We stayed close to home this week -- no boat trips, no interesting day-trips ... just an ordinary week at the Canal Cottage.
We stayed home -- but we were almost the only ones on the Canal who did! This is the annual obligatory shot of our empty canal with some of the vacation homes already shuttered up for the hurricane season and nearly all of the boats pulled out. (You can see ours nearly at the end on the right.)
Most people leave for their summer homes in April or May. There are only a few people who live year-round here in the resort. We usually arrive later in the season than most of our fellow snow-birds and we stay later at the end. It works better for our schedule.
It's summer temperatures here already. Walks (or rides on the purple tricycle) have to be early in the morning or in the evening. It's really hot mid-day, but I went out with the camera one afternoon purposely to "pick" these subtropical spring flowers.
These are some of the birds I see sometimes on morning walks. I haven't had very good luck woodpecker hunting this year and I'm not happy with my pictures at all. Some mornings I see the red-headed, the red-bellied, and a pair of pileated woodpeckers. I haven't even been able to get a bad picture of the pileateds. (There are a couple of my better woodpecker posts from other years in the links below). You'd think since they are the largest they would be easier, but they just won't ever stay in one place. I'll keep trying.
The blue jay loves this one yard -- it's the only place in the resort where I consistently see it.
This is the other end of our Canal. You can see the Caloosahatchie River out there.
LINKING to: SEASONS; NATURE NOTES; OUR WORLD on Tuesday; WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY; WEDNESDAY WATERS; TODAY'S FLOWERS and FLORAL FRIDAY FOTOS. (Thank you to all of the hosts).
So many pretty birds!
Posted by: Halcyon | June 01, 2016 at 07:08 AM
Thanks for the tour. It seems like less and less people migrate with the seasons now.
Posted by: Yogi | May 29, 2016 at 08:13 AM
Just an amazing selection, I always enjoy walking by canals.
All the best Jan
Posted by: lowcarbdiabeticJan | May 28, 2016 at 03:05 AM
Wonderful photos!! I agree woodpeckers are so busy they rarely sit still...The summer is quickly approaching, heat is rising! Enjoy the quiet with everyone gone!
Posted by: Sondra-SC | May 27, 2016 at 06:28 PM
What a lovely and calm photo of the canal. It looks like the Venice Canals here in Los Angeles. It must be pretty awesome to just take a walk by these houses. :)
I also just took interest on photographing birds but they're kind of find it difficult especially if I don't have the long lens with me which I usually don't drag along because it is heavy for when I have my morning walks.
Have a wonderful weekend out there!
xo,
P
Posted by: P | May 27, 2016 at 11:50 AM
Beautiful plants and birds by your canal!
Posted by: Villroses hage | May 27, 2016 at 11:11 AM
thanks Sallie for your response, never realized you guys were like the migrating birds. Maybe that is why so much property is destroyed but not many lives taken :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep | May 27, 2016 at 09:41 AM
Well it is a nice place to have an ordinary week.
Posted by: diane | May 26, 2016 at 02:56 AM
Beautiful flowers and great series of different birds!
Posted by: Anu | May 26, 2016 at 01:40 AM
So many beautiful photos in this post.
You mentioned that some people stay there all year. After your mention of hurricane season, why in the heck do they stay there!
Posted by: Pat | May 25, 2016 at 11:20 PM
I view photos no matter what as memories so if they aren't the best, that is OK....Lovely area Sallie..Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | May 25, 2016 at 07:33 PM
Sallie, this all feels so peaceful and serene. Sometimes it is the very best choice to stay close to home - and I appreciate the flowers you picked.
Posted by: Penny | May 25, 2016 at 05:46 PM
lvoely flowers and birds. "hurricane season" does not sound good. I hope you are not around when they come.
Posted by: NatureFootstep | May 25, 2016 at 01:58 PM
even though it is getting warm, you get to enjoy some peacefulness others don't there. :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | May 25, 2016 at 01:55 PM
Wonderful variety of birds & blooms.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | May 25, 2016 at 10:50 AM
Wow! Some wonderful looking birds here.
