Canoeguruab 

33 creative works found

• 

  Little Bandit
  by Rebecca Cruz

  I have always assumed that raccoons live just about everywhere. However, they are found in most of the United States except for parts of the Rocky Mountains, central Nevada, Utah and Arizona. They are also found in southern Canada and from Mexico to northern South America. Photographed at Juniper Springs Wilderness Preserve, located in the Ocala National Forest, Florida. They have one of the best canoe runs in Florida there for those who like it! Also from Juniper Springs Wilderness Preserve / /

• 

  Sitting Pretty
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Taken while canoeing in Juniper Springs Wilderness Preserve, North Central Florida. I believe this to be an “American Coot”. They can be seen in copious numbers sunning themselves on fallen trees or outcropping of rocks when the weather is right. I love to watch them scrambling over each other for the best spot in the sun. / / *Note of interest: Last shot of the day, because upon taking this, my canoe went sideways up against this very tree that the little turtle is sitting on, scaring him to death and tipping me into the water! My camera was saved by a miracle…I don’t know how I managed to keep it above water! Also from Juniper Springs Wilderness Preserve*

• 

  White Egret
  by Rebecca Cruz

  I just love the graceful “S” curve in the neck…. / Taken at Orlando Wetlands Park…which interestingly enough is not in Orlando, but in a small town called Christmas, Florida. More Photography: /

• 

  Feathered Jewel
  by Rebecca Cruz

  I have always admired the way that animals seem to come with their own natural cosmetics and jewels! More Photography: /

• 

  Stop Following Me!
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Titusville, Florida. Florida’s wetlands are a favorite place for wintering birds like this White Egret. The morning was very cool (by Florida standards!) and oh so still, allowing me to capture this great reflection.

• 

  May I Help You?
  by Rebecca Cruz

  A White Ibis gives me the eye as I take his photograph. / Mead Gardens; Orlando, FL. More Photography: /

• 

  I'm New!
  by Rebecca Cruz

  I traveled to visit my parents today, they have a lovely piece of property in the middle of nowhere, Florida. I was lamenting over the very overcast day, but decided to take the walk down to the lake with my camera anyway. And what should I find, to my surprise, a pair of Sandhill Cranes with a newly hatched little one! The chick was so very small, I’ve never seen a sandhill chick before and I was so surprised, seeing as they grow to be so large. I was thrilled! Sandhill Cranes are thought to be the oldest surviving bird species in the world. The Florida Sandhill (Grus canadensis pratensis), which is one of the non-migratory species, is severely threatened due to unregulated hunting in the past, and currently due to development and loss of habitat. Sandhill Cranes are huge birds, they stand at least 4 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet. Sandhill cranes feed on a large assortment of grasses, roots, berries, and tubers, as well as insects, crayfish, frogs, snakes, and small mammals. They often make their distinct loud rattling kar-r-r-r-o-o-o call while in flight. This species of crane mates for life. I was so happy to see that these cranes have chosen a bit of space on my family’s property to call home. More Sandhill Family: More Photography: /

• 

  Florida Sandhill Crane
  by Rebecca Cruz

  I traveled to visit my parents today, they have a lovely piece of property in the middle of nowhere, Florida. I was lamenting over the very overcast day, but decided to take the walk down to the lake with my camera anyway. And what should I find, to my surprise, a pair of Sandhill Cranes with a newly hatched little one! I was so thrilled! Sandhill Cranes are thought to be the oldest surviving bird species in the world. The Florida Sandhill (Grus canadensis pratensis), which is one of the non-migratory species, is severely threatened due to unregulated hunting in the past, and currently due to development and loss of habitat. Sandhill Cranes are huge birds, they stand at least 4 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet. Sandhill cranes feed on a large assortment of grasses, roots, berries, and tubers, as well as insects, crayfish, frogs, snakes, and small mammals. They often make their distinct loud rattling kar-r-r-r-o-o-o call while in flight. This species of crane mates for life. I was so happy to see that these cranes have chosen a bit of space on my family’s property to call home More Sandhill Family: More Photography: /

