It’s vacation time! On our way down to Sanibel Island, we stopped in Ocala. We wanted to go to Silver Springs State Park to get on a glass bottomed boat but because the lines were surprisingly long, we decided instead to rent a canoe  tomorrow and take a walk today.
There’s a mix of open fields and dense swamp-like vegetation in the area. The waters of the spring are crystal clear, allowing for good wildlife spotting. I managed to catch a turtle, a few fish, and the reeds on camera.
The birds think it’s a great place to hang out so we got lucky and got to see these awesome spring inhabitants.
The Tricolored Heron
Pied-billed Grebe
A Great Egret on the hunt.
…and my personal favorite: The Anhinga.
I love unexpected birding days! The gardens surrounding the park had beautiful camellias on large, mature bushes.
The last thing I found on our little nature walk was a dead Cloudless Sulphur.
Thankfully I was treated to a live one shortly after.
After nearly six hours of driving, Jeremy and I both appreciated a nature walk. Plus, we got to eat ice cream and soak in sweat in December. It’s a balmy 85 degrees and will remain consistently so during our stay! I never got Christmas in July but I can definitely get behind Summer Vacation in December. :)
No Comments