Justabird2's photostream  

you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward...

Wasn't the best light to capture these Sandhill Cranes, yet, I had to try. They looked so pretty floating aimlessly in the air like this. Seems the draw down has raised so much vegetated land and muck pools, more Sandhill Cranes are visiting then usual. They usually stick to the farmland areas in great numbers. Nice to see them on the Ocklawaha River banks. Usually small flocks of 30 and under are Florida Sandhills. Large numbers are migratory Cranes. Sometimes Whooping Cranes can be seen mixed in the large numbers. Now, wouldn't that be way COOL?

Original size is softer, not as sharp:
www.flickr.com/photos/birds-by-angie/6777916677/sizes/o/i...

Two Artsy versions are found on my other site:
www.flickr.com/photos/angies-birds

Sandhill Cranes, Ocklawaha River, FL

makes it hard to eat!! Took FOREVAH for this American Bittern to unwrap his tasty parcel. Was really interesting to watch. When we thought the snake was finally dead, the Bittern would lay it down and the snake would try to crawl away. Finally, the Bittern chewed on the head and I guess the snake finally gave in. Of course the Bittern moved to the back to swallow his "snake on a stick". So much vegetation hanging down made this shot very tricky. Yet, I like how it frames the Bittern. He has made himself a nice little home.

This one is for my new friend Karen Ahlers who really enjoyed seeing this Bittern!! Hope you like it, Karen!!:)

Original size looks more natural. Seems Flickr does some sharpening of their own:

www.flickr.com/photos/birds-by-angie/6777269169/sizes/o/i...

American Bittern, Ocklawaha River, FL

Artsy version on my other site:
www.flickr.com/photos/angies-birds

Looks better on LARGE:
www.flickr.com/photos/birds-by-angie/6726515345/sizes/l/i...

Archive diving like so many of us. I'm not snowed in, rained in or weathered in. I have a head cold and feel absolutely miserable!! So...I am going down memory trail anticipating Night Herons at Da Farm. Taken almost a year ago? Gee...he's all grown up now!! Me too...sort of!! ;)

Black crowned Night Heron, Alligator Farm, St Augustine, FL

Please look at my digiscoping site if you have time:
www.flickr.com/photos/angies-birds

Thank you!!

New Spring discovered by my dear friend Erika Ritter on the Ocklawaha River during the draw down. She will be the one to actually name this discovery but I will always call it Erika's Spring. This girl works very hard for conservation/environmental rights in her "neck of da woods". She has a "Cruising Down The River" with Capt. Erika boat business, works part time at a Dental office and takes care of her MOM full time. I do NOT know how she does all of this!! I do admire her very much as she is one of those people that are truly down home, honest and natural. The kind that will give you the shirt off their back and anything else you need!! One of kind this girl is!! So, yes, this will always be Erika's Spring to me!!!

Erika's Spring, Ocklawaha River, Ocala National Forest, FL
www.captainerikasfloridaboatcharters.com/

Looks better on Large:

www.flickr.com/photos/birds-by-angie/6493722129/sizes/l/i...

The draw down has begun. Water is lowering around 2 inches a day. Fish are being trapped in pools of water and there are now perhaps 700 wading birds. Now, that was 2 days ago. I am sure the number has risen. I go back on Tuesday, weather permitting. Been stuck at home for two days due to RAIN reports. boohoo!! You really have to have a kayak or canoe to reach these birds. Once the draw down has hit 11 feet (by Dec 31)wading birds will be closer to the shore lines for those who don't have access to the waters. You need tall rubber boots, though. The river bottom is very mushy and you do sink. I sank up to my knees the last draw down! Scary!! I'm staying in my kayak this time!!

Hard to get the light just right on these egrets. I tend to shoot on the DARK side as I like contrast. Was fun sitting butt level with these birds. Kayaking is the way to go...love it! Hey, Terry...I'll let ya know when it is good for you. Probably Jan 1st and after. I'll let ya know for sure, OK?

Great Egret, off of Orange Springs boat ramp, Marion County, Florida