A Few of My Favorite Things

It's going to be really difficult to narrow my images down.  These are some of my favorite shots from Lover's Key State Park where we had an awesome kayak ride.  Well, to be accurate, Matt had an awesome paddle...I rode and took pictures.  These birds allowed us to float quite close to them.  Certainly the closest I've ever gotten to a Green Heron. 

Green Heron

This is the second time I've seen this Green Heron in this spot.  So amazingly close!!  I hope he's still around when I get my lens back.

The Young Ones

I can't wait to get my zoom lens back from the repair shop.  The I saw at least 5 Green Herons this morning and could have gotten some great shots.  On the other hand this fawn was so close I'd have been out of luck.

A Few Treats From Yesterday

Hot Summer Days

If you can stand the heat the refuge in July is a pretty wonderful place.  Tuesday Olivia and I made an attempt to get out before the heat got too bad.  Alas, it was 76°F when we got in the car, 86°F when we got to the refuge, and 96°F by the time we finished our walk.  We really wanted to see the Least Bittern nest and while we failed at that we did get a really nice look at a small Green Heron.  (Of course it was right at the beginning of our walk continuing to prove the proximity-to-car wildlife rule which states that you will see the coolest things within easy reach of the car making a mockery of miles of hot, tiring effort.)  

I love the Marsh Mallows in bloom and I love that they are called "Marsh Mallow" so that no matter how hard I try it always sounds like I'm saying marshmellow (a quick spell check tells me that even the food is Marshmallow so no wonder...)  


Olivia took the Green Heron photo.  Best one of the bunch!

Standing Still

I love it when a bird stands still! And closeup!! I wish those green herons and least bitterns would learn a thing or two from the egrets and herons. If you are a photographer or have any appreciation whatsoever for images in focus please look away! However, I'm posting the below photos because I'm excited to have figured out the difference between the green heron and least bittern. First photo, least bittern: pale marks on wings. Second photo, (I love that pose) solid green wings. Third photo, green heron: a better look at the solid green wings. (and because I started to wonder about the second photo...but I really love that pose.) Don't forget to squint your eyes while viewing these images...