Jake has asked us this week to do a peaceful post. I hope that you find that most of my posts are peaceful, with the possible exception of the jackhammering and the parasailing, ones. 🙂
Today, whilst hubby was busy again in the kitchen, building cupboards, not cooking, I took a walk outside to see what was going in in our peaceful neck of the woods.
The only sound was of the wind gently rustling the palm fronds, and not a single person was to be seen. The only inhabitants of the lakeside, were the birds. The Great Blue Heron seems to be the kingpin around here, and he stood meditating by the water’s edge for quite a while,
before marching off to see what was potting a bit further down.
His friend, the Anhinga was busy drying his wings, and didn’t want to chat to anyone.
and the duck family were practising their swimming, up near the golf course,
under the watchful eye of mom and dad.
The Wood Stork was umm…… just stalking around, 🙂
and then there was a bit of action, closely watched by the Ibis.
Mr. Great Blue decided to go over to the other side of the lake, and catch himself some breakfast too.
Yummy sushi is his favourite dish.
The most peaceful creature of all though, was Lizzie lizard, who just sat motionless, waiting for her breakfast insects to venture near.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my peaceful morning in my back yard. To see more takes on Jake’s theme, as well as his own amazing images, just click here.
Pingback: SUNDAY POST : Peaceful | rfljenksy – Practicing Simplicity
Such a beautiful and peaceful world you are living in, no wonder you seems good one to be around :), great shot dear.
Thanks so much, Henry. 🙂
Wonderful shots from what looked like a lovely morning walk. 🙂
Thanks, Inga. My walk was just a few steps. 🙂
I’m so impressed with your bird pictures. It’s almost like they are tame! What a great place. Thanks for sharing!! Marsha 🙂
Thanks so much, Marsha. It wasn’t bad for a first try. 🙂
First try? You are an expert!! Marsha 🙂
Patience was the order of the day. 🙂
I believe it! How wonderful! Do you ever get tired of paradise?
No, not really. 🙂
I know. I don’t tire of mine here, either. Thanks so much for all your responses! I have enjoyed getting to know you this year.
Wow awesome photography, I must say I am jelouse on your “Birds” photos. I have trouble catching those kind of action shots, specially when their catching sushi.:)
Great stunning one,
Yen-Yen
Thanks, Yen-Yen. I’m so happy you enjoyed the pics. 🙂
Very nice peaceful pictures for this post … I see no diapers on the floor, no empty wipes boxes, no screaming because no one is sharing, no Cheerios on the floor, just some nice sunshine and lakes. I could use about thirty minutes of your peace once a day 🙂
Hahaha. I really feel for you, TG. My peace will be shattered when we go to visit our son and 3 grandchildren for Christmas. Their house is very much like yours. 🙂
You have a fabulous backyard… what an oasis and a paradise! 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth. I feel so blessed to be in such a lovely place. 🙂
Wow! Your place looks really peaceful. You are very lucky!
Thanks, Grace. Yes I know that I’m so lucky to live here. 🙂
You are so lucky to have all these just close to your home. Beautiful and peaceful indeed with a touch of adventure.
Thanks for your lovely comment. We love it here. 🙂
Great photos Sylvia. I have some great pictures of an anhinga when we were in Costa Rica. I didn’t know they they resided in FL also.
Thanks so much, Luann. I think these must be the American version. We have loads of them here. 🙂
Absolutely beautiful! What a lovely peaceful backyard you have 😉
I actually like the lizard, he looks very pensive
Hehehe. I guess Lizzie was just concentrating very hard. It’s a she by the way. Don’t ask me how I know. 😆
Thanks for the lovely comment, Dianne.
Beautiful close up shots 🙂
One could be inclined to become a real twitcher where you live 😉 lol
Thanks so much, Poppy. Yes, there are so many birds in plain sight. 🙂
Peaceful indeed!
You could say that. 🙂
That close up of the Blue Heron is stunning, Ad. That’s some back yard.
Thanks so much, Jo. 😀
How lucky are you – all this on your doorstep
Yes, I do appreciate how lucky I am. 🙂
Wonderful nature series Sylvia! Wow! Was that fish big enough or what?!? 😯 😀
Thanks, Phil. These are my “worse” photos. Do you remember saying that If you give me a few lessons, they may be “even worse.” (I haven’t forgotten.) 😆
I don’t think that fish got swallowed in the end. Mr Blue was really battling with it. 😦
Oh I remember. I was hoping you forgot. 😛 😀
Not a chance, Phil. 😛
Just my luck… 😥
Jealous… Oh so jealous… My back yard is covered in that white cold stuff…. I gotta move!
Hehehe. Sorry for you, Sayvan. I thought you were going to learn to “embrace” that white cold stuff. 😀
This is a peaceful paradise!
Yes it is, Mara. Love it here. 🙂
Yes gorgeous! Thank you for sharing a piece of paradise 🙂
Thanks, Anne, You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
What a beautiful backyard you have ad 🙂
*hugs*
Thanks, Hopestar. I know I’m so lucky to have all the birds around. 🙂 Hugs
A picture of absolute tranquility 😉
*sigh* And here I am, stuck in an office, surrounded by people…
Then again, one must not complain – at least I get to see your wonderful pics AD 😉
Thanks so much, 68. Glad I could bring some of the tranquility of nature to your office environment. 🙂
Excellent bird shots, those Heron shots are superb..:-)
Thanks so much, Ed. I was practising with our new camera. I’m sort of getting the hang of it. 🙂
I’m chilled just looking 🙂
It’s quite warm here, Tilly. 🙂
So peaceful and beautiful! I am sorry for being so scarce but I had so much trouble leaving comments that I eventually gave up! I hope it is sorted now and will not go into your Spam folder?!
