Yellow-rumped Warbler (Manatee Springs State Park)Black Vulture (Manatee Springs State Park)Snowy Egrets (Myakka River State Park)Turkey VultureGreat Egret (Manatee Springs State Park)Northern Cardinal (Manatee Springs State Park)Loggerhead Shrike (near Myakka River State Park)Great Blue Heron (Myakka River State Park)Getting ready to take off.
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.
is an all white morph of the Great Blue Heron. It has yellowish colored legs and is found in southern Florida and at one time was considered a separate species.
Great White Heron
Late yesterday afternoon we enjoyed the evening activity along the shoreline of the Myakka River. Several birds were still fishing for their last meal of the day and so was this Great White Heron.
Notice his yellow legs.
Not only big, white and beautiful he also has an attitude! Simply put he is a big bully. He seemed to get a big kick out of chasing all the other birds away from any area he wanted to fish! All the others knew who was boss and would fly to another area.
So Still
My favorite location for the last five days. I can’t begin to count the number of photos I took from this spot. We left Myakka River State Park this morning and I will truly miss, driving or walking less than a mile, to see this view.
Sunset November 13, 2014 in Myakka River State Park
Looking west from the same location
Look close in these last photos and you might see Alligators, Herons, Storks, Black-necked Stilts, Spoonbills, Grebes, Egrets and maybe others!
Waves Singing at SunriseGreat Egret waiting for the dance to beginStork arriving to the danceSide by side in peace they danceHearing the beat of a drumFeathers all AglowA Solo Tribute to this DayHarmony from the Sea
Photo Challenge for April 18, 2015 called EarlyBird
This is my first time participating in a photo challenge.
I got up early to watch the sunrise while camping at Fort De Soto County Park, Florida. On this beautiful morning I watched the area come alive with life.
Walking along the beach, watching the birds, is such a delightful experience. Just like all animals, each bird has their own unique personality. It is fun to try and capture their personality with my camera.
Mine, Mine, Mine
The Snowy Egrets sure do know how to express their personalities. With their bright yellow feet, expressive eyes and showy plumage they are dressed for the stage and they never seem to let us down with their dramatic performances.
Sharing is overrated
All you have to do, to enjoy the performance, is grab a front row seat!
Wolf Song Blog 