Ranch Pond Ducks

Florida Mottled Ducks

Blue Winged Teal Ducks, Florida Mottled Ducks, and the other resident critters (Great Egret and turtles) were spotted at the Northwest Marion County horse farm pond where I often go to observe the wildlife.  This ranch pond is right down the street from where I took the pictures of that wonderful family of Sandhill Cranes, and also spotted Wild Turkeys on recent days.

I am glad I was able to see the ducks as this pond may have fewer ducks and other visitors in coming days due to major equestrian events which are happening on this very beautiful horse farm.  I took these pictures on March 16, 2015.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger photo.  Enjoy!

Blue  Winged Teal Ducks

Florida Mottled Ducks

Blue  Winged Teal Ducks

An Hour at Paynes Prairie

Bald Eagle

Sandhill Cranes and Ducks

Great Blue Heron

My husband and I went to Paynes Prairie State Preserve, near Gainesville, Florida, and spent about an hour looking for birds on Saturday, January 31, 2015.  We were at the Highway 441 Overlook.  While there, I spotted many different large birds.  The nice thing about this overlook, is that it is free.  Sometimes there will be a lot to see, and other times, not so much, but it is a pleasant spot.

One of the birders I met, told me that a good spot to see Sand Hill Cranes in Gainesville, is the cattle yard of the University of Florida on Williston Road.  We drove by the cattle yard but it was getting dark and the cranes were leaving for their roosts elsewhere.  I plan to go back to that cattle yard during the daytime.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger picture.  Enjoy!

Bald Eagle

Little Blue Heron

Sharp-shinned Hawk

It’s Woodpecker Wednesday!

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Here are a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a female Downy Woodpecker, and the boisterous  Red-bellied Woodpecker.  All were spotted in my yard or in a almost dead pine tree across the street.  I really am thrilled to be once again seeing songbirds here.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger picture.  Enjoy!

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Wordless Wednesday

Mourning Dove

Carolina Wren

Pine Warbler

 

Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger photograph.  Enjoy!

Male Eastern Bluebird

Palm Warbler

Female Eastern Bluebird