by Eliza
This morning I set out on a Nature Walk to Princess Place. The photos below were taken in opposite order. I did a version of my normal walk, which took me from the westside of the park across the bridge, along Creekside Trail, pass the Lodge, to the Artesian Trail, then through one of the Moody Campgrounds. Then I headed on the Loop Road towards the Equestrian Trail to reconnect with the main road so I could cross Stiles Creek.
The primary purpose for the trip was to see how well my new little camera performed. On the whole I’m satisfied with it. First, it was cheap — I’m living on a budget. I prefer my old Nikon but it was falling apart. So it was do without or get something inexpensive. The camera is a PixPro by Kodak, nothing special. It’s a point and shoot which I can hold in one hand. It seems to fit the deal right now. I still have my eye on something better, but not now.
Just as I was completing the hike and approaching the Stiles Creek bridge, I heard a noisy croak behind me and saw these two elegant Sandhill Cranes. This was an unexpected treat. I have never seen these elegant cranes in the wild before. Apparently they fly through the area and sometimes winter over. This part of Florida is well-known as a bird migration route. I also saw an Osprey, Great Blue Heron, White Egrets, and a Tri-colored Heron.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/overview
Let me know what you think about these photos. It was really nice to get out, again, camera in hand.
Eliza Ayres
Sunny's Journal 