Winding Down and Wrapping Up

Our season in Florida is drawing to a close.  This week we'll be getting ready to close up the house and getting the car and tiny trailer ready to head for Oregon -- and then we'll be doing exactly that.  

 

 

I didn't even get to take advantage of the last normal week at the Canal Cottage  photographically because our weather didn't cooperate.  We had a lot of rain.  And gray skies.  But we're grateful that we missed the terrible rains that hit further South.   Our area just caught the tail end of the Florida monsoon that hit last week.    

 

Red shouldered hawks, Eagles, Osprey

So none of the pictures in this post are new.   They are all from this Season however.  Even though we were busy doing a lot of non-blogging work on the Canal Cottage and didn't do nearly as much Florida exploring as we have in the past, there were still many photo opportunities.    All of these birds of prey were seen in our own neighborhood. 

 

Ibis, Little Blue Heron (immature), Tri-Color Heron, Northern Shrike, Ducks, Kildeer, Blue Jay, Red-Bellied Woodpecker,  Snowy Egret

All pictures in the collage above were taken right here on the grounds in the resort where we live or at neighborhood parks or ponds.   All were accidental sightings -- none were from special birding trips.  You never want to go anywhere here without a camera.    Normal activities like morning walks or short errand runs  frequently turn into great birding opportunities.

 

 These are frequently seen roadside birds.   Almost every time we drive anywhere we  see Egrets on the ground or in trees,  Wood storks in roadside wetlands or even in water-filled ditches,  vultures doing what vultures do, and Ibis  everywhere.    

 

Grateful for our season in the sun.  For the views, the warm winter weather, and the many accidental birding opportunities right here at home.  (But not-so-secretly hoping we'll have time for a little more Florida exploring in another season.)  

 

Linking this week to the following sharing opportunities:  Thank you to the hosts.

MOSAIC MONDAY;  NATURE NOTES;  THROUGH MY LENS; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY;  FRIDAY  BLISS;    SATURDAY CRITTERS ; and RATHER B' BIRDING  

 

 

Comments

[Heidrun]

We are glad to get rain here. It`s very dry. The plants in the nature, in our garden are very thirsty.

I admire the wonderful captures of the birds.

Happy MosaicMonday

[David Gascoigne]

I suspect that by now you are back home in Oregon, Sallie, although since you spend about half the year in Florida, I wonder whether you now consider Florida home. In any event enjoy the summer in Oregon and bring us lots of reports of the wildlife there.

[DeniseinVA]

p.s. I wanted to check to make sure I put my correct address on here, so clicked on my name to make sure. Something popped up to say I might have been a bogus site. Just wanted to assure you that this is me, Denise, at www.anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com

[DeniseinVA]

Thank you for sharing all these wonderful sights before you leave. Fabulous photos! Happy travels Sallie :)

[Fun60]

It looks a great place to spend the winter with so much birdlife on your doorstep. Have a safe journey and I look forward to seeing more of Oregon once you get out and about there again.

[Rain Frances]

Hi Sallie! I think it's wonderful that you can spend the winter in Florida. My dream would be to escape the snowy cold winters here! Lovely photos of the Egrets!

[Sharon Wagner]

Beautiful parting bird shots! Safe travels and happy trails. Don't think about those gas prices too long. Sigh.

[Diane]

That must be lovely to be surrounded by so much birdlife. You are adventurous driving all that way as you get older. We can't be bothered doing long road trips anymore.

[Gaelyn]

Your FL home is perfect for winter with lots of local wildlife and beauty. Of course your OR home is awesome as well. Enjoy the journey. Heck, you're probably halfway across country by now. I am behind reading.

[KB]

Love the proud Eagle. Have a safe trip.

[Ken Schneider]

We moved from south Florida to Connecticut in late December and had a good taste of winter. I do miss the easy photos of big birds. Now that the trees have leaves it is very difficult to get a clear shot of the little critters. Our old neighborhood in Broward County seems to have been under a flood watch almost every day for the past week or so.

[Sandy]

Popped in from a blog friends blog. It's always fun to meet new bloggers. Wonderful pictures, particularly of the sunsets. Safe travels as you venture back to Oregon. Hope you'll continue to explore while in route and once you're back home.

[mae]

Good to know that birds in Florida are doing well. Your photos are lovely. I hope you have a wonderful trip back to the West.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

[Eileen]

Hello Sallie,
What a great collection of Florida birds and photos. I love all the birds, especially the Eagle and Osprey. The Wood Storks standing still remind me of toy soldiers. Lovely sky captures. Safe travels back to Oregon. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

[riitta k]

You show always stunning bird photography dear Sallie! Safe trip back to home.

