I’ll be sharing photos of Florida wildlife this week, while visiting family for the holidays. Here are just a few images, a preview of the flora and fauna flourishing in this tropical-feeling  place:

The city of Winter Park, FL is near Orlando, and the dominant tree is the Live Oak, (Quercus virginiana). Acorns are falling from the trees in such abundance and such frequency, that the sound of the acorns hitting the sidewalks and streets quickly becomes one of those sounds that is more noticeable when absent than when present. I have completely fallen in love with these magnificent trees, dripping with Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoid).

The Live Oaks provide the perfect haven for squirrels – gray squirrels, I believe:

Lizards are abundant here, and I believe anoles are probably the most visible in the residential areas. Here are a couple from around the house:

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I’m told that cranes inhabit a nearby neighborhood park. From the description, I have to believe they are Sandhill Cranes…can’t wait to see them!