Motoring Across America

With James "Alex" Alexander

with James "Alex" Alexander



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Blog 334: One Baby Eagle, Two Funky Aliens, and Three Handsome Pups

Eagle Chick
While driving by the eagle nest closest to the great horned owl nest (for those of you who know where that is), from afar I saw no activity. However, just as I was parallel to it on the road, out of the corner of my eye I saw an adult eagle land in the nest. I pulled off the side of the road and got out my tripod and my longest camera/lens set up, as the nest was a lllooonnnggg way from my location. After just a few minutes, another smaller adult eagle landed on the nest carrying a fish in its talons and offering it up to the other eagle.

Based upon size (female raptors are almost always larger than males) and behavior (when young are in the nest the female eagle does the majority of the caretaking while the male hunts), I determined that eagle number one was the female and the second eagle was the male of the pair. After a few choice words between the two mates (just like married couples everywhere), the male flew off and soared around the area presumably doing more hunting, and the female carefully fed the eaglet. Here are a few shots in order of what I observed. What fun!

Awaiting Lunch Eagles 1

Arriving Lunch Eagles 2

More Food Eagles 3

Get Going Eagles 4

Eat Up Eagles 5

Another Bite Eagles 6

Here Is More Eagles 7

Here Is More Eagles 8

Aliens!
Locals know that a secret U.S. agency (one of those three-initial outfits) spent years monitoring a location they called Area X that is now a part of the refuge. All hush-hush, but many sorts of strange happenings were recorded (though classified) over the years detailing the alien presence. Things have appeared quiet for a number of years, but that may be changing. While Jan and I were exploring deep into the bowels of the refuge, we ran across what only could be a damaged alien spacecraft. Then we remember hearing the recent rumors about dead astronauts. Huh? What is going on?

Dead Astronauts in Area X?

Just a few evenings ago, we observed some very strange activity near our campsite. Just after sundown we saw what looked like vibrating orbs that contracted and expanded lights of all colors like a pulse. Take a look.

Aliens 2

Aliens

If you study the shapes (be careful…they can be mesmerizing), it appears that humans may be trapped inside their bodies? What could it be? Priests paying homage? Aliens sucking out life force? Something even more evil? Hard to say, but we will keep a close watch. Note: if you do not receive another of my blogs within three weeks, please call Robin at the refuge and ask her to send out a posse.

Wakulla State Park Boat Ride
Another must-see-and-do place in this area is Wakulla State Park, just 20 minutes away from the refuge. Yes, they have a cool lodge, a nice restaurant, and some enjoyable trails, but they are best known for their boat rides. Along with our good friends, the Talbots, we took the first boat of the day for a wonderful hour-long trip on the Wakulla River. We were greeted by a big male gator that was bellowing to lay claim to his territory while a rival bellowed back.

Bellowing Gator

Bellowing Gator Close Up

Along with other critters, we saw this posing anhinga, a hooded merganser, and a yellow-crowned night heron.

Anhinga

Hooded Merganser

Yellow-Crowned Night Heron II

Back at the Refuge
Here are some shots taken at the refuge, including a very nice pic of happy Jan.

Pre-Sunrise

White-Faced Ibis

Happy Jan

Layer Sunrise II

Pup Trio
Here are three nice shots of three cool dogs. You all know Jack, and here is Skippy and Mambo. Makes you want to sit on the ground and pet a while.

Jack Taking a Break

Skippy

Mambo

Old Trucks
Meet Roxy

Roxy

See you next time.