The Little Nuthatch

This morning I explored a new spot of Florida! The Orlando Wetlands Park closes for the season on October 1st so I wanted to check it out before I had to wait until Spring. That's the only thing that led me to go there in 90+ weather. And this marks my first hike of Autumn! (Summer was long and hot and thus had ZERO hikes.) Look at the awesome clouds! Unfortunately the hiking trail through the forest was incredibly grown over, the only maintenance it's gotten appears to be from animals. There was much dipping under branches, stepping over fallen...

Yesterday I did some bird watching on the coast and went to the beach. I took some photos for reference and collected shells, seaweed, and feathers. I have a plan for some paintings of water birds... I wanted to include actual shells in the paintings but there weren't many shells yesterday. You just never know. We'll see how it turns out. I love the beach, but I only go a few times a year. I like it especially in the morning or evening, when it's a bit empty, and days that are cold and overcast are the best! I really...

I've been drawing some birds of prey since visiting the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey a few days ago. What an awesome place! My favorite birds there are the owls, the little screech and burrowing owls that were making sweet little sounds, and my very very favorite- the barred owl. Then, the barn owls are so strange, can you imagine seeing one out in the wild? Birds are so mysterious and beautiful! Caracara Eagle Barred Owl ♥ Kestrel I picked up some Florida bird watching guides while there and I can't wait to check out some new bird watching...

What could be in this adorable Hello Kitty case? This is where I keep all the little trinkets I collect for my bird nest paintings. First, we have natural things like dried flowers and acorns I've collected on walks. Then, we have colored thread, beads, buttons, charms, and clock parts. Some things I have in here have yet to incorporated into any bird nest, such as sequins, rhinestones, and small shells. In the bottom of the case is a mess of embroidery floss, little bits of yarn and ribbon, lace, fake flowers and leaves, fabric, papers. I have some bits...

Friday was my birthday. This year Disney is inviting Florida residents to visit for free on their birthday, so I went to Animal Kingdom. I had my doubts, it being a hot Florida day in the tourist season, but it turned out to be one of the nicer days of summer! Going on the Kali River Rapids ride first off and getting SOAKED was actually smart because it kept us cool all day. Rides are fun, but Animal Kingdom is cool because of all the animals! The Safari is the best part because the animals are just chilling out and...