A Sixty minute hike!

 

Because of the hot weather and a foot that has bothered me, I've made more sixty minute hikes this summer.

Mourning Dove (on the trail! I had to say Shooo to get it to move!)

It's hard for me to make that turn, 

I always want to go a little bit farther.

But it's been good for me I think.

Dotted Horsemint in full bloom

I've definitely enjoyed getting out in nature whenever I can, for any length of time!

And we've had some funny sightings around the house lately too.

Who wouldn't want a little red MG delivered to the front door?

Our neighbor has a 'new ride' now!

And this Red-shouldered Hawk perched on the roof across the street.

To get ready for Fall....

this black cat walked all the way around our house.

Does that ward off goblins and ghouls?

Can't hurt! lol

Sixty minutes is enough time to get some good exercise and experience nature. (that's a forest monster not me!)

Has it cooled off at your house this month?

Are you ready for Fall?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !

Let's go back to Blue Run Park in Dunnellon!

 

When we want to see a lot of birds and wildlife, we head to Blue Run Park.

White Ibis

It's also a place to 'visit' with a few regulars. A lot of people go there every day to walk or ride bikes so it's fun to see some familiar faces.

We love seeing the boats on the Rainbow River too.

The bridge is near where the Rainbow River and Withlacoochee Rivers come together.

 
The Withlacoochee was sparkling on this particular day.

And below the bridge we spotted two alligators.

Two Red Shouldered Hawks were perched in a tree nearby. 

I have one pictured below but he really blends into the trees!

There were so many small birds but I think most of these are Yellow Rumped Warblers.

One more with the yellow rump visible.

And this is easily identified!

Wood Duck

He flew past us and landed in a pool of water close by!

And then he flew out again!

Lots of neat turtles on the logs.

And a Moorhen hiding in the tall grasses.

I love my forest hikes but you can see a lot more birds and wildlife at Blue Run Park!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

Playful River Otters and friends!

 

We always hope for a special sighting when we go to Blue Run Park in Dunnellon.

There's a good chance we'll see lots of neat birds but it's fun to see something out of the ordinary.

Lately, it's been River Otters.

They are a challenge to photograph because the swim under water for a long distance and you never know where they'll 'pop up'!

But they are so cute and fun to see!

A few years ago we watched some Red-shouldered Hawks in a nest. The baby photos were some of my favorites. Old photos in the post HERE.

And we still see the pair near the nest.

We love seeing them all grown up and beautiful.

So perfectly groomed....not a 'hair' out of place.

Oh but this one is having a wild feather day! heehee!

We saw one medium sized Alligator swimming along.

And at the very end of the hike a special bird.

Cedar Waxwing

A beautiful day at the Park! When visitors come, we always take them to Blue Run Park. It's the perfect place to see wildlife and birds. 

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.   

An afternoon drive to the Preserve!

 

We drove past Halpata Tastanaki Preserve while running an errand. 

When we finished and made the turn around, the Jeep drove right into the gate at the Preserve.

It was impossible to drive past it twice in one day without stopping!

Great Blue Heron at a distance

We didn't even get out of the vehicle but we saw so much.

Dove

I always encourage everyone that reads my blog to get out in nature and sometimes that means taking a drive to a park or preserve. And if you can't do that, maybe you can sit outside when the weather is nice or look out the window at bird feeders when it's not. Letting your mind relax and enjoy the outdoors is what's good for you!

Great Crested Flycatcher

American Kestrel (on the drive in)

All photos taken from inside the car!

Red Shouldered Hawk

He sees US now! 

And another Kestrel on the drive out!

Time to FLY! 

And guess what? Another year has flown by and it's my birthday this weekend!

And guess what my sweet hubby gave me for my birthday! 

A Victrola record player! 

I've been playing records and dancing and he's been singing! So don't peek in the windows and get skeeeered! We both still have a few of our old 45s! 

I'm sure I'll be out on one of the Florida trails enjoying nature or at least taking a ride some place interesting.

Have a wonderful weekend!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.   

A Preening kind of Day!

 Maybe this heat is making for a 'bad hair day'!

This White Ibis just wants to perch here and do a little preening and not have to worry about a Great White Egret swooping past!

After all it's not that easy to perch on this little twiggy tree!

When I first drove into the Pruitt Trailhead I saw a big flock of Cattle Egrets preening near the marsh.

My photos aren't very sharp for 2 reasons. It was quite a distance away AND my lens fogged up when I got out of the cool, dry Jeep and into the heat and humidity! 

But you can tell this little guy had done his best to look presentable. (looks like he has it just the right 'poofyness'. Poofyness is not a word?! It is here in Florida! lol

And this Red Shouldered Hawk is doing his best!

He's poofed and fluffed.

And now he thinks he has it just right!

It was a beautiful day at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve!

And in heat like this, I had it all to myself!

White Peacock Butterfly

Have you been outside much this week?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.