Red-bellied Woodpecker (female). Photo taken at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida.
I have been looking for the book The Sibley Guide to Birds Second Edition for awhile now. Today, I finally found and purchased this lovely birding guide. I was specifically searching for the re-printed second edition.
I am very happy to add this book to my birding library. Howard kiddingly asks me, “How many bird books do you need?” I reply, “One can’t have too many!”
Blue-headed Vireo
On February 27, 2015 I saw and photographed the little song bird in these photos. It was flitting around hunting for bugs and didn’t stay still long. At first I just assumed it was a Solitary Vireo, which I first saw in Colorado in 1986.
Tonight, while looking through my new bird book, I discovered that the Solitary Vireo as been divided into three separate species:
(1) Plumbeous
(2) Cassin’s
(3) Blue-headed
This Blue-headed Vireo has been added to my Birding Life List at number 385.
Large head, short bill, dark gray head, white spectacles, belly and throat, yellowish flanks.
Until next time…
Sing your heart out!
Beautiful little song bird; averages one phase every 2.5 seconds.
We left our campsite at Silver Springs State Park, River Camping Area and drove the short distance to the Springs. Our friends Karla and Larry were with us and we enjoyed a few hours of hiking. Below are some of the critters we were lucky enough to see.
Anhingas prefer freshwater habitats and often are seen perched on branches or stumps. This is exactly where we spotted this beautiful male.
Anhinga. Silvery white spots and streaks on wings and upper back.Ruby-red to scarlet eyes, long thin neck, long pointed yellowish bill, black plumage with a green gloss.During breeding season the male acquires pale, wispy plumes on upper back.
This little squirrel seemed to welcome us to Silver Springs. He jumped up on this fence and told us a story.
This Florida Red-bellied Cooter was enjoying a sunny day at the Springs.
This guy was watching us from his home near the shoreline.Way out in the river this BIG guy was sunning himself along with a friend.
A lazy day on the river.
Cypress Trees out in the river.
Almost missed these beauties; I spotted them as we were driving away heading back to camp.
Hooded Merganser, male. White head patches are fan-shaped. Black head, blackish bill, chestnut sides and white breast.Smallest native North American merganser with the largest crest. Numbers increasing, due to use of nesting boxes. His lady in the foreground.In breeding season, found on woodland ponds and rivers. Winters on fresh water. Swims under water using both feet and wings.
Looks pre-historic; did you catch him in the photo above?
Near Sunset at Silver Springs State Park, along the bank of the Silver River
With full awareness, knowing,
I am not guaranteed a future,
I strive to live in the Now.
~
I don’t want to relive, Yesterday,
Nor, do I want to live for, Someday,
Where I want to live is, Now.
~
Now, is where my dreams come true,
Now, is where I truly thrive,
Now, is wherever I am.
A Baby Blue Heron perhaps looking for a place to roost for the nightGreat Egret flies low over the Silver River“Can you find me” This little Audubon’s Warbler hopped from lily pad to lily pad hunting for its evening meal!“I told you there would be more photos!” “Do you like my home?”
Wolf Song Blog 