Springtime Walk At Newport News Park

Dilemma

Sometimes at this time of year you have a major dilemma on your hands.  It seems like there are a lot of great movies released just in time for Spring Break. On the other hand the weather is just starting to get really nice.  So what's a person to do?  I know what I should do...paint, paperwork, housework.  But that's no fun at all.

 

Easy Decision

I opt for a small hike in the park.  Nothing major, just 3 miles.  I think I can handle that!  Packed up Hubby, my trusty camera and bottles of water and off we went  on our lovely nature walk.

Photo Trophies 

The first thing we came across was this crane.  He was flying low by the swamp.

Crane

We were crossing the Swamp Bridge and I was enjoying the baby River Cooters.  So was this frog.  He was waiting for one to come his way.  Thankfully the tiny one I was watching was out of his reach.  And Jase Robertson might love frogs, but the last thing I think about when looking at one is "Yummy!"

Bullfrog

Red-bellied Cooter

This Turkey Vulture was flying overhead.  He was making quite a racket.  I will say he was not very attractive.  But to each his own.  Maybe in the vulture world he's a hottie!

Turkey Vulture

I was standing on the bridge overlooking the swamp trying to be quiet, when some of the brushes to my right started to move.  I heard a lot of rustling sounds and then suddenly this young beaver swam in front of me.  He was happily chewing up reeds.  We also spotted a larger beaver playing out in the deeper water.  I have never seen a beaver in the wild and now I have seen two on the same day.

Beaver

Once over the bridge I hoped to spot some deer.  Unfortunately I didn't see a single one.  But I did see my first butterfly of the season.  This is a Zebra Swallowtail.

Zebra Swallowtail

I came across two birds that were so high I really couldn't tell what they were.  All I saw from the first one was a flash of blue.  I thought it was maybe a bluejay.  The second one flew overhead with something in his claws.  I figured it was probably some nesting material.  On my computer I was surprised to see that what I had photographed was actually a bluebird (never seen one before) and an osprey who had caught himself a fish dinner.  The third bird was was hidden in the brush on the bank.  It took a lot of searching on the web before I found out he was a green heron.

Bluebird

Osprey

Green Heron

I was beginning to fear I wouldn't spot any snakes.  We walked that whole 3 mile trail and didn't find a single one until the very end.  This guy was right off the trail by the parking lot!  He was about 5-6 feet long and happily wrapping around a tree.  Success!

Black Rat Snake

What a wonderful way to spend a day!  I had a great time and I hope you enjoy my photos.

Sharon

#nature walk in Newport News, #Virginia trails, #Virginia hiking, #Newport News trails

Daffodil Festival At Gloucester, VA

Dogs!

The first thing I noticed at the Gloucester Daffodil Festival was that everyone (well, not everyone, but a whole lot of people) love their dogs.  And they love to bring them out and show them off.  Does everyone in Gloucester have a pedigree dog?  They came in all sizes.  This well-dressed fellow was my favorite.  He was enjoying himself very much.

Mighty Dog

These greyhounds were enjoying themselves also. But they were actually hard at work.

Greyhounds

Shriners!

The Shriners are always crowd pleasers.  I don't know where they get the vehicles but I would love to drive one.

Beauty Queens!

No festival parade would be complete without a beauty queen float.  This photo was taken at the very end of the parade and the girls were still having a good time.

I have to say I really enjoyed myself at the Gloucester Daffodil Festival.  The small town atmosphere was wonderful.  So was the kettle corn!  There was lively music from a band called The Janitors.  Of course there was lots of food and  plenty of craft booths to keep me happy.  I look forward to going again next year.

Sharon

Workplace Wildlife

You wouldn't believe what I found at work today.  I was in our back room and spotted something on the floor.  Now spotting something on the floor is no small feat.  The back rooms are very dark and dusty.  But I saw what I thought might have been a tiny frog.  We do have quite a few of them when the weather gets warm enough.

Once I got a closer look I was surprised to find it was a tiny little turtle.  He was no bigger than a nickel.  Of course I had to pick him up and show him to everyone.  After I picked him up he went into his shell.  But he soon came back out again.

I took him into the light where I could get a better look. Hmmm.   He now had his head and legs back out and his mouth was wide open.  Not a good sign.  I have seen this before.  I took it to my boss to get a second opinion.  Unfortunately he agreed with me.  This little cutie was a #snapping turtle!  He wouldn't stay cute for long.

Actually for something so small he was quite aggressive.  That little booger was all mouth!  He didn't try to bite me but he definitely was attempting to look threatening.  So I walked him over to the woods and set him free.  Sorry to see him go, but as much as I enjoy watching the Turtle Man I am no Turtle Woman.  But come to think of it, I did rescue him and set him free.  Maybe I am a Turtle Woman after all!

The only thing I regret is I didn't get a picture of him before I let him go.  But one thing's for sure.  There are probably more where he came from.  I'll be better prepared next time.

Sharon