Chassahowitzka NWR - May 26, 2013

Stopped here briefly to look for the screech owl I saw a few weeks ago.  No luck!

Eco Walk at Crystal River Preserve - May 26, 2013

This was a good trail and good walking distance.  There were not too many birds or other wildlife, but still things to see.

 broad-headed skink

 leaf-footed bug

 rural skipper butterfly

 checkered white butterfly

spiranthes orchid

house fly

 green treefrog

 lubber grasshopper

 faded pearl crescent butterfly

 pearl crescent butterflies

 rhexia

 sagitaria

dichromena grass

 lizard's tail

thistle

Bayport Park - May 25, 2013

Just stopped for a few minutes before heading home for the day.

Jenkins Creek - May 25, 2013

Stopped briefly at Jenkins creek and found a crow skull on a trail.  Also some nice palms with golden light.

Weeki Wachee Preserve - May 25, 2013

The third Saturday of the month you can drive into this park instead of walk.  I was able to get to some new areas, but it was also pretty busy with people diving, swimming, and fishing.  It was a very pretty day.

 

Magnificant Frigate Birds - by Fort de Soto - May 24, 2013

I was so surprised to find these birds on my way to Fort de Soto in the morning.  I have seen them soaring there before, but this time they were diving for fish!  In the morning, there were several that flew off soon after I pulled over.  In the afternoon, they were there again, but stayed for me to get better photos.  What a nice find!

 male

female

   juvenile

fishing

Fort de Soto - May 24, 2013

Had such a great day at Fort de Soto today.  Some highlights were the baby starlings and a shrike! One not so fun thing was these bees that I accidentally walked through a wall of.  Later, they all went back up into this tree.