Fossil Park is a small neighborhood park in St. Petersburg, FL with a nice lake, the occasional alligator (until it is found and removed) and a fair amount of waterfowl. There are covered areas for family picnics, small and large grills, benches throughout the park, a bike path and a nice children's playground.
This Sunday we were there for a family picnic, enjoying the fine weather and a slight breeze .
The view that greeted us as we arrived at Fossil Park this Sunday.
This little water bird was a bit shy and took right back to the water.
Here he is swimming away from me and my camera.
As I took a stroll around the lake, I did not have to wait for company very long.
Here is a curious fellow looking for food from the man dining at the park bench.
He was not at all camera shy and I tried my best to get a few close ups so I can find out what kind of water bird he might be.
He also brought along a couple of his friends who wanted to share his dinner.
The next flock to arrive were the Ibis.
The Ibis quickly took off in the opposite direction and flew away the moment after I took this shot.
Here is a parting shot of the lake at Fossil Park.
I was surprised and felt lucky to see this many different species of waterfowl in such a small neighborhood park in just a couple of hours.
As I walked toward the covered picnic area, I was lucky enough to notice a Blue Jay (I think) eating an orange rind.
While I scrambled to get my camera ready to shoot, he flew up into a young Magnolia tree right in front of me.
Fossil Park has several winding paths and lovely flowering bushes and trees perfect for a walk in the park.
But today, I was particularly fascinated by the waterfowl and did not have enough time to see all of the park and still visit with family at this year's annual Mother's Day Picnic.
After a quick bite of a grilled hot dog off we went to enjoy a second Mother's Day BBQ - Pool Party at a friends house.
I hope you have enjoyed our walk in the park - thank you for coming along.
All images taken by Rose H. on 5-11-08 with an Olympus D-540 digital camera.
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Comments: 21
So please feel free to comment and let me know the names of the waterfowl, so I'll know better next time.
I felt pretty smart to at least know the white ones are Ibis, I've learned that much and since I have been watching the birds in the back yard a bit more too - hoping for that elusive shot, I do think that may be a Blue Jay in the last picture.
The group: We Comment Back
Thanks so much for posting this to
my group
I'm sure that is about as clear as mud :)
Thank you all so very much - I really appreciate your comments.
Nana, thanks - I've been told the trio are muskovie (sp?) ducks. I think I'm going to ask my SIL to have a look - she knows about birds.
As near as I can determine, the waterfowl are some sort of what's called "gallinules"... Evidently there are two types "common" and "purple"... Those in your photos looked like they've "crossed" with some other waterfowl... possibly a "snowy duck"...