[Jim, Sydney, Australia]

Beautiful.

[Jm, Illinois, U.S.A.]

Off you go from Florida to Oregon. I enjoyed the collage of the Eagle plus other birds and the flowers. Be safe.

[Peter B.]

Beautiful photos. Our desert season is similarly timed... just now starting to hit triple digits and getting uncomfortably hot. Makes it challenging to go out and hike (or do much of anything!). Safe travels back to Oregon!

[Lillian]

Thank you for showing my all this birds

[Heidrun]

Thank you for your nice words on my blog. By the way, it`s difficult to send a comment. It`s only on my PC to do.

I enjoyed reading. The birds are fantastic again. And I agree, the wheather is here terrible too.

Have a very good week.

[Lorrie Orr]

Wonderful accidental sightings, Sallie, and good for you for taking your camera wherever you go! Have a safe trip across the continent!

[Dixie]

Beautiful photos. I've never seen a wood stork, or any stork. Wonderful to see.
Have a safe journey home, Sallie.

[Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie]

Wonderful photos - so many different types of birds. I love the wood-storks. They are like something out of a fairy-tale. Safe travels back home to the beautiful Pacific Northwest! x K

[Dina Johnston]

Beautiful sunset! and great birds. Have a safe trip.

[Alan]

Great photographs! Have a fun and safe drive back!!

[Bob Bushell]

Great raptors living over you, perfect. Safe journey Sallie.

[Linda P]

Safe journey. I'm sure those beautiful roses will be waiting to welcome you. Thank you for your kind comment on my blog post about our garden.

[A ShutterBug Explores]

Oh your photography is awesome ~ beautiful sky shot and feathered friends ~ Happy Trails to you ~ be safe ~ Xo

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

[Veronica Lee]

Yet another stunning collage of birds!

Safe travels as you head back to Oregon, Sallie.

Hugs and blessings!

[Soma @ InkTorrents.com]

To be able to see these birds in their natural habitat is already quite remarkable, photographing them so well is simply amazing. Good thing you keep your camera handy. Safe travels. I will be looking forward to more photos.

-Soma

[Linda W]

Great to see these birds! Safe travels.

[William Kendall]

The eagle is amazing.

[ellen b]

Wonderful sightings in your neighborhood! Love the birds of prey. Safe travels back to Oregon!

[Su-sieee! Mac]

Safe and fun travels back to Eugene, Sallie! Aloha!

[Jennifer Jilks]

Happy trails. I hope all goes well!

[Amy Franks]

Safe travels Sallie, thats a long way to go from one end of the country to the other.

[Sondra]

That was a short season or is it just me...lovely birds to see while out and about, I haven't seen a stork yet this year...normally see them in the fall around here if we're lucky. Hope your travels back to Oregon and safe and exciting!

[Beatrice]

Safe travels as you head back to Oregon, Sallie, and thanks for all these final FL views of wildlife and scenics.

[Gillena Cox]

Gorgeous birds and sky. Happy Monday

Much❤love

[Pat]

I loved seeing all the wonderful Florida birds you see every day, and I'm glad the storm did not reach the area you live in--poor Miami got hot with so much rain!

I give you and your husband credit for making the long drive from Florida to Oregon every year! I'm sure it must be nice to see new sights along the way. I hope you get to visit your kids in Colorado.

Safe travels if you leave this week!

[Lavender Dreams]

We haven't had the rains here but we could use a shower. I know it's a busy week for you and I'm hoping your trip is a good one! Come back when it gets cooler....better yet...take me with you! heehee! Hugs!

[Eileen]

Hello Sallie,
It seems like your Florida season has gone by quickly. I enjoy seeing all your birds and the pretty sky images. Safe travels to Oregon. Take care, enjoy your new week!

[Hazel]

What lovely local bird photos!
Have a good trip home, and do take photos en route. Hopefully, you will have some WIFI on the way.

[Angie]

Sallie - what a terrific collage of birds. And to think they were all "accidental sightings" - your winter residence is blessed with wildlife of the winged variety. On our return journey from Grand Cayman on May 29, we landed in Miami right before a torrential rain storm. I could see the lightning in the clouds to the west. Turbulence was not fun! I look forward to posts about your cross-country journey - safe travels!

[Carol]

Wishing you a safe journey and a beautiful Oregon summer