When a Tortoise goes WILD!

 They shift into a high gear and meet you head on!

This was one of the funniest encounters I've had with a Gopher Tortoise!

I was walking on the Florida Trails, on a wide trail that had recently been mowed.

So I could see him headed my way at a high speed (for a tortoise)!

And he did not waver! He could see me ahead but he would not yield.

So I stopped and moved over and I found out why. 

I was standing right next to his path into the tall weeds that probably led to his home.

He was on his way home and nothing would stop him....and he was smiling all the way!

I saw lots of amazing birds at the Pruitt trailhead.

Loggerhead Shrike

It's always neat to see this beautiful bird and it perched close to the trail for a photo shoot.

The Black eyed Susans (or brown eyed) are in full bloom!

Do you have Fall wildflowers where you live? 

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

Trail Updates - A week later

  

Even though I hike some of the same trails from week to week, things are constantly changing.

This summer, I've had to stick to some of the trails that provide shade.

And it's nice to walk on the paved trails where there are fewer pesky bugs. I prefer those that take me deep into the forest.

But even though it's hot and humid here in Florida, I still like to get out. 

Loggerhead Shrike

After I stay inside for a day or two, I'm looking out the window to see if there is any sign of a breeze!

White-tailed Deer

This deer was standing so still, I'm surprised I saw it!

These are some of the things I've seen on my hikes this week.

And for changes?

A lot of you commented that this looked like a Snowy Owl.

And it looks even more like an Owl this week. (It's actually a web of caterpillars, a very LARGE web!)

And the Lion's Ear wildflower I showed a week or so ago, is starting to dry and droop.

I can report that my Jeep is even dirtier and dustier now too. But that just makes it look better I think!

Photos taken from hikes at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve, the Pruitt Trailhead, and the Florida Trails, 49th Ave trailhead.

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.   

Florida summers - July sightings

 It's been too hot to get many hikes in this month but it's always a good month for the birds.

I packed a picnic lunch and drove over to Pruitt one day. There are 2 trailheads there and quite a lot you can see from the Jeep.

I took a short hike on the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve trail but my hike was cut short by lightening in the distance. Florida is flat so you can see for quite a distance but it looked like the clouds and storm were headed my way. So I got back to the Jeep and decided to leave. I did get a few sprinkles of rain on the way back. It's only 10 miles away and the pop up showers are usually very isolated. It had rained harder at my house while I was gone.

I saw quite a lot on that short hike though so let's see what we have. 

Red Shouldered Hawk (looks like a young one)

Do you see him on the post? 

I rolled my window down and took these from the Jeep! 

White Eyed Vireo

Eastern Meadowlark.

And a Loggerhead Shrike.

I also saw a beautiful herd of deer but I think I'll save those for another day.

There are still so many wildflowers in bloom! Lots of bees and butterflies. 

Gulf Fritillary on Stinging Nettle

I was glad I drove over there to spend some time in nature. I always have a good day when some of it is spent in the great outdoors. Do you feel the same way?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.  

The Loggerhead Shrike and friends!

Finally we got a good look at a Loggerhead Shrike. 

We know they are out there but we don't see them up close very often.

These were taken on Hike #100 from the Pruitt Trailhead. We hiked a short distance on the HTP trail and then went over to the Florida Trails in hopes of seeing the Passion Flower again.

We thought we might see the Passion fruit but it was still flowering!

There was a beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk perched in a tree.

And we weren't sure what we were seeing here until we got home and determined it was a Juvenile Blue Grosbeak! How exciting!

More fun in the parking lot...this Bobwhite walked out from under the tree! 

I want to include a butterfly of course! How about this pretty Skipper?

And what do you think this is? Any ideas?

It reminded us of the bag worms that we've seen on evergreen bushes in years past. 

It's still hot but it has improved just a little and we are enjoying getting out more often. It's a job keeping some of these trails mowed but we sure appreciate it!!!

Have you seen anything unusual this week? 

Enjoy your weekend!

There are some AMAZING critter photos at this website, Wildlife Photography Awards HERE !

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

The Loggerhead Shrike!

We hiked the Florida Trails starting at the Pruitt Trailhead ...again! 

It's getting to be one of our favorite hikes! And the Dock weed is so red and pretty along the fences and in the fields.

We saw this bird and thought at first it was some type of Flycatcher because they are so common in this area. Imagine our surprise when we got home and looked in the bird book!

It's a Loggerhead Shrike. The first time we've ever seen one!

We saw the Eastern Meadowlark again but he was a long way off. We had to ZOOOM to get this Kestrel!

 And be quick to photograph two Canada Geese flying overhead!

 

The hiking trail comes back to the horse trail for a short distance and we saw these friendly folks. That was nice!

 And now we'll finish with a song! The Paw paw is in FULL bloom! 

So everyone...altogether now...

Now when you pick a pawpaw
Or a prickly pear
And you prick a raw paw
Next time beware
Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw
When you pick a pear
Try to use the claw
But you don't need to use the claw
When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw
Have I given you a clue ?

The bare necessities of life will come to you
They'll come to you!

The last time I shared Paw paw pics, Jeannie from Get me to the Country had this comment, "What about picking a pawpaw from the song "Bare Necessities" from Jungle Book?" The lyrics are from her too!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.