Feathers On Friday: Woody On Lookout Duty

Woody wood stork is a large and heavy bird, over 40 inches tall and weighing approximately 7 lbs. Nevertheless, he manages to balance elegantly and effortlessly on a tree branch. I love to watch him in flight with his impressive wingspan and then see how he gracefully lands on exactly the branch of his choosing. His straight, pointed beak can be 9 inches long and is used for building a nest, procuring food and is also an Impressive combat weapon. He’s always a very welcome visitor to our backyard here in Florida.

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend and a very happy Mothers’ Day to all of you who are fortunate enough to be mothers.

Six Word Saturday: Longing To Spread Our Wings Again

A Brown Pelican shows his considerable wing-span as he takes off on a fishing trip.

Because of this pesky virus, it’s been far too long that we’ve been confined to our immediate surroundings. I’m feeling cautiously hopeful that with the vaccine roll outs, we might once again be able to ‘spread our wings’ and fly away to see far-flung family. The last time we saw my mom–in-law in England, she was only 106. This year she turns 108, so as you can imagine we’re really hoping we’ll be able to visit her this summer.

Wishing you all a splendid weekend. To join in Debbie’s ‘Six Word Saturday’, just click the link.

Feathers On Friday: What A Mess!

Lenny Limpkin decided to rearrange his feathers and then seemed forget how to put himself back together again. Oh well, I’m sure he’ll work it out.

Wishing you all a very put-together weekend. Stay safe.

Feathers On Friday: An Unusual Visitor

The Turkey Vulture is usually seen soaring high in the sky, but this one happened to land in my back garden to have his photo taken.

Wishing you all a peaceful and safe weekend.

Six Word Saturday: Ms Anhinga Hanging Out To Dry

I miss hanging out with friends.

Wishing you all a happy weekend.

Theresa Turtle Prepares For Motherhood

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that Theresa, our resident River Cooter turtle was digging a hole in our backyard. I went out to tell her that her efforts weren’t appreciated, but she ignored me and carried on anyway, so I left her in peace.

After googling to find out why she was doing this, I realized that she was preparing a nest in which to lay her eggs. The hole was soon filled in and the grass has since grown over it. I hope the baby turtles will hatch safely and be able to get out, as the mom’s job is done once she’s laid the eggs and she takes no further interest in her brood, so they have to fend for themselves. Apparently it’s a team effort and they take it in turns to dig their way out. Imagine if we humans did the same.

Feathers on Friday: A Quartet Of Ibis

Through my kitchen window, I spotted this quartet of white Ibis balanced precariously in the trees alongside our lake. It was almost as though they were posing for a photo op.

According to Native American folklore, the white ibis is a symbol of both danger and optimism because it’s been noticed that they are the last to seek shelter before a hurricane and the first to emerge afterwards, so I’d better keep an eye on those Ibis.

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful weekend.

Not So Mundane Monday Visitors

Once again, my bathroom window was the right place to be, when a pair of red foxes decided to wander through our backyard.

Ms Foxy sat down to have a scratch and looked askance at me pointing my camera her way.

Her partner wasn’t waiting for her and was already on his way to the next house.

Wishing you all a good week with some happy surprises.

 

Feathers On Friday: Woody Speaks His Mind

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is what it also takes to sit down and listen.” ~ Sir Winston Churchill

Woody wood stork is not afraid to say his piece,

after which, he sits down again.

“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would rather have talked.” ~ Mark Twain

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful weekend.

A Fine Balancing Act

Hope you’re staying on top of things and not letting the lock-down get to you. Mr GBH has the right idea. He’s executing a fine balancing act and in doing so, seeing things from a different perspective.

How I would love to be able to fly up there and keep an eye on the whole neighbourhood from a really safe distance.