Thanks, Zirkie. These comments just had to be approved. i do check my spam filter about twice a day, so you wouldn’t be stuck in there for very long. 🙂
Glad to see your day at the Paradise Annex was fulfilling. 🙂
😆 Thanks, Frank.
Huh! Not an alligator, snappin’ turtle, palm snake, palm rat in sight! 🙂
Exactly so footsy. 🙂 You seem disappointed.
it seems, that you are sharing a paradise with those birds!
Yes, I feel very blessed to have them around. 🙂
I wouldn’t mind being there, it really does seem very peaceful
It certainly is, TA. 🙂
Lovely photographs Sylvia and a very nice peaceful backyard indeed. 🙂
Thanks, so much, Adrian. 🙂
My back garden isn’t half as interesting as yours despite having fairies at the bottom! 🙂
I’ve never seen photographic evidence of your resident fairies, SC. 🙂
wonderful
Thanks so much, Mary. 🙂
Very,very peaceful, I wouldn’t move all day if I could just sit and watch those birds. You’ve caught hem so well, especially the fishing heron and I’ve never heard of an anhinga!
Thanks, Gilly. The anhinga are sometimes called darters. There is an African version too, I believe.
Another winner… how lucky your captures of the birds with a catch…
Durbs sends it’s regards… boy is the world wet down here… went to a few of the golf courses on the South Coast… they are just mud baths…
Thanks so much, bdt. So I’m not missing the great summer weather in Durbs? That’s good to know. 🙂
Amazing that you managed to catch the bird with a fish in its mouth AD 🙂
Thanks, Tandy. I”m learning how to use the new camera. Quite pleased with my efforts. 🙂
Paradise of peace!!
Indeed it is. 🙂
Beautiful collections of birds!! Great shots!!
Thanks so much, RV. 🙂
I can’t believe how many amazing birds you have around your house! I love blue herons! They are so majestic and stoic. We get them here on my lake in the summer but they fly away easily. So gorgeous! Looks like you have a lovely place to be! How long do you spend in Florida?
Thanks, Nicole. We’re here until April, I think, but that might change, and we may go back to South Africa a bit earlier.
Sounds wonderful! Hope you son and his family can come visit you in the heat!
Thanks, Nicole. I don’t think they’ll be down this time around, as our son has just started a new job, so not much leave due to him yet. 🙂
You’ve reminded me of the days I used to visit my mom near Tampa. It’s all so very Florida…. 🙂
Beautiful captures, by the way….. (how on earth could I forget to say THAT?)
Thanks so much for the compliment, Gunta. I’m slowly learning how to use the new camera. 🙂
Aha! Those great closeups of your feathered friends had me wondering. Good job. You’ll be a pro in no time!
🙂 Thanks for the encouragement. Since I had my eyes done, I’m much better with the camera.
Imagine your neighbor is a Mr Great Blue that having sushi daily, imagine your Lizzie lizard friend walk pass your door step. Wow! where else can be more resort than this home! envy !
Thanks for your lovely comment, Sydney. This really is a resort. 😀
The great Blue got a MOUTHFUL!! 🙂 Awesome 🙂
He certainly did, Suzanne. I’m not sure that he managed to get it down in the end. It was rather big even for him. 🙂
Hi AD, must be great to just chill out there and watch the view 😀
There’s so much to see, Chris. Love it here. 🙂
What a wonderful playground you have outside your home. You’re so lucky to be able to just step outside to enjoy such wonderful wildlife.
That’s very true, Emily. I’m very lucky indeed. You and your camera would have a ball here. 🙂
Beautiful scene from your backyard. Lots of fun actions were going on… 🙂
Thanks, Amy. Those birds are fun to watch. 🙂
VERY nice place to live,my friend! 🙂
The DC
Yes, I’m so enjoying it here. Take care and looking forward to your next post.;)
It may be a while,not riding for now,just no real interest. LOL,I guess it’s psychological,it being December I typically don’t ride as much. I would have went mtn biking today had I had a mtn bike complete and ready to ride…it’s 76 degrees out as I type 😛 Been piddling with model projects.
I can imagine that the weather isn’t very conducive to cycling at this time of year. As long as you’re doing OK. 🙂
TY,and LOL most years no. It’s been 60’s-70’s for the last several days,very little rain. Except when the neck and that fake (on the inside) finger act up in cold though,I really love snow riding 😉
It’s so nice you can see such beautiful birds (& lizards!) right in your backyard. 🙂
Thanks, Cathy. I’m loving it here. 🙂
I’m sure you are!
wow! love them all! and how great to get the birds with their prey, incredible!!
Thanks so much, tobyo. 🙂
Very peaceful. Very nice.
Peace 😉
Thanks, Gemma. 🙂
Truly very peaceful my friend , I love it Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Jake. Glad you enjoyed the photos. 🙂
Nice shots in the backyard. Looks like you could watch nature all day long.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks, Francine. Yes it’s very relaxing out there. 🙂