My favorite nature park is no longer free. The city now charges a $5 parking fee. An annual pass for $75 is also available. Since I come here a lot and don't always stay very long, the annual pass is the only practical option for me.

Hello, Folks! I am back! ^_^

 I hope this finds you all well. Happy new year!

On Hiatus

To my dearest fellow-world travelers:

The more ascetic side of life has slowly insinuated itself into my play time in the last couple of weeks. I must capitulate and attend to its demands, but only so I can win back my precious play time.  In the meantime, I shall be lurking around your blogs and continue to share in the celebration of your beautiful cities.

God bless you all.

St. Pete Wildlife: Anhinga

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

The anhinga is also known as snakebird or water turkey.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

St. Pete Wildlife: Armadillo

St. Pete Wildlife: Florida Cottonmouth

A Florida cottonmouth basks in the sun on the water bank. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the cottonmouth is one out of six venomous snakes in Florida. 

Thanks to the information board at the entrance of the trail, I was forewarned to watch out for them and stay away! I was quite safe on the boardwalk when I took these photos.

Florida Cottonmouth
(Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti)
Look along the water's edge, on the bank, or on a rock or log for this snake basking. It is one of the three venomous snakes here in the park, so you can look, but do not disturb!

The Florida Museum of Natural History has more information on the species: Florida Cottonmouth, Cottonmouth Moccasin, Water Moccasin, Moccasin