Florida Greeneyes and other oddities

 When you get out in nature you are sure to see oddities!

The Florida Greeneyes really catches your eye! And it is endemic to Florida, meaning it is only found in Florida. 

I saw this Pawpaw plant on this same hike and it was unusual with the red center. Most of them have a pale cream colored center like the petal. I think this is a Wooly Pawpaw.

This hike took place on a section of the Florida Trails that runs through the whole state of Florida. I hike several sections from different trailheads. This trailhead is located on hwy 484 in Ocala.

It's fun to see something odd or unusual!

And imagine my surprise when a vehicle was headed my way on the trail, bearing down on me!

I laughed out loud!

It was a remote control truck and the owner was happy to tell me all about it.

It was so much fun that I was beginning to wonder if I could juggle my backpack, camera, hiking stick and a remote control.

What do you think?

Two red bellied woodpeckers, getting along! 

Enjoy your odd week. Get out there and go WILD!

Love, Diane 💜

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE!

With the help of family and friends....

 I've felt uplifted this week.

And I know God is blessing me all along the way.

I'm getting outside as much as I can to see what nature has to offer. I still have low energy but I think I am seeing some improvement already.

So thanks again to all of you that have followed me on this journey and stuck by my side.

One of my favorite sitings in Florida is the Sherman's Fox Squirrel.

He is such a fun little critter and very photogenic!

Ahhhhh.....spring! 

Two red bellied woodpeckers were chasing each other from tree to tree.

Have you enjoyed some time outdoors this week?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

First Day of Spring

 I went for a hike....not surprised? 

I am trying to do things that have always brought me joy in the past.

I love being outside in nature of course and I am thankful for all that I have.

But I don't feel joyful yet.

I appreciate everyone here and your friendship and feel a little excited about visiting everyone today.

That's a step in the right direction!

I hiked down an old horse trail and even saw a few horses out for a ride. 

I think this is a juvenile bluebird.

It was a beautiful Spring day in Florida.

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

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. 

A Walk along the River Trail at O'Leno State Park!

 Well, it's really TOO hot to walk anywhere in Florida right now but I still have a 'few' photos that I took last month. We are stuck inside right now but at least I'm being productive. I've been decluttering and cleaning. And hubby has made a few home improvements. So it's been a good summer so far!

O'Leno State Park is one of the best parks in Florida, in my opinion. 

There are trails along the Santa Fe River and miles and miles of nature trails in the forest.

I was almost finished with this hike, when I looked down a forest trail and saw these deer.

I saw the 'mama' and baby first.

And then I backtracked and saw 3 deer and a bunny.

(no photos of me chasing the deers and bunnies, thank goodness! hahaha)

So that was really a neat sighting.

This trumpet flower vine was winding it's way up a tree and dropping trumpets on the trail.

And a Red-bellied Woodpecker was pecking away.

The river had duck weed growing in a big swirl.

And the turtles were basking in the sun.

The bridge over the river.

Altogether a really good hike. I'll be SO happy when we can get back in the camper van and go again.

But I'll stay busy in the meantime. 

Is it too hot to hike at your house?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE. 

How blue can a 'blue' bird be? The Blue Grosbeak

 

When I saw this Blue Grosbeak at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve (the Pruitt trailhead) I was very happy to see it again. I've seen it in the same location every year for several years now. And I think that any sighting of a Blue Grosbeak is cause for celebration.

This handsome male is sporting some vibrant breeding colors.

He is a deep, rich blue with a tiny black mask in front of his eyes.

He has chestnut wing bars and a black and silver beak.

The information I read stated that there is not a decline in the number of these birds. There have never been a great number.

I went back a few days later and saw it again. So I feel doubly blessed!

He was quite a distance and I zoomed as much as I could and then cropped my photos.

What a beauty!

The Jeep is always ready at the trailhead and this is a red bellied woodpecker I spotted on this hike.

And now to a wildlife sighting that gave me a 'start'! A small coyote came out of the brush and onto the trail in front of me. He was not very close but he looked at me....and I looked at him....and I don't know who jumped higher! 

He's in the lower right hand corner by the shady spot.

And now I've cropped the photo. He disappeared into the tall weeds so I kept on walking. I'm careful around wild animals but I didn't have a reason to turn around and end my hike early. He didn't appear to be a threat. And since I'm telling the story....all's well that ends well! 

Have you had some good sightings this week?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.  

  Mosaic Monday HERE and I like Thursdays HERE !