Ochlockonee River State Park and the Woodpeckers

 

I have to admit to saving these photos for a special post. We went to Ochlockonee River State Park at the beginning of summer before it got too hot. 

It was strictly time and chance to get to see these woodpeckers and I was proud of the few photos I took.

I aimed my camera at the tree when I saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker flying in.

While I stood there and watched, I realized this one was relieving the other one of baby duty.

A young one stuck his head out of the hole while I stood watching in awe. (you have to use your imagination)

And in a blink of the eye, the 2 adults had flown away and the baby went into hiding. But while it lasted, it made me happy to be at the right place at the right time.

On this same hike down by the river, I saw other woodpeckers.

Another young one showed up behind the adult.

Isn't he the cutest!!

I kept walking until I had reached a forest trail.

The Orange Milkweed was in full bloom.

And some pretty Phaon Crescents were enjoying the blooms.

I always tell people, the best way to get good photos is to go out often.

You always see something of interest, don't you think?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE. 

Florida Hiking!

We love hiking in North Central Florida. When you head out on Halpata Tastanaki Preserve from the Pruitt Trailhead you see huge live oak trees, wet marshy areas and open areas with all kinds of vegetation. 

It's a diverse area where all kinds of birds and wildlife live. Every time we go we see a wonderful variety! We are never disappointed. 

So let's get started! 

I'll just hit some of the highlights of the day!

It's still 'warm' here in Florida so we spotted a few deer under the trees staying cool. Doesn't this photo make you want to sketch this idyllic scene?

We saw this pretty little Prairie Warbler in a tree.

It didn't stay still long enough to get many photos.

But we tried!

This Downy was a neat sighting.

And then we saw a White-eyed Vireo and got a few photos of him.

He had caught something good to eat!

Now let's go into some deep woods! Well, it's cooler here and this is where we saw an Owl once upon a time, but it's time to turn around and go back. 

This section of trail has been mowed but hubby is in front of me and there's a curve in the trail.

And he can see over the high grass along the side of the trail, a wild animal coming RIGHT TOWARD US! 

Hubby got one quick photo and then stepped out so the coyote could see us and change his path. Wild animals do not usually attack you, they avoid you! So the coyote disappeared into the tall grass on the other side of the trail and we didn't see him again. We weren't really in danger but it makes a good story. AND I must admit, we picked up our pace and felt very privileged to see something so WILD on this hike!

In this closing photo, it looks like hubby has gotten way ahead of me again! 

WAIT UP HONEY!!! 

(just ONE more butterfly pic, I promise)

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway

There's a section of this trail that I hike OFTEN! 

It's the closest trail to my home (3 miles away) and an easy hike.

The trail is paved so it's a popular trail for bicycling. I rarely see another hiker but I've met and talked to quite a few of the people on their bikes. They stop to ask me what I've seen. And tell me what THEY'VE seen! It makes the hike even more enjoyable.

So we're just hiking along at our own slow pace.

Stopping to see the flowers....

beautyberry

and watch a tiny Phaon Crescent.

Eastern Bluebirds

Looking up in the trees to see what birds are perched on the limb

and marveling at the beauty all around!

American Kestrel

Northern Flicker

I'm trying my best to learn to identify birds. 

Red headed Woodpecker

And I have a good Wildflower ID book now but I still have trouble now and then.

This wildflower is growing in a big clump...not quite what I would call a bush.

And there are several clumps. Now let's take a closer look.

Right now it has hundreds of small flowers.

And they are beautiful up close!

Does anyone know what it is? It's growing in sandy soil up on top of the hill. (not a wet area)

Our weather is changing so we'll be getting out on some of the other trails we have to save for cooler weather. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be this section of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Dotted Horsemint

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway link HERE.

What is your weather like this weekend? 

We are keeping the President and first lady in our prayers and ask God to bless them and give them a speedy recovery.

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Spring Wildflowers and Butterflies

Every Spring we see some of the same wildflowers here in Florida! 

But can we remember the names of them? Don't answer that! It's a rhetorical question....heehee!

We do sometimes see something new and this is 'new to us' this Spring.

It's an Orange Milkwort, or Candy Weed.

We hiked a little farther on a trail last week and saw it in a low spot alongside the trail. Well, hubby saw it! I think I had my head in the clouds....looking for birds!

This is a Common Buckeye Butterfly.

And these tiny beauties are Phaon Crescents. 

They were only about an inch wide but aren't they showy!

The flowers they are on are Daisy Fleabane and they are teeny tiny too!

Another favorite is the Gulf Fritillary.

It's quite common here but oh so beautiful.

Have the wildflowers made a showing where you live? We are still doing okay. Are you well? Please stay healthy and let me know how you are in your comment!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE .