It's quiet around home these days as nearly all of our fellow snowbird neighbors have flown North. It's a good time to get things done. With friends gone and activities over for the season, there aren't as many tempting interruptions. And traffic outside of the resort where we live is so much lighter it's faster to get places and faster to accomplish whatever it was that you wanted to do. The standard joke in this area, where much of the winter population are 'senior citizens,' is that the lines at the pharmacy counter are much shorter when the winter season ends.
Our "street corner" ... the Canal going out to the Caloosahatchie River
We are snowbirds too of course, but our season is slightly different from most others. This time of year, we pretend we live here year-round. At my dental checkup the other day, the hygienist said how nice it was "now that they're gone" she has cut 20 minutes off of her commute time. I just smiled.
I snapped these flowers and the panorama shot above with my I-phone. I'm trying to become more familiar with what my smart phone can do.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker (top three and lower center). Northern Flicker, lower left and right.
I don't think I'll ever be able to take pictures of birds with the phone though. I have enough trouble with the small camera I almost always carry. This collage shows the Red-bellied Woodpecker that I saw on the ground under a live-oak tree (top three pictures and center bottom) and two pictures of a Northern (red-shafted) Flicker that I took on the same day.
I am used to the red-bellied on trees or poles; this season for the first time I've seen several foraging on the ground. I often see Flickers on the ground. At first glance, their markings are a little bit alike, but it's easy to see the difference when you compare the two. The Flicker is a larger bird also.
Hibiscis
Warning: The snake phobic may wish to avert eyes while scrolling past the next collage.
Across the streets from the Canal, homes in our resort back on to wetlands areas that are tropical- jungle-like. An RVer who stayed awhile had either a whimsical or an evil sense of humor. They transformed a strangler fig behind their space into a pretty good replica of a Burmese Python. It will be interesting to see whether the resort management leaves their artistic endeavors for another season. That space is for temporary visitors; someone else might not appreciate the view!
Further warning: One of these pictures is not like the others. The one in the lower left picture is a real (but no longer living) Burmese Python. Someone had rather unkindly laid it out on a railing at a wildlife viewing spot near the Everglades. (That picture is from last February). It was a good thing that somebody killed it because these snakes are invasive and create serious problems in this part of Florida. I just wished I hadn't almost put my hand on it.
Back to the pretty stuff:
Skies this week have been interesting. It continues to rain hard at least for a short while almost every day (usually with lightning). But there are also always times when we can go outside. It never rains all day long.
The picture below is from way earlier in the season. It was forgotten on my phone and found when my practice photo at the top of this post (and about a million others I threw away) were downloaded.
Pink Shell Beach, January 2019
An oldie but a goodie!
LINKING this week to the following: Thank you to all of the hosts.
NATURE NOTES; ALL SEASONS; MOSAIC MONDAY; MACRO MONDAY , THROUGH MY LENS; OUR WORLD on Tuesday; SAY CHEESE; WILD BIRD Wednesday; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FRIDAY BLISS; SATURDAY CRITTERS; and RATHER B' BIRDING
I really hate snakes...I tried to look away, but I had to scroll beyond & saw ... oh dear.
As always, thanks for taking time to add your link with us at I'd Rather B Birdin', and enjoy your week ahead. Good birding!
Your collages & photos are awesome this week Sallie.
Posted by: Anni@I'd Rather B Birdin' | May 12, 2019 at 03:29 AM
Love the Flicker and Woodpeckers.
Posted by: Adam Jones | May 11, 2019 at 01:48 PM
Hello, love the Flicker and Woodpecker. Beautiful scenery and photos. Thanks for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Eileen Wise | May 11, 2019 at 03:35 AM
I take more photos with my camera, but nature photos don't turn out that well but I have a small camera. I think yours are great...Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Banks | May 10, 2019 at 10:15 AM
Sigh. I am speechless!
Posted by: JM Illinois | May 10, 2019 at 08:58 AM
Hi Sallie: Are you sure it is a Red-shafted Flicker? I can't see any part of the underwings or any part of the lower regions of the bird, but Yellow-shafted would be expected in the east. Red-shafted would be more likely seen when you get back to Oregon.
Posted by: David Gascoigne | May 09, 2019 at 06:31 PM
Well, the snake on the rail is not so great. I wouldn't have wanted to put my hand on it either! lol Thanks for linking up today!
Posted by: Michelle | May 09, 2019 at 04:41 PM
The python made from the tree root is impressive! I hope they don't take it down. Cell phone cameras are pretty amazing these days, but I don't think they work well for bird photography. Hard to complete with a DSLR and good quality telephoto lens!
Posted by: Peter B. | May 09, 2019 at 02:05 PM
The skies are beautiful. What a prankster the neighbor is/was. I would take or paint over the pretend snake---to big. Ugh!
