What’s Up?
Hello my friends! I’m back from my vacation to Florida in company of my wife Lucy and son Tyler. In very few words I can say: We had a wonderful time!
My first stop in Florida was Clearwater, we went to visit our good friend Tiny. She’s the sweetest person in the world and we love her. We had a great photo shooting at the Sand Key salt marsh and of course we conversed about cameras and Photography in general and as much we did about birds.
We continued our trip, driving toward Sarasota where we met my cousin that lives there. After we visited my cousin we went to several other places known for excellent beaches and enjoyed the ocean as well as the white sands of Florida. The Florida sun is the best for a deep tan. However, all wasn’t just beach enjoyment, I had to work with the camera! My good fortune allowed me to make a productive list of 22 different species!
- Black Skimmer
- Snowy Egret
- Great Blue Heron
- Tricolored Heron
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Reddish Egret
- American Ibis
- Osprey
- Boat-tailed
- Mottled Duck
- Great Egret
- Laughing Gull
- Common Gallinule
- Swallowtail Kite * New lifer
- Loggerhead Shrike* New lifer
- Little Blue Heron
- Glossy Iris
- Red-winger Blackbird
- Limpkin
- Anhinga
- Turkey Vulture
- Neotropic Cormorant
The coming days I will be posting about the new lifers and the rest of the birds from the list. I’m completely satisfied with my vacation with my family and the photos I shot all throughout the trip. Thank you to all my friends for your support and loyalty to my blog.
© HJ Ruiz
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
In my very crowded neighborhood, I can only envy you and your sightings. I’m seeing very little in the way of wildlife around here – sad. (The only thing running wild is the human population!)
You’re missing a lot my friend! Take some breaks from the cities and go to the country areas. Thanks for sharing G.! 🙂
Can’t wait to see all the wonderful birds!!
New photos coming soon! Thanks Dorinda! 🙂
Sounds a great break that you had. It was nice to see pictures of Tiny whose blog I also follow.
It really was great! We all are a great family of bloggers. 🙂
Welcome back with your wonderful birds HJ! I’m happy that you enjoyed your Florida holiday! Also very nice to meet your family + Tiny…..
Thank you very much Beth! We had a great time! 🙂
Impressive list! Glad you enjoyed your vacation.
It was a short vacation but with a great deal of fun! Thanks Inese! 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by here H.J., Lucy and Tyler! It was wonderful to see you all again ❤ Thanks for the great lunch and for bringing in the rains 🙂 The salt marsh is brimming with water and birds again!
We had such a wonderful time! I’m glad that the salt marsh is at optimum condition for more birds. We were delighted to see you again. Lucy and Tyler send their love. Thank you Tiny! 🙂
It was lovely 🙂
How exciting 22 birds, and two new lifers added to the list! My Mom doesn’t live too far from Clearwater, and since she retired and moved there several years ago I’ve still not gone to visit, and she keeps telling me there are amazing birds there that I’d love. FL has long been on my list of places to go birding. I’m hoping to remedy that this year.
Looking forward to seeing your images soon!
Yes, I think you’re missing a lot of good photo subjects in FL. Visit your Mom first. Thanks Deborah for sharing. 🙂
🙂 I was just talking to her last week about going to visit this fall. We just need to nail down the dates.
Sounds like you had a great vacation HJ! Hasn’t Tyler grown! Lovely to see photos of you all.
Thank you Clare! You’re right Tyler is tall for a 6 y.o. Great vacation days! 🙂
🙂
How awesome!!! What a trip …and to see Tiny too 🙂 Blessings!
Thank you Lorrie! You’re right, it was awesome! 🙂
2 new lifers out of 22 is a pretty good strike rate. Indeed, shrike rate…
🙂 I think so! Thanks RH! 🙂
looking forward to the photos!
Thanks Jadi! 🙂