Waterfowl Posts

  There may be different kinds of swan, but the one that most often comes to mind is the beautiful and graceful white bird, the Mute Swan.  This bird was domesticated early and used for its meat.  Now, it is prized for its beauty.     The swan is often a symbol of love and fidelity because of its monogamous relationship to its mate.  The graceful bird carr...

    TThe Bok Tower is a National Historic Landmark.  In the gardens, it is situated at the highest elevation south of the reflection pool so the water can reflect its full image. reflection pool so the a anflect it full image. One can either enjoy the tower from afar or admire its beautiful reflections up close by the pool with the resident swans.  Since the primary ...

    WINTER PARK, FLORIDA   In navigating the second canal on the Chain of Lakes, the bamboo facing the canal waterway was especially dense.  Our guide informed us this is the type sold and used commercially. An eco-friendly crop typically grown without chemicals and pesticides, bamboo is very versatile and used for just about everything from floors to blue jeans.  Ho...

     “But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:  Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee:  and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.  Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?  In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mank...

    Only a few steps beyond this feeding duo is a nature lover’s point known as ‘Window on the Pond’.   Both conservatory and sanctuary, it is located within the incredible Bok Singing Tower Gardens (coming soon to our photologue).   This woodland station is housed in a small, almost shed-like building, with only timber benches undergirded by a dirt floor.  A l...

  We usually can find a population of the duck species someplace.    In central Florida they flourish around lakes where the sand, marshes, reeds and blue waters make for a winning combination. Dabbling ducks feed in shallow waters and wetlands on algae and other vegetation.  Salt ponds, an open bay, and tidal and seasonal wetlands all play important roles in meeting t...

For the final stroll in the fabulous gardens of Harry P. Leu, we’ll look beyond the shaded azaleas to the tropical stream garden that meanders down to Lake Rowena.  Many native Florida plants having that lush tropical look inhabit this area.           There’s also papaya, passion fruit, mango and guava.  These ‘whoppers’ were the only o...

Shifting from the gardens for a moment, let's snatch some glimpses of interesting waterfowl in this state with such glorious springtime sunshine. I followed this one patiently through the marshes until I finally landed the prize photo below. There will be more in this series.  Please drop by.

“You put your camera around your neck along with putting on your shoes, and there it is, an appendage of the body that shares your life with you.  The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”………Dorothea Lange Most gulls live near the ocean, which is why, of course, they are commonly referred to as sea gulls.  However, it’s not uncommon to find them in no...