Spring in the South

Mocking Bird

I know I haven't posted many blog posts in the last few weeks, but wanted to let you know that I really appreciate all my readers and followers. I'm very thankful for your loyalty in reading my blog posts, as well as your comments and "likes" on my Facebook page.



We're still in Florida! I feel very blessed to be able to enjoy a jump start on Spring by our stay in Florida. While I can sympathize with my family and friends that endured the long winter in the Northeast, just know that I thought of you often. And I mean it, too. I would wonder if the snow was melting, how cold was it, did any of my friends have extensive damage from the snow,  how much snow is left in our yard in Mexico, NY, how windy was it, and did anyone have any damage from the harsh winter?

White Ibis

Most of the "snowbirds" (people who spend their winter in Florida to get away from the cold and snow) have headed back home by now. It's starting to get hot in Florida. At 10 a.m. in the morning it's 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  We were in the 90's yesterday and that's expected today, too. We're not really snowbirds. We stay home for most of the winter. My husband really enjoys the cold weather and he is avid downhill skier. He has enjoyed his time the last few years skiing a few times each week with our son and two oldest grandchildren. I'm glad they have this special time together enjoying this outdoor activity.

Green Heron

So the end of February (I have to tear my husband away from skiing), we head south to enjoy some warm weather. And usually March isn't that great for skiing because the snow is starting to melt and you get the spring rains. However this year was an exception. I can't believe that March was as cold as it was in the Northeast. I almost feel 'guilty' for enjoying all this heat and sunshine in Florida.

Osprey with his catch of fresh fish

Osprey on recycled satellite dish for nesting purposes

But soon we will be leaving here and heading home. I always enjoy the songs of the birds and the green growth of spring when we arrive here. One of the first sounds that you hear when you head south is the song of the Mocking Bird. This bird has so many varieties of songs that unless you see him while he's singing you never know if you are hearing the actual species he's imitating or the Mocking Bird itself.

Sandhill Crane sitting on nest with two recent hatchlings

We also look forward to seeing tropical bird species that live in the areas surrounding the marshes, swamps, shorelines and lakes of the south. Some of those birds include the Ibis, Sandhill Cranes, Anhinga, Great Egrets, and Herons. When we arrive in early March, several bird species have built their nests and laid their eggs.

Sandhill Crane with chicks that are 24 hours old

It seems so odd to me to be down here this time of year and everything is green, the wildlife are raising their babies, and the bugs are out. It's really strange to see the fireflies in April. There are some pesty bugs around here though. Like the mosquitoes and the "no see-um's". They are bad. And of course there are the alligators, and snakes. Lots of snakes (poisonous ones, too).

Baby Great-horned Owl

Great Egret

Bougainvillea

Also, because everything so so green and flowering in Florida in the spring there is a lot of pollen that can cause several problems for those with allergies.

Florida = exquisite flora, fauna, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and beaches!

Note: some of the wildlife featured on this page are also found in several other States including Central and Northern New York. The wildlife was not baited or called in for these pictures. 

Hope you enjoyed some of 

our photos from Florida. 

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