Little Purple Pods

I have no idea what kind of a plant this is, but the seeds sure are pretty. They were among the few brightly colored objects I saw it this area. I saw lots of dog tracks, so that probably explains why I didn't see any animals. 

From Little Acorns...

On the right is an Oak tree, from which this area gets its name. I am pretty sure it is an Oak tree, because the ground under it was covered with very small acorns. 

A Few Flowers

Since it is December 10th, there aren't many plants in bloom. These are some of the very few I saw today. It has been a very dry fall here in South Florida, so there are lots of brown leaves on plants. 

Down the Gray Cement Road

It's not the Yellow Brick Road, but it is paved. Lots of Saw Palmetto plants around. And ferns. Also Poison Ivy. Stayed away from the ivy! Still very peaceful and quiet. 

A Shady Place

This is the view you see as soon as you walk into the natural area. It says on the sign it is a shady place, but the sun was shining pretty brightly when I was there today. It was about 2:30 PM when I took this shot. 

Other Side of Sign

This side of the sign tells of the various kinds of animals found here, or not, and also shows a map of the path through the area. The sign also states that no pets are allowed. As I was leaving a princess pulled up in her VW, got her dog out and proceeded to walk the animal in the natural area. I guess that is why I didn't see any animals while I was here... 

Today I went to a very small natural area near where I live in Delray Beach. It is called the Delray Oaks Natural Area. It is only about 24 acres very near Congress Avenue, a very busy highway. I have driven past this area at least 1000 times in the past three years and never knew it was here. This is a sign at the enterance to the area showing some of the plants and animals to be found here. 

Turtle Parking Lot

When I got back around the circle, I saw that the stump had attracted a bigger crowd. To my eyes, there are seven turtles here now.

A Blue Bird

Not a bluebird, but a big bird that is mostly blue in color.

Couple of Locals

Here are two more residents of the park. 

Who's Nest?

Could this be some bird's nest, or was it blown here from somewhere else? It is about three feet in diameter. 

Cooling Off

Here is another bird cooling off. Sorta looks like something from Karate Kid. 

Birds Nesting

There are a whole bunch of birds in this picture. Not all of them are obvious, and in some cases, aren't even visible. But they are there. 

Bigfoot

This is another bird I saw here today. I hope he isn't fully grown. Look at the size of the feet on this guy! And yellow too. 

Fireflag

This is fireflag. It is just one of the plants that grows here. 

Sabal Palm

Another picture of the Sabal Palm tree. These have a sign in front of them saying this is the State tree. 

Slash Pine

The sign says these are Slash Pine trees. Again, I have to take their word for it. 

Live Oak

The sign says this is a live Oak tree. I guess I will have to take their word for it. 

Swimming Turtle

The sign says there are four kinds of fresh-water turtles in the park. I have no idea which kind this is, but it was swimming and came up for air just below where I was standing. 

Bird & Nest

Here is a more wide angle shot of the bird. You can see his/her nest just below. 

Preening

Another bird preening. It looks to me like he is sitting in a pine tree. 

Pretty Tree

Sure have no idea what kind of tree, but it sure is pretty. Just the perfect shape on the water's edge.

State Tree of Florida

These are Sabal Palm trees. The Sabal Palm is the state tree of Florida, or at least that is what it said on the sign. 

A Bird and Three Turtles

When I took this picture, I didn't realize there were turtles in the viewfinder. There are three of them on the stump to the right.

Remember, you can click on any photo to enlarge it. If you click on the picture again after you have enlarged it, it will get bigger still. Use the back arrow key to return to the blog. 

The Bulrushes

OK, this is bulrush. I guess this is where Moses was found. Well, this is the same stuff that was growing where Moses was found. He wasn't found in Florida. At least I don't think so. It was a long time ago.