Looking for a handout

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - We took a ride to St. Augustine today armed and ready to shoot (pictures of) any interesting birds we saw. It was a gray day and not much was happening. Our route up US A1A from OB basically parallels the ocean on one side and the Halifax River on the other. At one small park / boat launch area I spotted a feral or maybe just homeless kitty walking through the grass in my direction. Then I spotted kitty #2 and #3 and #4. They were a bit wary and kept and eye on us and probably a hopeful attitude that we brought them some snacks.

Gulf sunset with fishing boat

Decisions, decisions

PASS-A-GRILLE - - Sunrise is a special time for all creatures...

Breakfast anyone?

PASS-A-GRILLE, FL - - It's 7:30am Sunday morning on the 8th St. pier in Pass-a-grille. The guy using the fishing pole has walked off out of the frame to cast-net from some more bait fish. The avian company he had while fishing has gotten very bold with every step he takes to increase the distance from them. Quick as a wink and before I could get a good shot, the Great Blue Heron became the Great Blue Robber by grabbing a plastic bag below the fishing pole and gobbling as much of the contents as possible. The egrets grabbed anything else that looked like food. Double-click on the pic to enlarge it and get a better look at the breakfast bandits.

Cat and Heron

PASS-A-GRILLE, FL - - We escaped to the West Coast over the weekend. There were plenty of willing photo subjects and one who just wanted to hang out with us. The Great Blue Heron (above) was hanging out on a street light post and grooming his feathers which allowed a shot from below incorporating the moon in the background.

This cat (below) wandered out from a front yard and followed us down the street. He/she had nice coloring and very blue eyes.

Anhinga peek-a-boo

DELAND, FL - - This anhinga was fishing in a watery patch of weeds, reeds and floating greenery and checking his location once in a while. Check Lydia's blog and the link to 'see more photos' for shots of this predator and how lunch was speared.

BAM! Fish for lunch

DELAND, FL - - You want fresh fish for lunch, you have to work for it. This osprey's aim from about 30 feet up - - not to mention eyesight - - was spot on. This lake-like area of De Leon Springs is teeming with fish.

Fun with flowing water

DELAND, FL - - There is a small waterfall at De Leon Springs State Park. When the light is right you can get some interesting pics like the leaf caught beneath the rushing water.
Then we have the bubbles, drops, swirls and everything.

White and red

PONCE INLET, FL - - Sights from Inlet Harbor

Clouds and waves

TITUSVILLE, FL - - Clouds and waves on the Haulover Canal in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

A snowy day at Merritt Island NWR

TITUSVILLE, FL - - Our first trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for 2009 was this weekend. The 7-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive never disappoints. Here, we have a Snowy Egret struttin' his/her stuff while below another Snowy reflects on the lunch menu. The fluffy feathers denote breeding plumage.