Florida Wildlife Photos

One of the thrills of spending large chunks of time in the outdoors is observing wildlife, and we had the good fortune to spot a great deal of wildlife as we paddled or biked Florida the last 4 weeks. Here is a sampling of what we experienced, starting with one of the dozens of alligators we spotted while paddling 9 different rivers -- this one on the Wekiva River... (double click to enlarge photos)



This anhinga dutifully posed for this shot:



Here was an armadillo that didn't run away as we passed:



A southeastern kestral...

... and a barred owl...



... and another gator, this time of the South Withlacoochee River...



The docile manatees are another wonder to behold. Unfortunately, most days it was too cold to swim in the springs, but we did see over a dozen manatees on our paddles...

After paddling the magnificent Ichetucknee River, we visited the education center where the ranger introduced us to Sebastian, an eastern indigo snake that lives there...



One of my favorite birds is the roseate spoonbill (or "rosy-ass spoonbill" as Ellen calls it.) Here's one in the water and another in flight...






The reddish heron is a frenetic bird, constantly on the move, flittering about to the right and the left and back and forth as it seemingly frantically searches for food to stoke its constant movement. Just watching one makes you tired!

The majestic wood stork is another of my favorites and it is said that James John Audubon traveled to Florida just to see them.


Here's a grey catbird...



It was breeding season and we spotted several birds with their breeding plummage, first the great blue heron...



... and also the snowy white egret...

I have over 200 photos of critters from this trip, but I'll finish with these 3. First, a red shouldered hawk...



... then a tricolored heron...



... and finally the endangered Florida scrub jay.



Thanks to my buddy, Greg Pflug of Adventures in Florida, who helped identify many of these birds.

I do have additional photos of wildlife on my photo gallery and these photos can be downloaded to your computer if you want any. Enjoy!