One of my favorite places . . .
Priscilla and I went to Myakka River State Park two weeks ago. We thought one time we’d try the tram and I’m glad we did. We were in luck as there were only four of us on a double car tram that seats probably 60 people! It took us to places you normally can’t get into, far off the beaten path. It rained a little bit just before we got there. I thought it was going to be hot and humid, but instead it was a pleasant, slightly breezy 77 degrees, and no humidity. What a wonderful surprise that was!
Besides the wildlife, I also got some neat landscape and flower pictures that I’ll post another time.
These were all taken from the tram as it was moving slowly down the road, except for the alligators. We did stop there and got off to get closer for a picture.
In the United States, I believe Limpkins are limited only to Florida, unless they have migrated since my last research. They are a large heron-like bird with a striking pattern of white in the feathers. They have a wing span up to 3 ½ feet and a piercingly loud, long drawn out call that is both eerie and screech-like at the same time. If you are nearby, it will certainly get your attention! I think that is probably an apple snail in its bill, which is one of their favorite foods.
The day was bright, but overcast, giving everything a nice subdued glow. There were several pops of the yellow flowers along the edge of the water, but when I saw the Limpkin, I was only able to get one of the flowers in the frame. I kept thinking how nice it would have been to have a couple of them in the picture, but I had to finally let go of that thought . . . it was driving me crazy.
A Red-shouldered Hawk was sitting on a stump at eye-level along the road drying off. He didn’t pay much attention to us at all when we stopped a moment to take a few pictures.
My favorite shot of the day ~~ Two little 'gator siblings, about a foot long . . .
The park did a burn there recently and these baby alligators were expertly camouflaged on this burned palm trunk.
A beautiful Florida white-tailed deer we'd been watching, suddenly spots us . . .
From the tram I spotted a Cattle Egret in its breeding colors far off in a field . . .
Besides the wildlife, I also got some neat landscape and flower pictures that I’ll post another time.
These were all taken from the tram as it was moving slowly down the road, except for the alligators. We did stop there and got off to get closer for a picture.
In the United States, I believe Limpkins are limited only to Florida, unless they have migrated since my last research. They are a large heron-like bird with a striking pattern of white in the feathers. They have a wing span up to 3 ½ feet and a piercingly loud, long drawn out call that is both eerie and screech-like at the same time. If you are nearby, it will certainly get your attention! I think that is probably an apple snail in its bill, which is one of their favorite foods.
The day was bright, but overcast, giving everything a nice subdued glow. There were several pops of the yellow flowers along the edge of the water, but when I saw the Limpkin, I was only able to get one of the flowers in the frame. I kept thinking how nice it would have been to have a couple of them in the picture, but I had to finally let go of that thought . . . it was driving me crazy.
A Red-shouldered Hawk was sitting on a stump at eye-level along the road drying off. He didn’t pay much attention to us at all when we stopped a moment to take a few pictures.
My favorite shot of the day ~~ Two little 'gator siblings, about a foot long . . .
The park did a burn there recently and these baby alligators were expertly camouflaged on this burned palm trunk.
A beautiful Florida white-tailed deer we'd been watching, suddenly spots us . . .
From the tram I spotted a Cattle Egret in its breeding colors far off in a field . . .