Photo location: Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, Dunnellon, Florida
Red-shouldered Hawk
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…
With one last opportunity to observe the beautiful Myakka River and the numerous birds that visit this area, we stood on a bridge and looked out across the water. I knew, for this winter season, it would be my last visit to Myakka River State Park. I fell in love with this state park and this spot on the bridge.
The next morning we were leaving and I remember feeling sad. My photos of this Tricolored Heron were taken on this evening.
The Tricolored heron, formerly known as Louisiana Heron, is truly gorgeous The name tricolored refers to the dark upperparts, white underparts, and the reddish brown stripes on the fore neck. You will often see this heron wading out into a salt marsh belly deep; deeper than most other herons.
The heron was running back and forth stirring the water hoping to scare up something to eat. He didn’t know it, but he was entertaining us with his actions.
By this time the sun was setting and the light was fading. The heron seemed to become more frantic trying to catch something to eat before nightfall. It was getting harder to capture sharp shots, but it sure was fun trying. Several times he would run, stop and lift his wings over his head!
Thank you Tricolored for giving me a wonderful experience, making me smile and lifting my sadness. I hope to see you again when we return to Myakka River.
A couple of weeks ago, while staying at Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota, Florida, we decided to take an afternoon ride to explore the park. We noticed a gravel road off the main road and turned in. Traveling down unexplored roads, not knowing what lies ahead, is a thrill and what keeps us motivated to continue doing what we do. We reached a dead end, parked the car, got out and began to explore.
There were a couple of picnic tables; however the area didn’t seem to be visited as often as some of the other well known parts of the park. The grass showed no worn pattern and there wasn’t any trash on the ground.
From our vantage point at the top of the river bank, we could see the coffee colored Myakka River below, lazily meandering along. The filtered rays of the sun reflecting off its surface.
Finally, our eyes landed on a beautiful and unexpected sight. On a tree branch, that hung out over the river, sat a Green Heron. You can bet he spotted us before we spotted him.
The heron was resting with one leg tucked under its belly and occasionally it would begin to preen. I hope it had a full belly.
Preening
It didn’t seem concerned about us being there; we were perhaps fifteen feet away. The density of the trees and surrounding foliage, blocking sunlight, created a photo challenge.
The heron continued to pose for me and remained unconcerned of our presence.
A feather in its bill.
I guess he did give me the evil eye or perhaps he was just saying hello!
I treasure experiences like this – the joy of being out in nature, the welcoming silence of the woods, the calming affect of the flowing water and the unexpected pleasure of a sighting.
The pleasure was all mine. After a while we got back into the car and as we traversed the gravel road, back to the main road, we carried with us a fond memory.
On a hike, we came upon a flock of Warblers. They were frantically searching the Oak Trees for food. I was trying very hard to capture a fews photos and had just about given up.
This sweet little Pine Warbler flew into a tree in front of me, sat there for awhile, seemingly resting, then flew off. I was able to take a few shots as it sat there. The light was pretty good and I was pleased with the photos. There were also some Palm Warblers flying around.
I did have a few worms fall on me while walking under these moss-covered, Oak trees, which wasn’t fun at all.
Howard and I came upon this scene while on a hike in Myakka River State Park. We thought it was pretty funny. This Wood Stork was standing in the middle of these Black Vultures. We just wondered what the Wood Stork was doing.
Lord of the Vultures
We nicknamed him – “Lord of the Vulures”. Notice some of the Vultures speaking their mind or maybe they were chanting. Maybe Wood Stork is having an identity crisis.
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