Halpata Tastanaki Preserve and Antler Shedding

 I've hiked on the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve trails a little more this month because they are doing some prescribed/control burns on some of the Florida Trails I usually hike. It's a good thing and they alternate burns but it still means you go to plan B when you see smoke. lol

I met a young man recently that had found something pretty unusual, a deer antler still attached to a deer skull. 

What a discovery!!!

When I first saw him, he was standing away from the trail to give me a chance to pass. 

His dog was from a shelter and did not trust people so he kept the dog close to him. (all dogs are on leashes even on the forest trails) He sure was a beautiful dog and now he has a good home! 

I've never found a deer antler but I did a search online HERE and learned a little more about shedding.

We learn so much from getting out in nature, don't we?

Birds abound in Florida at this time of year.

Phoebe and Bluebirds

Flycatcher

And wildflowers are blooming like crazy! 

Yellow Jessamine

Blueberry bushes are in full bloom too!

Have you ever found deer antlers on a hike? I don't think I really look for them but I probably will from now on!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

"Cute Dog Day" at Blue Run Park!

 We see a lot of dogs on our hikes at Blue Run Park. 

And over the years we see some of the same ones and we try to remember some of their names. (it helps when I write them down in my hiking journal) 

I've met this young man with his big therapy dog and we have something in common with them! 

They drive a RED Jeep! heehee!

The weather was gorgeous and everyone was enjoying a nice day.

These are West Highland Terriers!

I sure would love one of these!

And we spotted this beautiful Tricolored Heron out in the swamp too.

We don't see them as often and it was especially colorful.

We also saw a River Otter which was special but didn't get a good photo! What a sighting though!!!

We saw a Limpkin and heard his mournful call too. 

We could stay here ALL day, couldn't you?

But it's time to go home now! See you next time! 

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

It's a SIGN!

 This doesn't really have a double meaning....

I saw some neat signs this week!

But if it DOES have a double meaning, it might mean that I need to get busy with something besides playing with photos.

I love to make mosaics and it is addictive.

I took this photo of an airplane during a hike at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve. There's a small airport nearby so it's a great place to see these beautiful small airplanes. So this one is 'straight out of the camera'.

And then I did a stained glass effect for Mosaic Monday.

And the next thing I know, I've made a Kaleidoscope out of it! lol I use a free version of Photoscape to edit my pics.

A few of the dogs we've seen lately. And no, they are not all rascals! The one really is named Rascal though! He's an older dog and a real sweetheart.

And the mosaic I showed last week....

is a survey marker that was in the ground next to the trail at Johnson Pond.

Our temps are in the 70s this week so it's perfect for hitting the trails.

Have a wonderful week!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.