Photo location: Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, Dunnellon, Florida
While staying at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida we drove a few miles to hike the beautiful trail system the town of Dunnellon opened in 2008. What an amazing achievement for this lovely small town. This recreation area offers locals and visitors, from around the world, the opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature and to see the “blue” Rainbow River up close.
We hiked this trail with friends who live in a nearby town; we enjoyed their company and the beautiful scenery. We have camped at Rainbow Springs State Park several times, but had never hiked this area and we are so glad we did.
This hawk was spotted by Howard as we walked the Blue Run Trail. It was sitting on a tree branch that grew out across the trail. Howard, actually didn’t see the hawk at first, but almost felt a little gift as we walked under the tree.
Of course we all stopped to admire its beauty. I guess this Red-shouldered Hawk didn’t appreciate our admiration, because it flew out into a marshy area and this is where I was able to take my photo as it sat there looking up at some small birds.
Coming, more photos from Rainbow Springs State Park…
Sharing with:
“““““““““““““““““““““““““
(1)
Rambling Woods/Nature Notes
“““““““““““““““““““““““““`
(2)
Wild Bird Wednesday at
“““““““““““““““““““““““““`
Wolf Song Blog 
These birds are so beautiful. 🙂
Happy New Year Sylvia These hawks are beautiful!
Great photo of the Hawk!
I’m hoping we’ll have days warm enough to walk some trails this winter. Temps in the 30s F today.
Happy New Year!
Lea
Thanks Lea. My family there tells me it is cold and rainy. I hope it warms up soon so you can get out for some walks. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Wonderful photo and so glad they put a nature trail around the area for people to enjoy. Sounds like a lovely walk.
I just visited your lovely blog and enjoyed your photos very much! Thanks for stopping by!
They are one of my fav birds, so stunning, thank-you for sharing & happy new year!
Happy New Year, Phyllis! Thank you for visiting; please stop by anytime! Happy Birding in 2015!
I always enjoy seeing a hawk, but don’t get photos as often…. Lovely…. And Happy New Year… Michelle
Michelle, Happy New Year to you! Thanks for all you do with your beautiful blog!
Beautiful hawk and photo! The nature trail is a great spot for a nature walk. I wish you all the best in 2015, a happy healthy New Year!
Eileen, Happy New Year and “critter” spotting in 2015! Blue Run Trail is very pretty! I hope to post a lot more on Saturdays!
Fantastic shot! A wonderful sighting!
Hi Marie, thank you so much! Happy New Year; glad you stopped by.
I have never seen a red-shouldered hawk so I appreciated this very much. Michelle
They are beautiful. Florida has what seems like a large population of them, grateful! I am pleased that I could show you one, Michelle!