Monday, May 27, 2013

New Wildlife

 

Happy Memorial Day to all the veterans out there.  Your service and sacrifice is much appreciated. 

 

 

Wesley Chapel, Florida (high 87, low 65)

We took a drive over to Tarpon Springs yesterday afternoon for a little photo opportunity.  We lugged both the “big” Canon Rebel, and also the “little” Canon SX50.

With the exception of the picture of Al and Baxter, these are all taken with the "little” Canon.

We went to a park on the Anclote River, found a nice boardwalk trail and just wandered around for a while.

Al

We ended up at the marina where we used to store our boat.  That sure brought back some memories.  Of course, being the Memorial Day week-end, the place was packed, and just the kind of day we always avoided going out in the boat.

The following was a very long distance picture of Anclote Key, which was our favorite offshore island.  We spent many, many hours on this island.   This was just a small portion of the island and there were hundreds of boats docked there.  When we would go, we usually had the island to ourselves.

 

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We drove around a while, snapped a few photos and then headed home.

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Later that afternoon, a neighbor came by to inform us that there was a family of 4 otters frolicking  in the little pond behind us. 

Actually, the action was a few sites down from us because the portion of the pond  directly behind our site is dry.

I got a few pictures with my little Canon.  My big Canon is still waiting for it’s new zoom lens.

Notice the sharp teeth on this guy?

otter at Quail Run

otter at Quail Run

I have some work to do to get both the dark water and the sun reflected grass, properly exposed.  At that time, I was more interested in capturing the fast moving otters.

otter at Quail Run

otter at Quail Run

otter at Quail Run

A neighbor that lives right behind them, got a few shots of them out of the water and walking on the bank of the pond.  There were so many people around watching them, that I think they got a bit nervous.  I’ll be checking back often.

There is also a bird nest box that was nailed to a tree, directly behind another RV.  Apparently, there is a Bluebird next inside, which surprised me because that’s not supposed to be the kind of location they prefer.

Al says we’re going to get a Bluebird box.  We left all of our boxes in Georgia because we felt the boxes belonged to the birds, not to us.  (even though we paid for them, installed them and kept them safe from predators)

 

More birds from our “back yard.”

Mr. Cardinal posed nicely for me.

Cardinal

Cardinal

 

This is Baxter playing with his new (and favorite) toy.

Baxter

and this is the end

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16 comments:

  1. I have always loved watching otters. They really can move though and you got some great pictures. I so enjoy seeing pictures of Baxter. He's such a fluffy kitty.

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  2. Looks like your "little" camera takes great shots.

    I love otters, they are so much fun to watch.

    Ruth
    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  3. Rats- I can't believe the Otters came after we left.

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  4. I'd love to get some otter shots, but they've always scampered away from my camera. :)

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  5. Fun to see those otters right near your park. Your love for birds is contagious, making me miss the many different kinds of feeders we once had at our home.

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  6. I think everyone loves to watch otters. They're so playful.
    Syl

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  7. I'm very disappointed. From the title of your post I was expecting to see pictures of you dancing on a picnic table wit a lampshade on your head! ;c)

    I'll give you a pass, the otter pictures were really cute!

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  8. Sure nice photos with that little Canon SX50.

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  9. sweet, still haven't gotten to see the otters..

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  10. Love the otters. Haven't seen river otters in the wild, only the sea otters in Monterey, CA. Looking forward to the birds we will see here in Oregon.

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  11. Otters at Quail Run? Really? They are my TOTAL FAVORITE animals. Where were they last year this time when I was there? Bummer for me. Great pictures Thanks!! Also love Baxter's eyes. What a wild man.

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  12. Great otter photos and I love your bird end photo! You and Judy of Travels with Emma have got me looking at rear ends in a whole new way, haha!

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  13. More excellent shots with you "little" camera, thanks for sharing!

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  14. Great photos. I especially loved the Cardinal photo.

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  15. Amazing shots. I think you are professional photographer coz these picture are amazing. That little bird is looking a beautiful with small tail.
    Jhon Struass hotel asset management

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