Saturday, November 8, 2008

Airport Saturday

This morning was a very early one; up at 4:30 and off to pick up friends that needed to be dropped off at the airport around 5:15. They were leaving to go on a cruise for a week. It took us about 35 minutes and just before reaching the airport, it began getting light out. The sky was really nice with some dark clouds, some white fluffy ones and the sun started peeking out between them. We went inside to enjoy a Starbuck's coffee and danish while they waited.

On the way back I took more pictures as the sun got a little higher.

Just after turning onto the Six Mile Cypress by the International Center, there was a swale that had water standing in it and there were lots of birds walking around in the water. The most noticeable ones were the Roseate Spoonbills and the Storks. I see birds here many times when passing by. I think maybe it's because of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve; at least it seems like there are more birds here than any where else on the route back to the island. I got out and walked up the bike path slowly, trying to get up close enough to take photos, but when I got near, they would just move up a little further. About half of them flew away when they saw me walking toward them. They would also take flight when a bike went past, but come right back down again. When I got tired of following them, I looked back and it was a long way back to where I had started. So, I had a good walk, but not any quality photos. :-)

Coming back over the causeway, the water very calm and there were lots of fishing boats out, also a couple of large sailboats.

It was cool early this morning, but sunny and by this afternoon it was up to 80, and a great day!

















All the photos are much better when you click to enlarge them, especially the birds.













7 comments:

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

The "birds in flight" pictures are amazing. And I love the effect of the reflections in the still water beneath them. I, too, noticed there were lots of birds in that location. Now I know why!! Thanks for sharing!!

Gayle said...

Not such a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The birds are really pretty.

Maria Verivaki said...

love those sky shots - the blue in them is so deep

The Farmer Files said...

Beautiful pictures as a set. They tell a story, even without words!

Melli said...

Oh WOW! You got some GREAT night shots! Mine NEVER come out like that -- even though I try ALL the settings!

Hey guess what? I got a BOX in the mail last night! I haven't opened it yet because I'm waiting until either Luz comes here or I go there - so we can open it together! But I'll thank you NOW for the lovely BOX! (and later for the contents!)

Mare said...

Those morning shots are incredible! Do you ever tire of the beauty that surrounds you? ;)

Tootie said...

NEVER :-)