Birds, birds, birds of December

I went through Ding and then a walk on Pond Apple Trail with a friend from the cold north. I think she brought the cold weather down to Florida with her. We’ve had mornings in the 40s this week. That is weather that normally happens in January or February!

As can happen this time of year, there were so many birds to photograph! I narrowed it down to 35 pics.

I think these first two are my favorites of the day. They are similar, but I couldn’t choose between the two.

We cannot see our reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see - Zen Proverb

A great blue heron beside white pelicans. Again, those pelicans are so big!

Heading right for us!

White pelicans flying in formation

The next photo isn’t a great pic, but it was cool to see the trees full of birds.

Pond Apple Trail had so many birds to see

I was very close to this belted kingfisher when it was sitting on an electrical wire, but the light was terrible and I could not get a good photo. Then it flew over and landed on a pole that was farther away, but at least the light was a little better.

One of the wood storks flew over near us and posed for some photos.

That big brown lump behind the wood stork is very large turtle.

Off to more adventures!

Hey, bet I can shake better than you!

Oh yeah? Well, watch this!!

The black-crowned night heron is one of my favorites. They are shy and hide from the camera. They are much bigger than I expect them to be.

We walked a few feet away and a juvenile black-crowned night heron landed on a limb right in front of us. They do not even look like the same bird!

He demonstrated a good shake for us. You can see the little bits of fluff flying all around him.

This gator was in the water right below the juvenile black-crowned night heron. I think this is the mama gator that sometimes has her babies with her. But, we didn’t get to see them.

The water was full of minnows catching the sun

And last, but certainly not least, a Bald Eagle flew overhead to say goodbye as we left.