Two wood Storks, a spoonbill and an ibis. The spoonbills were hunted to near extinction in the early 1900’s. Their feathers were prized for women’s hats. By the 1930’s there were 30-40 known breeding pairs in Florida. They have made a great comeback.
Speaking of comebacks the wood stork has “graduated” from endangered to threatened!
Second picture is an anhinga after just spearing his dinner.
“The eyesight for an eagle is what thought is to a man” – Dejan Stojanovic, Serbian Poet
The eagles talons, eyesight, and beak are formidable however the sound it makes is somewhat weak. Listen at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/sounds
Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/eagles
I took my wide angle lens out for a walk last Saturday. All my other dawn pics have been with a telephoto – hopefully you can get some idea of the size with these. And I didn’t miss any good bird pics on the way.
However an important tip, if you bring a lens case with a belt attachment — wear a belt!
“The flower that follows the sun, does so even on cloudy days” – Robert Leighton
These are two of the most prolific flowers at this time of year.
Quote found at http://www.quotegarden.com/flowers.html
Saturday the dragonflies seemed as numerous as gnats. Never have I experienced that. It will be a good crop this year. Also spent some time with our Friends of the Orlando Wetlands resident dragonfly and butterfly experts – Randy and Mary. Amazing folks.
“Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!” – Albert Einstein
Wattoola is the native American name for the bird – specifically Creek indians – from William Bartram’s Travels.
It is interesting the way Sand Hills and their young hang out together – mom, dad, and babies. As spring progresses I will be interested to see if other birds mimic this behavior. Ducks follow mom, but dad’s not usually around.
Quote found at http://www.quotegarden.com/family.html
Bird day has moved to Mondays!!
What a wonderful place Central Florida is. The wetlands, the gardens, the beaches….yikes! Wetlands, Cocoa, and Canaveral on the weekend agenda. (Actually writing this post on Saturday morning).
“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” – Abraham Lincoln
Rose delivery to heaven.
Quote found at http://www.quotegarden.com/mothers.html
Leu Gardens is a botanical garden run by the City of Orlando. Donated by Harry Leu in 1961and beautifully maintained. And not in the style of the northern botanical gardens, with green houses filled with plants, these are all outside!!
There’s also an historic house and museum on premise that was started in the 1800’s and finished in the mid 1900’s.
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” – Richard Bach
The dragonfly escapes the butterflies problem. I will have to investigate the life cycle of the dragonfly.
Quote found at http://www.quotegarden.com/butterflies.html
Picture This by Frank 