Florida - Travel Tips - Beach - Shore Bird Sanctuary and Blue Heron - Photo Tour

This post is part of my Travel Florida series. - Photo tours of things to see and do when traveling in the Tampa Bay Area. 

Walking on the beach is still free:) 

 Have you ever heard of shorebirds? I had not. What a strange sight they were, an entire colony, a throng of constantly squawking, ever moving, black and white birds with oversized red and black beaks.

We had come upon a protected bird sanctuary, a roped off nesting area along Reddington Beach in Florida. 

It was immediately and abundantly clear that the shore birds did not care for us coming closer. I'm certain their bird talk translated to, "GO AWAY!"

They reminded me of parrots with their brightly colored beaks.

The nesting appears successful .........

Mama told us off in no uncertain terms, "Go away!"

See her nest and the rope? She was getting nervous..... sorry, Mama ....

OK, OK - we are leaving.

The weather was, well, strange, that day. Rain was threatening and

there was a band of seafog on the horizon.

We walked a little further, enjoying the waves of the ocean crashing over our bare feet in the sand. 

Reddington Beach is not as commercial as the beaches which have rows of hotels. There is nothing but a long line of privately owned condos along this beach.

You'll find public parking and boardwalks that take you out to the beach.

A good place to swim, fly a kite and

 a great place to surf in the ocean.

Here I saw my first Great Blue Heron and

I've been fascinated with this

 beautiful bird ever since.

He looks so different depending on whether his feathers are wet, which direction he is facing, or how he (contorts:) and moves.

Since then, I have seen other Blue Herons at a local nature park. They are such a treat to watch - here is the clickable link to

a photo tour of Sawgrass Lake Park - Wildlife - Blue Heron

A beautiful creature.

Here he is looking all plump:)

Not sure which pose is my favorite ...

Maybe this side view?

Then again, this pose is most regal

befitting his name  "Great Blue Heron"

We are turning back, me all excited about seeing this most beautiful creature for the first time, wondering what it might be.

You can still see the band of seafog on the horizon.

It is now nearing sunset at the beach ....

One last look - it was a fine walk on the beach.

Thank you for looking my gather friends and everyone who enjoyed my post!

Here is the clickable link to a photo tour of 

Sawgrass Lake Park - Wildlife - Blue Heron

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

All images © 2009 Rose H.