The Neighborhood Pond

 

I haven't shared photos of the neighborhood pond in awhile.

Mottled Duck (I think)

As a matter of fact, I don't go over there as often when we hike so much. But I'm sure I'll walk over at sunset more this summer. 

This particular day, I had been to the restaurant to pick up 'take out' and the back of the restaurant is all glass looking out over the golf course and pond. And I saw something amazing! But I didn't have my camera with me. It was a flock of White Pelicans. So that's why I went back over there in the evening to see if they were still there. Keep in mind that we live less than 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico but it's still unusual to see Pelicans at the pond. And yes, we live close enough to walk to this restaurant. (I had a fish sandwich and hubby had a Reuben. We live on a golf course and there are some very nice amenities that come with that.)

So even though I didn't get pics of the Pelicans, I enjoyed the walk over there (and even talked with some neighbors that were walking in the cool of the evening). 

And it was nice to stand under the shade trees,  looking out over the pond and watching the ducks.

Looks like a few young ones still with Mama.

And some others together as a family.

The sun was low and casting a nice glow on these.

The pond, a Grackle and a Red-winged Blackbird

When we woke up this morning, a flock of White Ibis walked through the back yard. 

Ready for another round of golf!

We love living in Florida. It's not for everyone, but we love it year round! 

Get outside and enjoy your day and the special place YOU live!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Hiking in the Sunshine State

You know...it really hasn't been that bad this summer. I always tell myself if I get too hot, I can just turn around and go back home. I've tried to hike in the evenings but the wind dies down and it feels 'close' and even more humid. I would rather be out in the sunshine and the trails I hike have shady areas along the way too. I've hiked 3 times this week. I keep a hiking journal and I use my Apple Watch for some of the info and then fill in what I've seen along the way. This week Hike #89 was 82 degrees with 81% humidity, Hike #90 was 83 degrees with 86% humidity, Hike #91 was 81 degrees with 89% humidity. The humidity is what makes it feel HOT but I had a nice breeze on 2 of these hikes. And there's always so much to see that it beats staying at home by a long shot!

We started our hike at Pruitt Trailhead by seeing this beautiful Blue Grosbeak.

He has been a regular in this area this summer.

When we got near a big live oak tree we heard quite a chatter in the branches.

I got a couple of close ups and determined it was full of Grackles.

A bird we've only seen once before at Pruitt.

And while we stood near the tree,

they started to fly....

more....

until we were seeing hundreds of them in the sky! 

Felt a little like the old Alfred Hitchcock movie, 'The Birds' with all the chatter!

No, this isn't a bird! But when we were looking in the sky we saw a hang glider too!

We ended the hike with 2 of the most beautiful Sandhill Cranes.

Have you seen lots of birds this week too? 

Enjoy your weekend!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Pickerelweed at Pruitt

Say that 10 times real fast! heeheehee!

The last hike we took on the Florida Trails beginning at the Pruitt Trailhead had amazing views out over the marsh of Pickerelweed in full bloom. That was in May. No hikes this month so far! I'm in serious withdrawals! I'm considering a road trip to find some cooler weather! lol We are 10 degrees above normal....in the mid 90s most days with not much of a cool down at night. Oh, I've already mentioned this in previous posts? I thought so!!! lol 

Pickerelweed doesn't sound like a pretty enough name for this beautiful flower that blossoms in the wetlands. And it attracts all kinds of birds and bugs!

We saw several Red-winged Blackbirds that day.

They have the prettiest song to sing!

And some Grackles among the blooms too.

Even a dove on the wire looking out over the marsh.

Of course there are always Egrets and Ibis flying overhead.

I think this is a Tufted Titmouse in the trees. His 'tuft' was kind of swooped back so it was hard to tell.

And speaking of hair....here's the update on my 'new hairdo'! I went back and asked her if she could put more layers in my hair. She left the length but cut quite a bit off. Should I quote her? Do you dare me? She said...I quote...."I left the length but layered the c*ap out of it!" Not my favorite choice of words, but it gave me a laugh when I retold it to hubby and my girlfriend! I'll show you what it looks like in say....2 or 3 weeks when it grows back! hahahaha!

There was only one other vehicle at the trailhead and this was on the back glass. 

 I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE 

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

Til the Cows come home...

...not at all sure what that means! I should have searched for it. What if it means something important and relevant to my post? What do you think it means?

I was on my way to the Farmer's Mkt and I took the street we call 'nature trail' because we see so much when we travel that section of road.

And I happen to see the cows all in a line...

walking up the hill....

to a fresh bale of hay that was being unloaded.

Probably not what you expect to see in Florida but Central Florida has a lot of cows! And horses!

I stopped at the library pond. We named it that because....wait for it....

it's close to the library!

And there were a pair of Osprey flying over the pond.

So beautiful! 

This is probably a common Grackle but it sure made for a pretty picture!

Lots to see around here in the Spring! 

Are you enjoying some pretty Spring weather?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE 

 

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.