Tag Archives: Wild Turkey

Recent MINWR Photos

September 29, 2024Haulover Canal, Merritt Island NWRAlligator, baby, birds, black and white, Black Crowned Night Heron, boats, BPWD, landscape, manatee, sunrise, Wild Turkey, wildlifeEd Rosack

Note: Our part of Central Florida was spared major impacts from Hurricane Helene. Unfortunately, people in many other areas are suffering horribly with injuries, death, and property loss. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.

I’ve gotten behind keeping the blog up to date so today I’ll try to catch up some. These photos are all recent ones from trips to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on July 29th and Sept. 25th.

A fisherman with a view. Rotary Riverfront Park on US 1 south of the refuge entrance. July 29.

One of several Wild Turkeys hanging out near the turn in to Bairs Cove. July 29.

2 or 3 Manatees were making a big commotion in Haulover Canal by the Bairs Cove boat ramp. July 29.

Dawn at the marina – 1. The early morning sky was spectacular looking east from Marina Park. September 25.

Dawn at the marina – 2. The sky was interesting looking west too, but not as colorful – so I converted to B&W. September 25.

A young Black Crowned Night Heron near the rest area on Black Point Wildlife Drive. September 25.

Baby Gators. From the Visitor Center boardwalk. September 25.

The folks at the Visitor Center said there was a Momma Gator and babies in the pond. I walked out and down the boardwalk without spotting them. About to give up, I heard the babies calling. They make a sort of a chirp / gulp sound and I was able to follow their calls and find them. I hoped the babies would be on Mom’s back, but not that day. She was watching over her offspring from a few feet away.

Momma Gator. From the Visitor Center boardwalk. September 25.

Header image: I made that one along the back part of Black Point Wildlife Drive. I’ve always liked those large pine trees and the light that morning and the hazy sky background appealed to me. You can see a larger version on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrosack/53972104178/in/dateposted/

Maybe the Dog Days of Summer aren’t the best time to make photos at MINWR. But photo ops are still there if you go look for them.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Stay positive, be kind, and take care of yourselves and each other. And if you can, make some photos !

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

November 25, 2015INSIDE FLORIDA, Lake Jesup, VARIOUSbirds, Wild TurkeyEd Rosack

In the United States, we observe the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow. Traditionally, it’s a time to celebrate, give thanks for the harvest, and to eat too much.

Winter Springs Wild Turkey – At Central Winds Park, not far from our home

For me personally, it’s not about the harvest, but instead about all the good things I have in my life to be grateful for. No day goes by without me being thankful for my blessings.

I wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving and continued good harvests and blessings in your lives.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Now – go count your blessings!

Thanksgiving 2013

November 28, 2013INSIDE FLORIDA, Lake Jesup, VARIOUS, WekivaThanksgiving, Wild TurkeyEd Rosack

Once again in the USA, we pause on the fourth Thursday of November to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. Families and friends gather, parades and football games preempt normal daytime television, large amounts of food are prepared and consumed, drowsiness ensues – and Turkeys throughout the land are relieved they’re not part of the feast.

“About 12 pounds, why do you ask?” A female wild turkey watches me warily at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs

But seriously, this year especially I’m grateful for so many wonderful things in my life. I hope all of you are as blessed as I am or even more so. Spend a few moments contemplating the good things in your own life. Pause and savor them. Be thankful. Cherish your family and friends.

And then – strive even harder to be one of the things that your family and friends are so grateful for.

Tom Turkey – Seen at Wekiva Springs State Park, near the trail to the kayak launch. Another good place to see these large birds

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Now – go spend time with your family and friends!

Thanksgiving 2012

November 22, 2012Blue Cypress Lake, INSIDE FLORIDA, VARIOUSbirds, Wild TurkeyEd Rosack

Happy Thanksgiving!

Many places in the world celebrate a thanksgiving holiday. In the United States, we pause on the fourth Thursday of November to commemorate our founders and give thanks. The “first Thanksgiving” took place in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts to celebrate a good harvest. In 1789, President George Washington declared it a national holiday. The date shifted over time until December 26, 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress moving it from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday.

Thanksgiving dinner can be quite elaborate. Turkey is the most common main dish, and Thanksgiving is sometimes called “Turkey Day”. Bread stuffing, gravy, cranberries, and pumpkin pie are also traditional.

Wild Turkey – This Tom Turkey was posing in a field next to the road into Blue Cypress Lake. He was initially so still that we thought he might be a decoy. There were several more on the other side of the road.

Wild Turkeys were endangered in the early 1900s, but are common now throughout the US and in Florida. I’ve even seen some in my neighborhood (in Central Winds Park). They’re native to North America and the largest game bird on the continent. In the 16th Century, the major trade route from the Americas went through Constantinople in Turkey before going on to Britain. They associated the birds with the country Turkey and the name stuck.

I’m a very fortunate person and have much to be thankful for. I realize this and sometimes worry about the odds catching up with me. At the top of the list, of course are my family and my friends. What are you thankful for?

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Now – be thankful, have a great day, and go make some photos!

Central Florida Photo Ops

What and where they are and how to photograph them.