Friday was spent with Jan on yet another adventure. We try to meet up somewhere between where Jan is camping and Fort Myers. As in past meetings, finding the chosen meeting place is sometimes an adventure in itself. [Note to self, don't believe everything written on the internet.] Despite some fears, we've always connected.
Our first plan was to visit a animal shelter of some note in Punta Gorda. It maintained it's Punta Gorda prefix but had moved to a place not far from Fort Myers. After some discussion, we decided not to go this time. p.s. Refer to note to self.
We then decided to revisit the Peace River Wildlife Centre, a refuge for handicapped birds brought to the centre for rehabilitation.
In the Center parking lot we spotted one then two Red Shouldered Hawks. These are the lighter form of this bird, and this shot was made seconds before we were treated to a reasonably tender mating. What a great gift to witness, unfortunately, my miss-focus meant no useable picture: I'll have to be much quicker and better at focussing this lens or get it fixed, but I digress.
This is a Leucistic [a form of albinism] Eastern Screech owl. This little guy was apparently brought to the Center because it had fallen [or been pushed] out of its nest. It's now working for its keep by being an ambassador, going to schools, and fund raising events.
When looking at paintings, I often find animal eyes to be painted with a human look; I may have to reconsider my view about this: the second picture of this little owl [10" or so] certainly shows a pretty coy smile.
Next is a Great White Egret, in full breeding plumage. This plumage apparently lasts about two weeks, so it's a sight to see. The 'face' turns a bright green, and special feathers are grown. You can see them just blowing in the wind. These feathers are ornamental only, if you click on any picture, you can see a larger version.
This egret is not in the wildlife center, it's just a frequent visitor that might get a scrap of the prepared bird food fed to the inmates. He's just standing on top of a large enclosure that houses two damaged bald eagles.
He is a Yellow Crowned Night Heron, and he's also in breeding plumage. He just flies in to the Center a couple of days a week, walks where he wants to, and has a good look at the 'inmates'. Essentially, he's a wild bird without a fear or humans, who likes to visit his folks a few days a week.
Again, this next pose is somewhat human-like...
And here are the girls, between bouts of giggling. They put up with my photography and haven't complained yet. We were at a Historical Site where all the buildings were closed and the gardens unkept... Again, refer to note to self...
By this time we were hungry and contrary to our usual practice of snooping around for a nearby restaurant, the internet was consulted earlier and the name and address of a well liked restaurant was punched in so Carmen [Garmin] would get us there. After what seemed to be a few false leads, we found out the restaurant had changed names, and the original name had two locations... Refer to note to self...
The end result was that we ended up at a hole-in-the-wall that had been sold when the owner died, but that had maintained the original menu and staff. The very good news was that it measured up to the online reviews!
Joan had fried oysters that were great, while Jan and I had fried shrimp that were likely the best ever.
After lunch we drove down to the waterfront and rubber-necked in the high-snack-bracket neighbourhoods, always of source of much comment and laughter.
The last picture is of Jan and Joan leaving the historical site, likely already starting to plan our next adventure. Note the clothing, it's been cold down here, including frost warnings I know that doesn't impress you guys 'up north' but it's really really sad for us. Bazinga!
Our adventure success rate is still 100% fun and laughter. What more can friends do?
Hope you and yours make time for adventures now and then.
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