Posted by: Adam Jones | May 25, 2016 at 06:18 AM
Where is this place? I would love to go once. It doesn't look like it's in the USA. Then realized it's here from the flag. Beautiful shots. I love all the flowers and birds.
Posted by: KL | May 24, 2016 at 07:29 PM
Gorgeous captures, Sallie!
Posted by: Linda | May 24, 2016 at 06:32 PM
Thank you again for your nice comments; you always make me feel good! That beautiful red bird is a cardinal, right. That would make a fine poster!
Posted by: Lowell | May 24, 2016 at 03:31 PM
What a gorgeous place for walking and biking! I love the early mornings, too, as we have too much heat later in the day to be wandering around. I always feel so sorry for people who must work outdoors at this time of year!
Posted by: Clair Z. | May 24, 2016 at 03:12 PM
the canal looks so peaceful ad I would like it when thee rest left. Love plant and bird collages
Posted by: Margaret Birding For Pleasure | May 24, 2016 at 01:48 PM
It looks peaceful there. Have you ever been caught in a hurricane while there? It would be scary, I'll bet. Nice shots today- have a wonderful evening.
Posted by: Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines | May 24, 2016 at 12:53 PM
You didn't have to go far to see some fantastic birds.
Posted by: Findlay Wilde | May 24, 2016 at 12:35 PM
Love all the collages!! If it were me, I think I'd stay there YEAR 'ROUND. What an awesome place.
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | May 24, 2016 at 11:40 AM
It seems shame that everyone packs up and leaves just when the colours are so vibrant - birds and flowers.
If I had a dollar or a pound for every bird that flew off just as I clicked the shutter, I would be able to buiy a supper, super fast lens. Keep trying Sallie.
Posted by: Phil | May 24, 2016 at 09:52 AM
Beautiful reflection and nice shots of the birds!
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Alexander
Alex's World! - http://alex.kakinan.com
Posted by: Alexander | May 24, 2016 at 08:34 AM
your mosaics are gorgeous!!! such beautiful flowers and of course i love the birds!! what a gorgeous capture of the mail cardinal, it looks like he is posing for you!!!
Posted by: Debbie | May 24, 2016 at 06:09 AM
How delightful to have the canal to yourself and the wildlife. Love the range of flowers you get at this time of the year.
Posted by: fun60 | May 24, 2016 at 05:58 AM
A lovely place to stay for the holiday. I hope that you will not have to deal with hurricanes. I saw a documentary about the monsoon and the enormous powerful rain and wind display. It was frightening to see the force of nature destroying everything. on its way.. May God save you!
Thanks for your visit.
Wil, ABCW Team
Posted by: Readerwil | May 24, 2016 at 04:33 AM
Hurricane season ? How awful ! Where are you moving to now ? Sometimes it's difficult to follow you, lol ! Beautiful flower pictures !
Posted by: Gattina | May 24, 2016 at 01:49 AM
You have clicked beautiful flowers and birds on an ordinary day.
Posted by: Rajesh | May 23, 2016 at 11:09 PM
Great shots.
Posted by: Jim | May 23, 2016 at 11:05 PM
Your "ordinary" weeks looks exceptional to me! Lovely birds and blooms.
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | May 23, 2016 at 08:45 PM
Thanks for your comment, Sallie. I joke around a bit, but Trump concerns me deeply. He is no joke. He is an unmitigated disaster. He's 1930s Germany all over again, with some cosmetic differences. Really worrisome are the sheep that are running after him going "Baa, Baa." Their ignorance and racism and fascistic tendencies are just plain scary!
Posted by: Lowell | May 23, 2016 at 06:28 PM
Oh I think all your shots are wonderful. I sure like where you live and would never leave it. Those pileated woodpeckers drive me crazy, they never sit for a portrait. Lovely collection of shots. I guess it gets so hot there in summer. Thank you for your comments and for your cheerful and happy blog. You have created a lovely blog home as well.
Posted by: islandrambles | May 23, 2016 at 06:28 PM
It's a beautiful place but I can understand not wanting to spend the summer in that heat.