• 

  Hi Mommy!
  by Rebecca Cruz

  I traveled to visit my parents today, they have a lovely piece of property in the middle of nowhere, Florida. I was lamenting over the very overcast day, but decided to take the walk down to the lake with my camera anyway. And what should I find, to my surprise, a pair of Sandhill Cranes with a newly hatched little one! I was so thrilled! The mother crane kept leaning down to check on her little hatchling…it was so lovely! Sandhill Cranes are thought to be the oldest surviving bird species in the world. The Florida Sandhill (Grus canadensis pratensis), which is one of the non-migratory species, is severely threatened due to unregulated hunting in the past, and currently due to development and loss of habitat. Sandhill Cranes are huge birds, they stand at least 4 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet. Sandhill cranes feed on a large assortment of grasses, roots, berries, and tubers, as well as insects, crayfish, frogs, snakes, and small mammals. This species of crane mates for life. I was so happy to see that these cranes have chosen a bit of space on my family’s property to call home More Sandhill Family: More Photography: /

• 

  Your Tree, My Mountain
  by Rebecca Cruz

  A little ladybug make the long trek up the trunk of an angel’s trumpet tree. More Ladybugs: / /

• 

  Gardener's Friend
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Besides being ridiculously cute, ladybugs are a great, natural way to control pests in your garden! Adult ladybugs eat all sorts of garden pests…aphids, spider mites, thrips…mmm yum ;) / / More Photography: / /

• 

  Long Way Down....
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Little ladybug perched on a leaf high above the ground. / / / / More Photography: /

• 

  Koi
  by Rebecca Cruz

  According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. / The koi represents perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. / These koi were swimming in the pond around the Bok Carillon Tower in Lake Wales, FL. / /

• 

  Bird On Bird
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Gave me a chuckle ;)

• 

  Snowy Egret
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Snowy Egret (Egretta thula). Photographed at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Titusville, Florida. A threatened species, the Snowy Egret is a medium-sized, white heron with a slender, black bill, black legs and yellow feet. The area of the upper bill, in front of the eyes, is yellow but turns red during the breeding season. Showy, recurved plumes are present on the back during the breeding season. The snowy egret is much smaller than the great egret. This species was among the most sought-after of all herons and egrets for its delicate, recurved back plumes, used to adorn women’s hats. In 1886, plumes were valued at an astounding $32 per ounce, twice the contemporary price of gold. Plundering for plumes began about 1880, peaked in 1903, and continued until 1910, when outraged citizens forced the passage of laws that reduced the slaughter. Herons that utilize pursuit or chase behaviors, like the Snowy Egret, are more specialized and selective than searchers. These behaviors are energetically expensive requiring Snowy Egrets to spend proportionately more time feeding than other species. Thus, they may be particularly sensitive to environmental influences which impact prey density and availability. Sources: / The Birds of North America Online / USGS.gov Shooting Info: Camera Model Name Canon PowerShot S5 IS / Shooting Date/Time 4/29/2008 7:57:43 AM / Shooting Mode Manual / Tv (Shutter Speed) 1/320 / Av (Aperture Value) 4.0 / Light Metering Evaluative / ISO Speed 100 / Focal Length 72.0 mm / White Balance Cloudy More Photography: /

• 

  Snowy Egret Pair
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula). Photographed at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Titusville, Florida. A threatened species, the Snowy Egret is a medium-sized, white heron with a slender, black bill, black legs and yellow feet. The area of the upper bill, in front of the eyes, is yellow but turns red during the breeding season. Showy, recurved plumes are present on the back during the breeding season. The snowy egret is much smaller than the great egret. This species was among the most sought-after of all herons and egrets for its delicate, recurved back plumes, used to adorn women’s hats. In 1886, plumes were valued at an astounding $32 per ounce, twice the contemporary price of gold. Plundering for plumes began about 1880, peaked in 1903, and continued until 1910, when outraged citizens forced the passage of laws that reduced the slaughter. Herons that utilize pursuit or chase behaviors, like the Snowy Egret, are more specialized and selective than searchers. These behaviors are energetically expensive requiring Snowy Egrets to spend proportionately more time feeding than other species. Thus, they may be particularly sensitive to environmental influences which impact prey density and availability. Sources: / The Birds of North America Online / USGS.gov More Photography: /

• 

  Osprey
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Photographed in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Titusville, FL. One of the largest birds of prey in North America. The Osprey is a fish-eating specialist, with live fish accounting for about 99% of its diet. Barbed pads on the soles of its feet help it grip slippery fish. When an Osprey takes a large fish to its nest, it carries the fish headfirst to make it as aerodynamic as possible. Osprey eggs do not hatch all at once, but instead the first chick hatches out up to five days before the last one. The older chick dominates its younger siblings, and can monopolize the food brought by the parents. If food is abundant, little aggression is seen amongst the chicks, but if food is limited, the younger chicks often starve. Osprey numbers declined drastically in 1950-1970s, from pesticide poisoning and eggshell thinning. After the ban on DDT, populations increased rapidly. Still listed as endangered or threatened in some states, especially in inland states where populations were small or after the pesticide years. Sources: / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

