The Heat is On

I woke up slightly late this morning and was graced with the presence of 90 degree heat & 100% humidity. I figured it might be a little cooler in some of the cypress swamps and on the bayfront but was sadly mistaken. Hiking a slightly different route for a change, I knocked off 11 miles, and felt every mile of the intense heat. I wanted to try out the Osmanthus trail since I've been looking for Cottonmouths all spring & haven't seen any. This trail has a lot more freshwater swamps then the other trails in the park, but unfortunately I wasn't able to see any. I did however, get to see a Spotted Turtle crossing the trail, so it was worthwhile afterall.

Spotted Turtle. Photo taken 6/20/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

Bird activity has really shut down in the park over the past couple of weeks as migration is now overwith. The reptiles, amphibians & insects have made a profound step in taking over that thrown however. Small toads and frogs were all over the ground throughout the park, and along with the Spotted Turtle, I also saw a large Snapping Turtle near the east junction of the Osprey & Long Creek Trails, and also a Yellow-bellied Slider. Lizards & Snakes were also represented well today, with a 4-5' Black Rat Snake making an appearance, and startling me to death, and several skinks & one gorgeous Fence Lizard.

Northern Fence Lizard. Photo taken 6/20/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

Bird life wasn't totally absent, as my favorite Green Heron made one appearance near the West Twin Tidal Creek, and an immature Bald Eagle took off from nearby as well. All in all it was a good day for animal sightings, it was just unfortunate the humidity was so high as it seems my photos never turn out quite as good as they can under dry skies.

Cicada. Photo taken 6/20/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

Yellow Swallowtail. Photo taken 6/20/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

Butterfly (Sp.?). Photo taken 6/20/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

The Scenery. Photo taken 6/20/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

Summer is Here; Migration is Over

Finally made it out hiking for the morning again & did the same 10 mile circuit. This time around, nothing was really moving around, although I did get to see the Green Heron a few more times, and a few Great Blues. A very quiet day in the woods.

Song Sparrow. Photo taken 6/6/09.

Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

Racerunner (Six-lined subspecies). Photo taken 6/13/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)

Raccoon Tracks. Photo taken 6/13/09.
Location info & Larger Photo available Here, (click the photo at the site)