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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Back from the Sunshine & Birds Galore

 

We just got back from 10 days in warm and sunny Florida where we met up with my sister and her husband as well as a number of friends.   (We got a reality check last night on the way home when they deiced our plane in Minneapolis where it was SNOWING.  It's not snowy here, just real grey.  Welcome home, eh?)


 

We wandered the beaches, waded in the water, and explored.  One of the places we found was the Circle Bar Ranch Reserve near Lakeland.  What fun we had trying to identify the birds.


 

The last we'd seen of sandhill cranes was last spring in Chicago when a huge flock flew over our daughter's house.

   

We've not identified this one.  We saw several including one that was nesting.



Our friends told us that these are black-bellied whistling ducks. And no, we didn't hear them whistle!

 

Great blue herons live in our state also.  They have such a huge wingspan and are just beautiful to watch when they fly.

  

Aren't wood storks interesting?

 

We saw lots of these roseate spoonbills very busily eating something in the swampy water.

 

This was the first time we've ever seen a live armadillo although he didn't seem to be interested in posing for the camera.

  

How do you suppose this iguana climbed up on this wall?  He only had 3 legs, too.

  

We saw all sorts of these jelly fish that had been washed up on the beach during high tide.  I think they are the kind that sting.

Look what was lurking nearby along with her babies!

 
It's been awhile since we saw this little guy. I wonder whether he's perfected this maneuver while we've been gone.  Can you do this?  I think my leg would snap right off!


14 comments:

Nancy said...

Your trip looks like it was warm, fun, and memorable.

Yes, it has been many years since I was able to literally put my foot in my mouth, but I am skilled at doing it figuratively. ;oD

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Your holiday looked wonderful. I really enjoyed seeing all the beautiful water fowl. They are all so grant in their special way.. Thanks for sharing your photos.. Hugs Judy

Janet said...

Beautiful photos, Judy! Looks like you had a nice trip. Cute, cute pic of the little guy.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Oh, what a warm, bright vaca. Looks like lots of fun! Doesn't that flexibility look wonderful??

Unknown said...

Ohhhh, the beach! I'm so glad you got to make this trip while it was cold and cloudy up north! The pictures of all the birds are wonderful. Looks like you had a very nice vacation!!

kathy b said...

ahhh the joys of youth and flexibility! Adorable.

We loved our visit to Sanibel 3 years ago this spring. Such a joy to walk the beaches etc.
Love your group image

Anonymous said...

You and Dick look quite comfortable as Floridians!!!

I believe the unidentified bird is a juvenile ibis.

It was good to see you again. You left just in time. It's C-O-L-D!!!!

Merry said...

What fantastic bird photos....that roseate spoonbill looks so pretty. How exciting to see an armadillo, can you guess I have never seen one in the flesh. Sounds like you had a great time.

Tanna said...

Judy, I am CRAVING time at the beach! You just made me crave it more!! =) No, I'm real sure the days of my toes going in to my mouth are LONG gone! LOL! blessings ~ tanna
ps the yarn in that headband is:
Debut by Yarn Bee (from Hobby Lobby) color is Robin's Egg.

Cranberry Morning said...

Lucky you to have been in sunny, warm Florida! Texas was in the 50s I think. Love your shots of the wildlife. How amazing! And that little darling...chewing on his toes. No, can't quite do that. I'd definitely need hip replacement surgery if I tried that. lol Downton Abbey finale was horrid, wasn't it!

Susan said...

I'm so glad it stayed sunny and beautiful and warm for you! What a wonderful bunch of wildlife pictures you've shared. Thanks!

Linda said...

Looks like you had a great trip...love all the pictures! Have a great day!!

Jeanne said...

Great pictures, Judy. I am so envious! :-)

Becca said...

Enjoyed your pictures Judy! The beach looks wonderful and boy did you ever see a lot of birds and such! Cute photo of Max.