June 22nd, 2023

Welcome to another Photo Safari Report!    Despite the rising temperature, strong breeze and overcast skies, Joy and I headed out on another hike.  This time, at Joy's brilliant suggestion, we specifically went to Myakka State Park.  There is a driving road that goes all the way through this beautiful place with lots of little trails leading from it.  The reasoning was that we could hike for a bit and then cool off in the car as we drove to the next spot over and over.  Genius!  A great way to avoid heat stroke.  Therefore, I am calling this the Air Conditioned Hike!

Even though we arrived plenty early, initially we were a little disappointed.  There didn't seem to be many photo opportunities.    Well that's not fair. There are always pretty things just begging to be captured on camera.  And of course I did get those.  Ferns and reflections and interesting trees and the endless fields of yellow wildflowers......  Gorgeous!

Speaking of flowers, while most of them were those bright golden ones, there were a few others here and there:

But what we were looking for, hoping for, really was wildlife.  And initially, nothin, not even birds!  What the what?  Where did everybody go?  Eventually, Joy's eagle eye spied this adorable sweet baby trying to stay cool in a shady spot:

It was as if, once we finally found one, suddenly, there was no end to the wonderful creatures we saw. They were everywhere and in every direction:​

And then there were the birds. Oh my gracious, so very many wonderful birds!  Including, my very first Meadowlark ever!  Their reputation for having a Beautiful song is well deserved.  And in fact, at first I was so stunned by hearing the song that I couldn't remember to take a doggone photo. Joy had to prompt me (thank you Jo).  I just stood there like a dolt, listening and marveling.  Anyway, birds: (I will identify the ones I know for sure - the rest- I'm not positive)

Not only did we not get too miserably hot and sweaty (and worn out) on this Air Conditioned Hike, we also got some great shots and got to spend the morning together which is always a good thing.

I will leave you with a few rando photos and wishes for a terrific weekend!