Happy New Year!!!

And 2014 is here already! Over this past month, I was very happy to take a few trips to the wetlands and spend some time away from the hectic daily pace.

As I walked along a section closed to vehicles, I came across this River Otter frolicking in the dirt. With a giant grin, I quickly sat down to watch one of my favorite, playful wetland dwellers in action.

Some dirt + some sun= one happy otter!!!

One day as I was pulling into the Click Ponds, I caught a glimpse of this beautiful Bald Eagle flying straight towards me! And then I realized that my camera was still zipped up securely in the camera bag....I did manage to get it out in time for one quick, somewhat blurry shot as the eagle passed.

 After a low pass of the ponds waters, sending the pond occupants scattering in mutliple directions, the eagle landed nearby on a utility pole. I soon thought to my self if the eagle is looking up, perhaps I should be too.

Sure enough, the eagle's mate was circling and soon the pair departed together.

And, yes it's that time of the year again...

While I do miss having different seasons in Florida, it is fun to still come across butterflies in December. Following this rapidly fluttering little blue, I assumed it was a Ceraunus Blue, as most little blues I come across are. I was excited to discover it was actually a similiar species, the Cassius Blue. Both species are teeny, tiny (wingspan 15-25 mm) with violet blue (inner) wing coloring.

I was able to capture a few photos (my first of this species) and the tiny butterrfly disappeared. As I was attempting to relocate it, I came across the more common Ceraunus Blue.

New Years is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the feeling of a new beginning, writing resolutions and goals for the new year...I wish you the very best in the 2014...

My your coming year

be filled with

magic and dreams

and good madness.

I hope you read some fine books

and kiss someone

who you think is wonderful

And don't forget to make some art

write or draw

or build or sing 

or live only as you can.

And I hope, somewhere in the next year,

you surprise yourself.

~Neil Gaiman

Stop, Drop, & Roll

Even though Fire Prevention week was last month, this River Otter continues to enjoy practicing his...

Stop!

Drop!

& Roll!

Until 2 people on bikes come barreling towards him....then into the reeds he goes. Luckily the Otter was able to continue his drying process there.

After a swim, Otters will dry themselves by vigorously rubbing themselves in the sand or grass. I always find this process amusing to watch as they seem to enjoy it so much. They remind me of how my cat behaves when it has a toy with cat nip on it.

Wow, that was exhausting!

Time for a snooze!