Heron at Lake Seminole Park

I am not exactly sure which bird this is.
I did eliminate the Bittern, because he is not brown.

From a distance I told Jimmy it was a Green Heron.

But when I saw that LONG neck I decided it was not,
but the body is so small compared to the neck.
Sorry that the photos are not better.
The light was bad, and there was a chain link
fence between us, although the bird is not captive.

I have now decided again that it is a juvenile Green Heron.

My reference book is the Sibley Guide to Birds, page 64,
best I can tell Ninth Printing (pages could vary).

But what happens to that neck as it matures?

What does everybody out there think it is?

Osprey in flight

This was my attempt at capturing the Osprey in flight over the water.

I was having a very hard time.

Practice makes perfect, but I sure need a lot more practice.

These were all taken at Lake Seminole Park in

Seminole, Florida during our February 2009 visit.

Osprey landing in tree

This Osprey was at Lake Seminole Park, February 2009. The man made stand for a nest was close by.

This tree also had 3 Great Blue Heron nest.

In February it seemed odd to me that the birds were nesting,

but spring comes earlier in Florida than it does in Tennessee.

And he settles down with his eye on his mate in the nest.

We hope to see the young Osprey in June when we go back to St Pete.

Wood Stork at Lake Seminole Park and at Rookery

The first 2 photos of the Wood Stork were taken at Lake Seminole Park in February 2008.

This was the first time I saw a Wood Stork,

and had no idea what it was.

The last 2 photos are from the St Augustine Alligator Farm Rookery, taken April 2008.

The Rookery is full of birds that just come there to nest,

they are not in captivity.

Muscovy Duck at Lake Seminole Park - February 2009

I see this Muscovy Duck at Lake Seminole Park everytime I visit.

But I only see one.

Hope he/she finds a mate this spring.

Great Blue Heron in flight at Lake Seminole Park

The Great Blue Heron were already building their nest in mid February at Lake Seminole Park.This Great Blue Heron took flight and I almost missed it.

I love the shot when he was beginning to land.

He did not stay on the old tree long. He went into a tree right above him. At this location I could not see the nest (if there was one) due to the curve around the pond and this area is fenced off. Notice his foot, he is fixing to take off into the tree. It was almost as if he just jumped up into the tree.

American Anhinga at Lake Seminole Park

I really get a kick out of the American Anhinga as they try to air dry. Notice how the light comes through his neck. And look at those feet!

They stretch...

Then they stretch some more....

Then they try stretching out flatter.

These photos were taken at Lake Seminole Park during our October 2008 visit.

Osprey at Boca Ciega Park

I am going to change gears again. Decided I want to show you this Osprey.

He was at Boca Ciega Park.

Boca Ciega Park is another new one for us. We got lost on one of the trails, we were all turned around and it was beginning to get late in the evening.

As we wandered around trying to find our way back to our vehicle we did get to see this Osprey. Jimmy kept reminding me I wouldn't have seen the Osprey if he had not gotten us lost. At the time that was not making me feel any better, but when we found the car then I was ok about it. It will be one of those times we have a good laugh about, someday.

Boca Ciega Park is very close to Lake Seminole Park that we always visit while in St Pete Beach. I also photographed Osprey there that I will be posting another day.

Great Egret at Lake Seminole Park - Feb 2009

Muscovy Duck at Lake Seminole Park

This Muscovy Duck at Lake Seminole Park in Seminole Park wanted me to feed him, but all I had in my hand was a camera.

So he decided he would ignore me.

Really ignore me.

I think the Muscovy Duck is such an usual looking duck.

I had an earlier post of the Muscovy Duck taken in East Tennessee.

We did arrive home on Saturday evening. I meet with my tax lady on Wednesday so I have a lot to do between now and then. I promise I will be visiting as time permits, and plan on catching up on what all of you have been doing while I have been gone.

Black and White Warbler at Lake Seminole Park

I saw my first Black and White Warbler in my own yard this past summer.

Only saw it one day, had to go to Florida to see another one.

It was at Lake Seminole Park, my favorite place, other than the beach, when we go to St Pete Beach.

Just as a reminder, we are in St Pete Beach this week.

I am sure I will be going over to Lake Seminole Park.

Since I found this park I HAVE to go, find new birds every trip.