bird.

And right now they are bright blue contrasted against the drab browns and grays of the trees.

There are a few berries on the vines right now too. 

Eastern Bluebird

They are a joy to watch and sometimes they are in among the flocks of Warblers and Goldfinches.

The Warblers are colorful too. (I know I should try to ID each one but that is a challenge for me, as you know! My hubby always teases that if I don't know which Warbler it is, I call it a Prothonotary Warbler. I've never actually seen one of those but it's wishful thinking!)

Peek a boo!!!

Lots of pretty birds if you have the patience to stand still and try to photograph them.

This one is a lemon yellow.

The Black and White Warbler goes up and down the tree and presents another challenge.

But what is life without challenges!

And these are the best kind!

Most of these were taken from the 49th Ave Trailhead. 

Enjoy your weekend. Look outside and see what birds are in your neighborhood!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.   

Wild animals in the Forest?

 Sometimes the small birds we see get missed in my posts. 

There are always the 'one of a kind' critters that get more attention.

Like this 'wild' bunny rabbit. He's sitting on the concrete steps that riders use to get up and down off their horses. Here at the 49th Ave Trailhead there are hiking trails, bike trails, horse trails and mountain biking trails. I've never actually seen anyone get off their horse here but then I've never seen a bunny use them either! 

We are seeing big flocks of Warblers and I don't always know the proper ID. 

I know most of the ones along this trail are pine and palm Warblers. These are Pine Warblers.

Female Common Yellowthroat

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Downy Woodpecker

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Phoebe

Black and white Warbler

Little Blue Heron

And last and maybe least.....

a lizard showing off his Dewlap. 

Did you know that is it called a Dewlap? Well, you learn something new every day!

And I learned A LOT when I posted this! My bird buddy Wally Jones helped me with the IDs! Thank you so much! That's what friends are for!!! His blog is HERE. And thanks to everyone for their birthday wishes! I'm still celebrating! 🎂

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

The Rainbow River

 We go to Blue Run Park about once a week during hiking season. There are several trails and so much nature to observe.

It's always different, even from week to week. I've mentioned this before, but our favorite hike is on the paved trail, heading West to the Withlacoochee River bridge. The Swamp is on the left (where there is a big alligator hanging out lately, very near the trail...oh my!), the Rainbow River running on the right.

"The Rainbow River is formed by a first magnitude spring (Rainbow Springs) that is ranked fourth in the state for volume of discharge. In addition to the springs located at the headwaters, there are many smaller springs that discharge from numerous caves, rock crevices, and sand boils the entire length of the river. The Rainbow River is a gently winding river that is 5.7 miles long and merges with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon, Florida." Taken from the website HERE. 

We'll just stay with photos taken on the Rainbow River today!

This Pied-billed Grebe found him a tasty treat in the river.

He was having a time trying to get it to go down! lol

He finally got tired of posing for photos! lol

Other sightings....

White Ibis

Little Blue Heron

and a fishing boat.

You already know what the big scary alligator looks like so we'll skip him today!

 

How about this instead....for Halloween?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Shorter Hikes, smaller birds

 

It doesn't always work out that way but we did see some pretty birds this past week on the Florida Trails.

Ovenbird

We were determined to go hiking even though the weather was in full 'summer mode'!

Red-headed Woodpeckers

The humidity was high and the breeze was low but it still felt good to get outside and explore!

Carolina Wren

We just go a little slower and keep the hikes short.

Waterthrush 

Thank you to Anni and David G. for help with the IDs! You came to my rescue AGAIN!!!

And then Autumn was announced and overnight our weather changed!

Tufted Titmouse

We are still in the 80s but there is a nice breeze and less humidity!

Northern Parula

I have so many trails on my list that we haven't been able to hike this summer. 

Kestrel in flight with the 'catch of the day'!

Does standing behind this post make me look thinner? lol

(that's a rhetorical question...don't you DARE answer it!!!)

Have you seen a change in the weather this week? 

Happy Fall from Florida!