florida

wetland along trail

lake alice

anhinga

big snapping turtle looking for handouts

pied-billed grebe

american egret

spanish moss

morning thunderstorm

Last weekend I was able to fly down to Florida to celebrate 

a belated Christmas with my family.

The sky was grey but the temperature mild.

Saturday morning Farmer's Market (imagine fresh produce!)

and a hike through the woods with my brothers and nephew.

Although we didn't see a gator there was a splash 

and then a bubble trail in the marsh that suggested one was close.

Many birds including Ibis, Sandhill Cranes and Snowy Egrets

as well as the species shown above.

It was good to get away and be around all those I love.

I must admit to sleeping most of this weekend away…

but an adventure awaits on Friday!

xo, j

flora and fowl

gardenia

pileated woodpecker

black bellied whistling ducks

brown pelican 

in flight

semipalmated sandpiper

gaillardia blanketflower on the beach

I saw many birds and flowers during my trip.

The Gardenia is from a bush in the backyard and smelled heavenly.

I brought home a small bag of blooms and will run a dye bath with them.

Each morning I took my coffee to the back porch and watched
for the neighborhood pair of Pileated Woodpeckers

They are as large as crows with a flaming red crest and a very distinct call.
Un fortunately, I only managed a poor photo of this bird.

The Black Bellied Whistling ducks are not common to Florida,

they are generally found in Central and South America.

What a treat to see these upright ducks and hear their whistling call!

I also heard a Barred Owl in the backyard, spotted a
spectacular Swallow-tailed Kite while on a drive
and watched Osprey circle their nests.

So much to see.
Missing birdsong filled mornings on the porch...

Wednesday - a special gift

       

                                A young man who works for me went to Florida for four months.
                                He returned this week and to my surprise he gifted me with this small
                                handful of Spanish Moss!
 
                                I grew up in North Central Florida; a land of pine, palm and live oak trees.
                                Spanish Moss and Mistletoe live in the beautiful oaks and remind
                                me of home.

                                The photos are of a favorite little town I visited last May.
                                Such a perfect little house...such a perfect little gift...