Monday, November 25, 2013

The Signs of Fall


Dragonflies are dragging their feet about leaving.


The red berries are ready for migrating birds.  (although I have no idea if they eat these)


 Mushrooms are exploding onto the scene.  This one was the size of a dinner plate.


 People heart Fall.  


We're all talking turkey.  (And eating.  Hee, hee.)


Yellow leaves sparkle in the sun.


There are so many mushrooms you could say they grow on trees.  


Now if we could just say the same about money. 


The wild flowers lose their petals.


The views are tinged with rust and gold.  Just like life.  

All these photos were taken at Westwood Hills and Spring Lake Park this Fall.  For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday
And for more turkeys......take a gander below.


click to enlarge

click to enlarge





Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Sea Gulls at Sunset


I love a good sunset.  Who doesn't?  And the Naples pier is one of the best places to see it.  First we walk on the beach.  There is actually nothing I like better in life than walking on firm sand with my bare feet as the warm tides brush back and forth over them.  Heaven.  And you know life is good if you can enjoy a heavenly sunset after.  People are happy after a warm day in the sun.  The birds are happy as well.  The pelicans can steal fish scraps from the fishermen.  And the gulls can steal snacks from unwary tourists.  It's a win, win for everyone.


These shots are so great because there is no filter or photoshop work.  Just different shades of gold as you zoom in.


I like how the gulls line the rim of the roof.


Down she goes in a blaze of glory.  

Where is your favorite place to watch sunset?  Mine is on what we call our upper lot in Dominical, Costa Rica.  A lot we will probably never own.  But it will always be ours in our hearts.  For more sea birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday

Friday, November 15, 2013

Calico Jill


Have you ever heard the tale about Calico Jill the pirate cat?  Well, her tail sported a hook.  And she had a happily ever after life.  Her ship was full of mice and rats.  The end!

Tail is the theme of the week over at www.illustrationfriday.com  It wasn't hard to choose Calico Jill for the pick of the week.  Almost everything I paint has a tail. So it was easy pickings!  And her tail is multi-functional. 

Monday, November 11, 2013

All in a day's work


I titled this post All in a Day's Work because we saw all these beauties on one hike at Rookery Bay Swamp in Florida.  It was a good day to not be at work.





I call these wood storks Grandpas.  He has been included in WBW before.  But he was part of the sights and sounds on this day.




Gators!


A hawk peeking out of a nest.  Look close.





This vulture is the real pick for Wild Bird Wednesday this week. They creep me out!  

Friday, November 8, 2013

Zoo Boo




click to enlarge

5 completely random Zoobservations for Random 5 Friday


1)  The only bars I can truly get behind serve Manhattens.

2)  I have a Zoo Boo Board and a Boo Board on Pinterest.

3)  We're going to Disney's Animal Kingdom this Winter.  Yay!

4)  Zoos can make me feel blue.  Nay.

5)  I saw a Girbra at the Como Zoo.  Have you?




Monday, November 4, 2013

The Belize Zoo


What is the first thing you should do if you go to Belize?  Stay at the Belize Zoo. It's only a hop, skip and a jump from the airport.  And they have these hidden and very affordable cabanas nestled on the property.  


The next morning you can spend at the Zoo.  Before you embark on the rest of your journey through Belize.  You will see Jaguars.


But the first thing we saw were these non-residents all in a row.


This Scarlet Macaw was so curious about us.  In fact all of the rescued zoo animals are tourist friendly. I love this photo.



The birds and other animals have huge natural enclosures.


A sleepy and muddy Tapir


A Collared Aracari. He hopped along his merry way as we left his enclosure.  He followed us as long as he could. 


Another non-resident


A Keel-billed Toucan.  He was trying to eat my camera! I love this photo too.  Even with the bars.



A beautiful Ocelot.   She trotted right up to us.


Her markings are amazing.  For more on the Belize Zoo click here  And if you enjoyed this post be sure to follow me in my sidebar.  I hope you won't regret it!

For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday



Sunday, November 3, 2013

Let them eat figs!

click to enlarge

What is the secret ingredient in this family recipe?  Well, our feathered friend would like you to think it's figs.  But we know better.

Don't tell anyone.  But secret is the theme over at www.illustrationfriday.com this week.

Friday, November 1, 2013

I see sea shells...


I thought I'd elaborate on my Sanibel island post and highlight 5 random shell objects from around my house.  For Random 5 Friday of course.

1) My sea shell lamp (in the back) is chock full of memories from childhood.  My parents would take me out of school in January.  This in itself was like a dream. To miss school.  But the icing on the cake was we would pack up the R.V. and head South.  The destination was Fort Myers, Florida.  And we filled two lamps with shells picked over many sun filled mornings on the beach.  Mine is in the attic.  Not used at the moment.  But still loved.  And this one belonged to my parents. I always thought discovering them was like finding buried treasure.


2) My sea shell coaster.


3) This is my random shell bin.  I don't pick up many shells anymore.  But a few random ones always ride home in my suitcase just the same.  And end up here.


4) My shell nightlight.


5) My shell object.  No use.  But in another life they were somebody's house.  I never take home any live shells.  I only enjoy the beauty of a starter home.