WHAT YOU LOOKIN' AT?

This ostrich was such a funny guy.  He followed us around as we walked along the fence.  I just love his soft peach fuzzy hair.

BEAUTY IN THE BUSH

I was fortunate enough to capture these beauties at a fairly close distance.  They were cautiously curious as we snapped away.  So gentle and such a beautiful animal.

PEEK A BOO!

PEEK A BOO

We were driving down the backroads to go and pick strawberries when we looked up and saw this awesome site.  Mamma and her baby perched high up beside a hydro pole.  These boxes were made for resident Osprey, but looks like the owls have moved in!

MR. AND MRS. OSPREY

We sat on the edge of the highway to capture these beautiful Osprey.  Mamma was sitting on the nest and later hubby came in with a fish in his claws.  They certainly didn't like our presence and made sure we knew it with their loud screeching.  The wind kept us from getting the sharp shots we would have liked.  Maybe tomorrow will be better. 

LOOKING FOR LUNCH?

There is no shortage of Turkey Vultures here in Florida.  The sky can be black at times with so many vultures riding the thermals.  There is also no end to the dead wild boars on the side of the road, therefore providing a feeding frenzy!

SANDHILL CRANE

We were off on a shopping trip today and stopped along side the road to see this beautiful Sandhill Crane just walking along.  We got within 2 feet of this beautiful bird allowing us to take his picture.  This Sandhill stood around 4 ft tall. Stunning.

MANITEE

Today we went to the coast near a place called Ruscus where there was a Manitee lookout station that you could go out and see the many Manitee that gather to the warm water.  There is a large chemical plant that has an inlet on the side of it that pumps out warm water.  The Manitee love the warm water so they gather here.  Unfortunately the Manitee didn't show much of themselves coming up only to get air.  

FLORIDA RODEO DAYS IN ARCADIA

I had never been to a rodeo until today. WOW what a show.  There were more cowboys, dirt and livestock than you could imagine.  My favourite was the 5 and 6 year old Mutton Riders.  Little boys riding sheep! How cute.  Bucking Broncos, Barrel racing,  Calf roping, and another favourite Bull Riding.  Enjoy just a few...too many to post!

I'M SO BLUE

I just love orchids!  I have several plants growing around the house.  I saw this pretty blue orchid and had to have it.  I am always amazed at Gods creation when it comes to such beautiful flowers.  

SOLOMON'S CASTLE

We visited Solomon's Castle today in Ona Florida.  Howard Solomon above built himself a castle out of junk!  The outside of the castle is made out of newspaper printing plates.  The entire building was built over 14 years entirely made out of junk and recycled material.  Beside the Castle is a huge "Boat in a Mote" which took him 4 years to build.  

These sculptures were among thousands of made by Mr. Soloman. Everything made from scrap material.  The above lion was made out of steel drums.

These flowers were found in the gardens around the castle.  The moss grows freely on many trees in the Florida area giving the appearance of a spooky landscape.