As I walked around on Saturday morning I realized that indeed I am a dawn junkie. I need a “fix” on a periodic basis to keep my mind on an even keel. Despite having a camera and binoculars this is my walking meditation.
Dawn Junkie
Category: nature
Bird Day #A
“Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings” – Salvador Dali
Whistling ducks are really pretty, their feathers appear like they are painted. It’s black belly whistling duck season – so these are probably not the last ones you’ll see.
As for the owls – not a great picture, just proud if myself for spotting them. So I wanted to share. And yes, screech owls really do screech, I heard them for quite some time after they left their roost.
Quote found at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/bird.html
B & W
Not sure why I’m trying this again. But these pics seemed to lend themselves to conversion.
Sunday Morning
“It’s a fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning” – Jimmy Buffett
Something light this AM. Have a great day.
Quote found at http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Sunday_Morning/
Interesting Sun
“You must not blame me if I do talk to the clouds” – Henry David Thoreau
Wetlands today and a history jaunt around Lake Monroe tomorrow. I’ve been reading a fabulous book Florida’s American Heritage River – Images from the St John’s Region by Mallory M. O’Conner and Gary Monroe. It explores the history of the region through it’s art.
Lake Monroe was the southern terminus of the navigable portion of the St John’s River and consequently of the exploration of Florida. In the 1800’s steam ships ran between here and Jacksonville. While I’m somewhat familiar with Sanford, I’ll be exploring DeLand and the northern shore of Lake Monroe.
Lots of history surrounds Lake Monroe which was the southern terminus of the St John’s river,
Quote found at http://www.quotegarden.com/sky-clouds.html
Random Birds
Random bird pics from Cocoa Beach / Canaveral area. That dove has a creepy look on his face, Guess I made him angry. He looks much better below.
Eagle
“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
Sun Up
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!
Thick
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.
Wattoola
“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
Picture This by Frank 