Halpata Tastanaki Preserve and the Amazing Sights

 

It has been WAY too hot to hike anywhere and Halpata Tastanaki Preserve doesn't have much shade at the beginning of the Pruitt trailhead so my visits have been few and far between this summer.

It's such a great place to go because you can always see some amazing sights!

The Sandhill Cranes were right where I parked.

I took the photos before I even got out of the Jeep.

And these horses were at the trailhead too, finishing up a ride.

I think this is a blackbird, maybe a Red Winged Blackbird.

But it was hard to tell with the patchy color on it's wings.

Let me know what you think about the ID. Thanks!

The preserve had some beautiful Pickerelweed down in the wet areas.

A wide sandy trail.

And I've seen a lot of birds chase Hawks but I don't remember seeing a Pileated woodpecker chase one. Maybe there's a nest of young woodpeckers nearby.

Thanks again for the wonderful comments on my Woodpeckers last week. I felt so encouraged reading such sweet comments. Being encouraged by blog friends is one of the joys of blogging, isn't it?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE. 

Pretty Pickerel Weed and Musical Meadowlarks!

Say that 10 times in a row real fast! hahaha!

But even though we can't get out as much as we want, we drive out to the Preserve a couple of times a week to take a hike and take photos. 

It's such a beautiful time of year....

and the weather has been fabulous!

The Pickerel Weed is in full bloom now.

It grows in the wet marsh and has spread all across the preserve.

Right along the trail, we spotted an Eastern Meadowlark.

It was perched on the top of a weed and stayed there for the 'photo shoot'.

And then finally it took a look right at me....

and said, do you think you have enough photos now?

Another Meadowlark flew by and they went off together and lived happily ever after! lol

I hope you have a place to experience nature or a nice view from your windows. It's been hard staying in so much....I know! How are you doing?

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’.