Bruce and I have been finding interesting places to walk near our home in Delray Beach. Not too far off the beaten track is Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach. It’s a 147,392 acres sanctuary for all types of birds, alligators, turtles and according to refuge signs, deer.
As we began our stroll through the cypress trees, a group of people were viewing something in a tree. They told me it was a screech owl. I looked and looked and thought they were imagining things. Bruce finally spotted it with his binoculars and through my lens I finally could make out the owl. It really was an amazing find since it was so well camouflaged.
I think it will be a great place to ride our bikes. They also have kayak and canoe rentals. We have plans to do both.
As we walked to our car, a kindly soul told us about another owl which was nesting. There were barriers all around the tree but we spotted the owl in the nest. It wasn’t a great photo because I didn’t have my 300 zoom. This is a Great Horned Owl.
We also spotted these other birds which my birder friend Barbara, identified as Sandhill Cranes.
On Saturday we met our friends, Ina and Jim, at Morikami Gardens and Museum. This is a fabulous place in Delray Beach with beautiful gardens and a great gift shop. We also had lunch there. I had a bento box and Bruce had ahi tuna.
Bruce and Jim rubbed the Buddha’s belly for good luck.
Our walks around the pond are always eventful with the many birds swooping and splashing and enjoying themselves.
The bushes are alive with color. I love this coral colored hibiscus.
I even spotted this bird on a high bush. I need my friend to help me identify it.
We also enjoyed another walk at Green Cay Wetlands where the birds were quite active on a cool day.
We had Sunday brunch with Linda and Stan at Penelope’s. It was a great breakfast and their hash browns were delicious.
Since I didn’t get a very good shot of the nesting owl, we decided to go back with my 300 lens. Better shots but I could use a 600.
I also managed to get a shot of the baby owl which was a fluffy white ball.
Our time in Florida is half over and we are enjoying this adventure. Bruce checks the weather back home and then smiles, because it’s been about 20 degrees warmer here.
I have to remember each day to be grateful for the life I have. Bruce and I have had good health, have been financially comfortable, our children and grandchildren are all doing well and we have been blessed with great friends and family. It’s been a fabulous ride!
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