A small heron, adults dark blue-gray with purple-maroon neck, immatures are unique among all herons in that they are white. Prefers to feed in fresh water and edges of grassy pools. Eats fish, frogs, lizards, snakes, turtles, shrimp and crabs. When water disappears they will eat grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and other insects of the grasslands. Flight is graceful and strong, wing strokes quicker than that of larger herons.Flies with head drawn in on shoulders.
Little Blue Heron (Juvenile)Jonathan Dickinson State Park, FloridaLittle Blue Heron (Myakka River State Park)
If you love to walk, geo-cache, hike, swim, canoe, camp, bike, view a gorgeous sunset, take photos, horseback ride, or bird watch, then a visit to Jonathan Dickinson State Park should be on your agenda.
The other day while walking along the banks of the Loxahatchee River we heard music; finally figured out it was coming from one of the many pavilions the park has. A man was playing his fiddle and he was really good. We sat on a park bench and listened to him play for a little while.
Another day there were a group of people with their easels, painting beautiful images on canvas. So just not the typical activities within the park, but some unique ones as well.
Located in south Florida, north of West Palm Beach, it is a great place to spend a couple of weeks. Howard and I have camped at this Florida state park during the winter for many years and we truly enjoy each visit.
To see some photos of the park and investigate what other activities Jonathan has to offer, go to the link below.
The dock area, located on the Loxahatchee River, where you can swim, launch/rent a kayak, paddle board and canoe or take a tour of the river with a professional guide. During your river experience you will see gorgeous scenery, historical landmarks, alligators, manatees, herons, osprey, bald eagles and other wildlife.
Guided Tour Boat
Loxahatchee River
Broad walk along the river
A charming swimming hole
Birding opportunities are plentiful…
Above a posing Northern Mockingbird
Great Blue Heron
A beautiful sentinel
No sunset photo this evening, it is raining. Until next time!
At the end of this road sits a picnic table. Over the last few years while visiting JDSP, it has been a destination at the end of the day. This picnic table is old, weathered and scarred.
On many occasions we have enjoyed sitting at this table absorbing the beauty of our surrounding. Other times we have shared pleasant conversation or sat in silence awed by the fact that we were, well, just sitting here.
The girls know, when we reach the picnic table to jump up on its top. They will sometimes lay down, themselves enjoying the peacefulness of the area. Other times they are on alert, looking for some small critter they hear, that we don’t, rustling around in the Palmettos.
Sheila, Skye, Howard and KloudOld, weathered and scarred, but still functional. Perhaps just like us.
This year I noticed an addition; a brand new picnic table. I don’t like it for some reason; it is a replacement? I have to wonder what will happen to “our” old, weather and scarred table where we have created fond memories of being together.
I hope this old, weathered and scarred picnic table continues to sit right where it is; this table is one of my favorite places to reflect at the end of the day, and to view amazing sunsets. The new picnic table belongs to others, not us. It simply wouldn’t be the same.
I took these photos on December 15, 2015, standing on top of “my” table.
This beautiful Sandhill Crane pair are hanging out in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. They graze in the grassy areas near the Loxahatchee River. I was lucky to photograph them just after days of heavy rain, which created pools of water.
I hope you enjoy my photos; I sure enjoyed taking them.
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