• 

  Double Standard
  by Rebecca Cruz

  An American Coot stands on a small log as the sun sets over the Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, FL. American Coot (Fulica americana) Often mistaken for a duck, the American Coot is a common waterbird. Its all black body and white chicken-like beak distinguish this swimming rail from the real ducks. / Although it swims like a duck, the American Coot does not have webbed feet like a duck. Instead of having all the toes connected by webs, each coot toe has lobes on the sides of each segment. / An awkward and often clumsy flier, the coot requires long running takeoffs across the water’s surface to become airborne. It is, however, an accomplished swimmer and diver. / This is a raucous and quarrelsome bird whose presence is often announced by its loud cackling, grunting, and croaking calls.

• 

  Prothonotary Warbler
  by Rebecca Cruz

  A Prothonotary Warbler with a freshly caught insect in it’s beak on the Ocklawaha River in Central Florida. Once called the Golden Swamp Warbler, the Prothonotary Warbler is the only eastern warbler that nests in tree hollows. Breeds mainly in the southeastern states north to Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. Spends winters in the tropics. Preferred habitats include wooded swamps, flooded bottomland forests, and streams with dead trees. A group of warblers has many collective nouns, including a “bouquet”, “confusion”, “fall”, and “wrench” of warblers.

• 

  Florida Banded Watersnake
  by Rebecca Cruz

  The Florida banded watersnake can be found in nearly all freshwater habitats, preferring the shallow waters of swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. / When threatened, this non-venomous snake defends itself by biting and smearing its tormentor with a foul smelling musk. Active mainly at night, but may be found during the day sunning on banks or on vegetation hanging over the water. Feeds on live or dead fish, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates. The Florida banded watersnake bears live young. Mating occurs mid-winter to spring and litters of 20-30 young are born in late spring through summer. Photographed at Banana Lake in North Central Florida.

• 

  Barred Owl
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, FL The Barred Owl is a large owl whose preferred habitat is large forested areas. It’s diet consists of small mammals, rabbits, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. The belly feathers of some Barred Owls are pink which may be the result of eating a lot of crayfish. The Great Horned Owl is the most serious predatory threat to the Barred Owl. Although they often live in the same areas, the Barred Owl will avoid parts of its territory occupied by a Great Horned Owl.

• 

  Crested Caracara
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Florida. The Crested Caracaras’ preferred habitat is open, lowland countryside, like pastures, savannas, river edges, and ranches. They may also be found in some forests and marshes. These birds reside in the Central America and South America and reaches the United States only in Arizona, Texas, and Florida. The Crested Caracara usually feeds on carrion, but they will take advantage of any food opportunity by eating small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, turtles, fish, crab, eggs, insects, worms, and nestling birds. Caracaras hunt live food on the ground or take food from other birds. It is not unusual for this bird to run, rather than fly, after it’s prey. Although it looks like a long-legged hawk and associates with vultures, the Crested Caracara is actually in the same family as falcons.

• 

  Red-Shouldered Hawk
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Florida. A forest-dwelling hawk of the East and California, the Red-shouldered Hawk favors woodlands near water. It is perhaps the most vocal American hawk. The Red-shouldered Hawk and the Barred Owl occupy the same range in the eastern United States. They prefer the same moist woodland habitats and eat similar animals. The hawk is active during the day, and the owl is active at night. Although the American Crow often mobs the Red-shouldered Hawk, sometimes the relationship is not so one-sided. They may chase each other and try to steal food from each other. They may also both attack a Great Horned Owl and join forces to chase the owl out of the hawk’s territory.

• 

  Golden Silk Orbweaver
  by Rebecca Cruz

  Golden Silk Orbweaver (Nephila clavipes) photographed at Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales, Florida. The Golden Silk Orbweaver (Nephila clavipes), also commonly known as a Banana Spider, build webs of a rather startling size, spanning several feet across. Beside the main web may be one or more barrier webs which protect her from predators. One or more small males may be found sitting in the female’s web, The web is a semipermanent structure which is repaired as necessary, not entirely destroyed and rebuilt daily, as is the case with some other orbweavers. Like other spiders, this one will bite in self-defense, especially if you go out of your way to provoke it (in particular, by handling or picking it up). Spiders have venom which enables them to incapacitate their prey. However, the bite of most species is described as much less severe than a bee sting.