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | May 09, 2019 at 07:43 AM
The last picture is stunning and I love the hibiscus.
Posted by: Linda in Virginia | May 08, 2019 at 10:17 PM
I definitely prefer the pretty shots, too! It's quite amazing what phone cameras can do these days, with the advanced cameras.
I am delighted that you chose to join My Corner of the World!
Posted by: My Corner of the World | May 08, 2019 at 02:53 PM
Nice that you have the locals fooled but that painted snake would have fooled me. Phone is handy for photos but sure do like the quality of my camera shots better.
Posted by: Gaelyn | May 08, 2019 at 06:56 AM
Our Colville Snowbirds are back. Church is a bit more crowded. It's kind of fun. Glad you are on a different time table and you can enjoy your spot with less crowds for a while. Wonderful photos. That snake is scary huge!!
Posted by: ellen b. | May 07, 2019 at 06:45 PM
I like the snake art very clever! Its a shame that people have brought evasive species into the mix...the animals suffer due to human error!
I have taken some photos with my phone...like you I have not tried birds but I did a few nests the other day..
Enjoy being a local a little while longer...
Posted by: Sondra | May 07, 2019 at 05:55 PM
Love these photos, thanks Sallie. Yikes on the python. I had heard of the problem in the Everglades. Sad state of affairs when invasive species cause such horrendous havoc to the natives. Scenery shots are gorgeous and love your flowers and birds, gorgeous sunset. Enjoy your quieter spell down there. My dad, bless him, and as we lived in a very popular seaside town, always said it was lovely to see them come (the tourists) but lovely to see them go. We always laughed because he meant no malice, just was glad to be able to get around more easily after all the traffic jams.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | May 07, 2019 at 01:56 PM
Lovely photos, Sallie. I don't like snakes but those photos are great and gives you a sense of how big they are. Love the sunset photo, it's gorgeous.
Have a wonderful day.
Posted by: bill burke | May 07, 2019 at 11:50 AM
Love the hibiscus flower image. So beautiful. But I think I can do without that huge snake. And I usually love snakes :) Love the low sun shot :)
Have a great week :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep PhotoArt | May 07, 2019 at 09:27 AM
nice that the dental hygienist did not think you were a snow bird, she must think you are too young for that!!
smart phones these days take amazing pictures, yours are beautiful!! i always enjoy seeing the flickers!
the last picture is gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Debbie | May 07, 2019 at 07:43 AM
Yikes! I wouldn't want to be that tree. Great photos.
Posted by: Sharon Wagner | May 07, 2019 at 07:34 AM
Its nice to feel like a local! My drive (or train) to work is so much easier in the school holidays - much less busy.
I had to chuckle at the python story!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | May 07, 2019 at 12:48 AM
I cannot handle snakes. I am too scared of them.
Posted by: Photo Cache | May 06, 2019 at 08:25 PM
That last shot is my favourite.
Posted by: William Kendall | May 06, 2019 at 04:50 PM
I was going to say that the snake isn't "the same!" But now I see it's not real. The same but different is my mantra these days as days and life seems to repeat and the challenge is to see it new, like the sky, everyday is different. My woodpeckers are among the least shiest birds in my yard.
Posted by: Colleen LOOSELEAFNOTES | May 06, 2019 at 04:35 PM
Nope, do not want to put my hand on a dead or worse live snake.
Posted by: Janice Adcock | May 06, 2019 at 03:39 PM
I wouldn't like seeing the snakes...real or otherwise! We've missed most of the rain but yesterday we got a big thunderstorm and some much needed rain. It's already so hot...flowers and grass need the moisture. Enjoy your week!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | May 06, 2019 at 12:44 PM
Wonderful photos, as usual. I thought that was a real snake. In fact the last time I saw a snake in the wild was in Florida. What a spectacular sunset.
Posted by: Fun 60 | May 06, 2019 at 12:43 PM
Pink Shell Beach is pretty! Had to laugh about the shorter pharmacy lines! I already thought from the thumbnail that it was a snake - its length is amazing! The pink/peach flowers is amazing, taken with your smart phone! A lovely collection for All Seasons Sally! Wishing you another great spring week. Here in the mountains it's still on or off with warm days at the moment!
Posted by: Junieper/Jesh | May 06, 2019 at 11:52 AM
As always, your photos are lovely. The last shot is picture perfect. I can imagine being on that beach and watching the sun goes down. I’m a believer in live and let it alone when it comes to snakes.
Enjoy your less crowded days.
Posted by: Florence | May 06, 2019 at 09:39 AM
Thought they were caterpillars. Happy mosaic Monday
Much💚love
Posted by: gillena | May 06, 2019 at 09:32 AM
Lovely array of nature photos ~ wonderful place to spend half the year!