Posted by: Al | May 23, 2016 at 06:20 PM
Yes, I see your boat with the blue cover? So, there's a whole community that lives the way your do - interesting:) Thanks you for making a special trip to catch the flowers and the birds! Yes, it seems our yard is chosen by some blue jays as well, we see (and hear - they're loud!) them every day!
Thank you so much for being a part of SEASONS! and am looking forward to what you'll post next week:)
Are you about to go back to Oregon?
Posted by: Jesh StG | May 23, 2016 at 05:58 PM
Ordinary weeks are quite okay.
We have had a few ordinary weeks now, which is okay by us too.
The photos on the other hand are extraordinary. I love the collection of the flora and fauna and your mosaics are really nicely put together.
Have a Happy Week, Sallie!
Peace ;)
Posted by: Chandra@GreenComotion | May 23, 2016 at 05:03 PM
Enjoy your quiet time with all those colourful flowers and varied wildlife.
Posted by: Frank (UK) | May 23, 2016 at 04:15 PM
Seems I am always Jill come lately to your blog. Kind of sad after everyone leaves the party and you are the last ones left. Soon you will be back in your new lovely summer condo. What a great life you have.
Posted by: Dianne | May 23, 2016 at 03:40 PM
Magnificent variety of photos ~ all very lovely and beautiful!
Happy Week to you ~ ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | May 23, 2016 at 02:09 PM
Another delightful post Sallie. I love where you live, what a great place to just hop on a boat and take a look around. Your photos of the flowers, the plants and the birds are super. I really enjoyed them. Thank you for supporting Today's Flowers. Really appreciate it so much!
Posted by: DeniseinVA | May 23, 2016 at 01:36 PM
How beautiful! A lot of people have left here already too but we like being here in the early summer. I've been walking in the evenings and it's been pretty nice. Love all of your birds and flowers! There's always something interesting to see here! Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | May 23, 2016 at 12:32 PM
wow you have some lovely scenery there, nice to see some colour coming out now that it's getting warm for you :-)
Posted by: Amy | May 23, 2016 at 12:30 PM
It's so nice to see your blooms and birds in sunny FL, Sallie. I can picture you on the purple trike. We are just the opposite here in the mountains - we can't go too early or we freeze!
Posted by: Barb | May 23, 2016 at 10:39 AM
I know it is sometimes good to just stay home and enjoy the local scenery, especially when its quiet and peaceful because most of the others are away. You live in a pretty place, Sallie, and the flowers and variety of birds there are amazing.
Posted by: Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti | May 23, 2016 at 10:12 AM
So relaxing and pretty!
Posted by: Lady Fi | May 23, 2016 at 10:04 AM
Routines are always nice. Trips our wonderful and ordinary days perfect!
Linda
Posted by: Linda | May 23, 2016 at 08:54 AM
Beautiful place to have a summer vacantion! And so lovely flowers and blooms to admire in Spring! A great week ahead!
Posted by: Alexa T. | May 23, 2016 at 08:44 AM
This shot of the canal reminds me of Venice. I can imagine a quietness of spirit as more and more people drift off to other places and the area is left to the birds, flowers and you! :)
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | May 23, 2016 at 08:31 AM
Hello, pretty views of the canal and the river. I love all the birds, especially the Red-headed Woodie. The flowers are gorgeous, I love the blooming trees. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
Posted by: Eileen | May 23, 2016 at 08:22 AM
Lovely quiet views. Great shots of the variety of birds. Do you enjoy it when most of your neighbors leave? Where do you house your boat when you leave? Ordinary weeks are good to have.
Posted by: ellen b | May 23, 2016 at 08:21 AM
I'm really impressed, Sallie. Your photos of the canal are super and your floral and bird photos are absolutely gorgeous! A delightful post. I just don't understand why you don't stay down this way in the summer...you could enjoy the heat and humidity like the rest of us! :)
Posted by: Lowell | May 23, 2016 at 08:16 AM
Its a lovely view of the canal. Your walks are filled with interesting and beautiful flowers and birds.
Posted by: nancy chan | May 23, 2016 at 07:52 AM