What’s Up? – Raindrops keep falling on my head…
Raindrops keep falling on my head…
We’re still getting rain on a daily basis. This doesn’t make birds lives any easier or us humans. The only ones taking advantage of rain are the squirrels. They are a nuisance because, not only they eat a lot of seeds, they break the feeder saucers, smash the suet mixes and leave a pile of seed shells all over the deck, and to top it, they don’t seem to mind the rain, no matter how heavy it’s raining!
Last week in Florida, the trip to Audubon – Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples, was exciting and beneficial because it offers a good hike on the boardwalk, through the swamp, open air and great opportunity for birders and photographers to spot a variety of wildlife. We enjoyed it very much.
My son Tyler (will be 9 y.o. in May) showed great interest reading all signs about the species of birds, plants and in general wildlife. And read the map to know the location. He brought his camera but he didn’t want to use it, he feared that he would drop it in the swamp.
- Palm Warbler sitting on fence.
- This Turkey Vulture past by me only ten feet close.
- Boat-tailed Grackle posed for me like a pro.
- This Gray Catbird, was funny, after I shot the picture, he landed on the boardwalk railing very close to me, I had the long lens so I backed up to be within range and the catbird kept advancing toward me, at the end I couldn’t get the shot because he was at hand reach.
- This is Tyler, my assistant posing next to a bronze statue.
- This raccoon was part of a small group moving around the swamp area. Good looking mammal.
Photo Gallery
Eating Lunch With…
White-throated Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Wonderful captures, HJ! The Florida birds are friendly, eh? 🙂 Love that raccoon shot!
That gray catbird was funny, really! The raccoons are extremely photogenic, I never knew they like to get in the water or being near it. Thank you my friend. 🙂
That’s a very good portrait of a serious Tyler. And as much as I enjoy birds, that raccoon won the day for me. I’m really quite fond of the creatures.
Thank you Linda. That shot was at the end of the hike. I liked the raccoon myself too. I was surprised to see raccoons in the swamp. 🙂
I especially enjoyed the raccoon pic !
Thank you Indira. 🙂
Excellent photographs, you must had a great holiday.
Thank you Susan. Yes, it was very exciting and relaxing at the same time. 🙂
I looked for a bird in the picture of your assistant for ages before I finally gave up!
There are to birds as part of the sculpture One on top and another in the middle. Thank you John. 🙂
Wonderful shots, HJ! I’m sorry you are getting so much rain and having so much trouble from the squirrels. I have had to stop feeding the birds because the squirrels broke all my feeders even the very expensive squirrel-proof ones. I love the photo of your Tyler! What a grown-up young man he is now. I also had a laugh at your story of the cat bird. What clever birds they are!
Thank you so much Clare. I’m sorry about the squirrels in your property. Here, it used to be only one, now there are three of them! 🙂
Oh no! 🙂
What a good way to spend time. The pictures were excellent.
Thank you Tom, I appreciate it. 🙂
Love the grackle and raccoon! How about done squirrel picks? Rather than fighting when you can’t win, maybe it’s time to accept and enjoy them!
Thank you K. ! If the squirrels are not careful, the hawk is going to take them home. 🙂
Ouch! Gee, I always hate to watch that.
Primi piani della natura straordinariamente belli!
Felice martedì e un saluto,silvia
Grazie mille Silvia. 🙂