A Little Blue Heron at Live Oaks Park

I recently spotted this Little Blue Heron at the beautiful little Live Oaks Park in The Villages, Florida.  The violet-blue wading bird was out in the marsh fishing for its dinner.  These beautiful medium-sized wading birds eat fish, frogs, smaller tender turtles, tadpoles, and aquatic insects for the most part.

Like most egrets and herons, they spear their prey with their sharp bills.  I enjoy seeing both the purple version of the Little Blue Heron and the white juvenile phase.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the slightly larger version of the photo.  Enjoy!

An Osprey in the Villages, FL

An Osprey or Sea Hawk/Sea Eagle, was spotted perched on the top of a street light pole near Lake Sumter in The Villages, Florida (near Live Oak Park on Morse Avenue).  I saw the big bird of prey a few weeks ago.  It was just hanging out resting and after about five minutes, it flew off.

Interestingly, after the Osprey was gone, a Common Crow flew up and took its place.  Popular spot!  I have also spotted Osprey several times near the nearby area close to the bridges and Sunset Point.   Osprey are spectacular fishers and interesting to watch.  I was glad to have seen this one.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the slightly larger picture.  Enjoy!

 

A Pair of Peaceful Park Doves

This pair of Morning Doves was happily browsing on the ground and then perching on a low wooden rail fence at the beautiful little Four Oaks Park on Morse Ave. in The Villages, Florida.  I spotted the serene doves on Sunday afternoon during a quick golf cart visit to the park and nearby Lake Sumter.  The park is only accessible by cart, on foot, or by bike via the multi-modal path.

The doves were cooing and seemed quite tame.  I think they also like those White Ibises and ducks, get lots of hand-outs from residents and visitors.  This little park is a gem that also has a small observation deck overlooking the Lake Sumter marshes. During the visit I also spotted a Little Blue Heron, a Palm Warbler, and an Osprey.  It was a nice quick visit!  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the slightly larger picture.  Enjoy!