Checking in from Florida....

Small lake near my campsite

Just a short post to let everyone know I’m doing fine here in Florida; enjoying the sunny, 70 degree weather and not missing the colder weather up north.

I spent a few weeks in southern Georgia, flying back north for the Thanksgiving holiday. Upon my return I moved to Gamble Rogers State Park, near Flagler Beach on the northeast Florida seacoast. Then I moved here to Alafia River State Park, northeast of Tampa. I've been here for the past 5 days and have to say I’m surprised at how empty the place is most of the time. A few campers come in for one night but only a handful stays longer than that. My campsite is very close to a small lake and there are great hiking trails. Haven’t seen any horses but this park has several riding trails, equestrian camping and horse barns for guests. Trail biking is also very popular with the locals and the woods are laced with well-marked trails.

Tomorrow morning I will leave and head back to the Florida – Georgia border for 2 weeks. I’ll catch a flight out of Jacksonville FL and spend one of those weeks visiting Ronna, friends and family for the Christmas holiday. Then it will be back to Florida for 2 months and a trip to the Florida Keys.

Been a while since I posted bird pictures so I picked up the camera yesterday and snapped a few. Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas!

Note the sign 

A good reason to heed those signs!

Red-Shouldered Hawk

Another Red-Shouldered Hawk

Northern Mockingbird

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

Killdeer

Great Blue Heron with dinner, a fresh water eel

Ah! the elusive Badminton Birdie

Another of the same Blue Heron

 Boat Tailed Grackle, male

Northern Cardinal

Probably the last thing a bug sees!

Boat Tailed Grackle, fermale

Red Headed Woodpecker

Turkey Vulture

Eurasian Collared Doves

Not sure about this little guy, some type of Warbler I think