No Fly Zone

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - This Anhinga chick (above) threatened to leave home...his mom went back to sleep. The two fuzzy Great Blue Heron chicks (below) aren't old enough or big enough to try the "leave home or else" blackmail threat...yet.

Family time

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - Our wandering took us to Viera Wetlands in Viera today. It's Spring. It's new family time. And, (above) it's FEED ME!! time in this Anhinga's nest. The next photo shows a mom with two chicks near her right foot. Click on the photo and see the wide eyes. In the bottom photo, dad is off to work, mom is standing guard and one chick is visable in the nest between the two.

Moon shots

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - The new, improved and closer to the Earth moon as seen through the haze near the horizon (bottom) which made it appear orange-ish and a clearer shot once it had risen somewhat.

Sunrise, sea shell and schooner

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - This week's adventure: A short camping trip to Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach, about two hours north of OB. A Friday morning sunrise: a still life with sea shell; a beautiful twin-mast schooner anchored in the harbor.

Transportation issues

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - While wandering around in West Volusia we came across the Swamp House Restaurant on the St. John's River in DeBary. Among the birds flying by was this Snowy Egret who now looks like he/she is in a painting. To balance this out, we have the Muscovy Duck (below) which is twice as ugly with two heads as with one.

Fishing, egret-style

DE LEON SPRINGS, FL - - The Snowy Egret (above) and the Great Egret display the styles used in 'dunking for snacks.' We encountered these splashers at Lake Woodruff NWR.

Hangin' out

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - A contest between a Great Egret and a Great Blue Heron to see who could stand the longest on one leg held our attention until this hawk landed in a near by tree and stayed where he was while we carefully moved in very close.

Spring colors

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - Azalea blooms.

Shrimp for breakfast

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - Shrimp for breakfast. The blackbird / grackle steals his while the Great Blue Heron has to work for his meal.

Close to home

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - It's Bike Week in Daytona Beach. Traffic is lousy. What better reason to stay home and check out one of our favorite places close by. There was plenty of action around the Granada Bridge walkway on the Halifax River. The Brown Pelican (above) was trying not to get his feet wet while the Snowy Egret (below) was keeping a sharp eye out for food while heading into the wind as it ruffled its breeding finery.

Honey, I'm home

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - Wing flaps out, talons out, prepare for landing. Osprey at Central Park