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | May 06, 2019 at 08:13 AM
Haha … I guess fake snakes are preferable to the real thing that sting. Oh, wow, that last shot is picture perfect. It would be lovely to relax on that beach and watch the sun goes down. I’ve not gotten used to my phone camera either and prefer my small camera, although walking around with both weighs me down a bit more than I’d like. :))
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | May 06, 2019 at 05:02 AM
My kids only use iPhone photos. They are amazing. My SIL is a geek, encryption engineer, and they always have the top of the line!
I love your photos. I like our resident snakes. The invasive ones are just shameful for people to do this. Of course, those wouldn't survive here in the north.
I love the flickers. Good photos. We have one nesting, I think.
cheers!
Posted by: Jennifer Jilks | May 06, 2019 at 04:41 AM
Love your street corner! I think you photos using your i-phone are good. As yet I haven't used mine as I prefer my digital camera and usual way of getting photos onto my laptop to edit. Our two-home UK/Italy lifestyle is on hold at the moment, but plan to get to Italy later in the year. We're back to cooler weather here in the UK, but have plenty to do in our garden vegetable patch and flower beds.
Posted by: Linda P | May 06, 2019 at 04:00 AM
Those figs are so pretty! I thought at first glance that they were really snakes! I read an article about invasive snakes in FL. I think they wreak havoc with the bird populations.
Posted by: Laurie | May 06, 2019 at 03:53 AM
Hello,
Your street view is beautiful. Love the Flicker and Woodie. Gorgeous flowers! Pink Shell Beach looks beautiful, lovely sky. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week!
Posted by: Eileen Wise | May 06, 2019 at 03:02 AM
I enjoyed the first picture and the birds. I know the frangipani and hibicus flowers. But sorry, no, no, to the snakes. Have a great new week!
Posted by: Nancy Chan | May 06, 2019 at 02:57 AM
That painting on the creeper is amazing. Love the woodpecker, I hear them here quite often but I seldom see them! I cannot imagine pythons being invasive, they generally keep away from humans and are seldom seen in Africa unless you go looking for them. Have a good day Dane
Posted by: Diane | May 06, 2019 at 12:43 AM
I thought first that the python was a real one :) Amazingly done. That red-headed woodpecker looks so cute, we don't have it here... And I always LOVE yellow hibiscus! Happy MM Sallie.
Posted by: riitta k | May 06, 2019 at 12:24 AM
Very gorgeous area - even with invasive pythons. 😄 Love the shot of the hibiscus! It is one of my favorite flowers.
Posted by: Michelle | May 05, 2019 at 11:48 PM
You have so many 'goodies' for photos that I can easily ignore those 'nasty' snakes! I grew up in NZ where there are NO snakes at all! I love the flower photos and the photo of your "street corner' is also particularly beautiful. I hope you can get done all you hope to soon without any distractions. It sounds to me as if you have the best of all worlds with your climate changes.
Posted by: mick | May 05, 2019 at 11:22 PM
Wonderful shots and skies. Had to laugh about the fake snake though. Someone nearby has a fake snake on their boat - to deter thieves, I guess!
Posted by: Lady Fi | May 05, 2019 at 08:34 PM
I am not a fan of snakes, but I know most of them to have a worthy job.
I take many of my photos with my cell phone these days--it is just easier and always available. I do miss the quality of my Nikon and should get back in the habit of using it again.
Love your birds and flowers!
Posted by: Pat | May 05, 2019 at 08:17 PM
Sallie - I recognize those types of comments from the locals - we have the same conversations among ourselves AFTER the summer tourist season! I am not afraid of snakes, but I certainly would not have guessed the painted vine was not a real snake if you hadn't told us! Love your parting sunset - gorgeous! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday, and have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Angie | May 05, 2019 at 08:06 PM
Phones can do so much these days. I don't use mine for much beyond Instagram photos, and I agree with you that photographing birds would be just about impossible. Thanks for the warning about the creepy crawlies - I moved very fast over that section. Glad you're enjoying the quieter days now that the snowbirds have mostly gone home.
Posted by: Lorrie | May 05, 2019 at 08:03 PM
Phones can do a lot especially when extended with apps. The simplest camera can do better a birds and squirrels and other critters though. Sometimes I wonder why we don't have cameras with configurable apps. The in-camera modifications available are pitiful.
That fake snake would have given me a heart attack.
I grew up in the deserts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico and killed numerous rattlesnakes that I came across, and I now regret every single kill. Nowadays I am a live and let live guy. I totally understand killing an invasive species like the python though.
Posted by: Alan Bates | May 05, 2019 at 06:55 PM
...such a beautiful ending!
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | May 05, 2019 at 06:20 PM
I think your phone photos are great. I know you'll be leaving soon. I like being here full-time but I do take off usually August to go to Michigan to visit my sister. This year I'm going for July and August. Have a safe trip!
Posted by: Carol | May 05, 2019 at 04:23 PM