Went to Riverbend Park yesterday evening to test out a new travel camera, the Sony HX20V. I like to have a backup point-and-shoot for situations where a DLSR isn't practical, or for when I am trying to save room in the carry on luggage! So far the little Sony does not disappoint- I am amazed at the quality and zoom for such a tiny camera.

Some test shots in the yard first. The macro works well!





At Riverbend park.



Young red-shouldered hawks





Whistling ducks



Baby barred owls





In other news, started my LAST CLASS of the MBA program today!!!

When I visited north-central Florida a few weeks ago, I attended a plant identification course that took place in a state park just outside of Daytona Beach. The session was very informative but what made it really awesome was the amount of snakes seen during a relatively short walk.

Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake







This was the first rattlesnake of the day. There was also a yellow rat snake climbing up a nearby tree but I didn't get a good photo.

Black Racer further up the path



The second pygmy of the day was much more cryptic.



Their coloration provides excellent camouflage in the shadowy leaf litter of the forest floor.



The last pygmy was found in the remnants of an old home site.



In other news, we had our first Painted Bunting visit the yard, which was exciting.



And, only one more class until the MBA is finished! Counting down the days until graduation in June!!!