River Wildlife

Summary

Dennett and Gina visited Green Cove Springs, Florida, where they encountered various wildlife including grackles, a cormorant, an ibis, and squirrels during a short road trip.

Abstract

On a recent trip to Green Cove Springs, Florida, Dennett and her friend Gina explored Springs Park on the St. John’s River. Despite initially hoping to photograph wading birds, Dennett was captivated by the grackles, a cormorant drying its feathers, a solitary ibis, and park squirrels. The excursion, which lasted five hours, marked a refreshing change from the urban confinement experienced over the past 15 months due to the pandemic, making the brief adventure particularly memorable.

Opinions

Dennett found the grackles to be both plentiful and comical, suggesting a positive and amused reaction to their presence.
The cormorant's activity of drying its feathers while eating was noted with interest, indicating a fascination with the bird's behavior.
The sighting of a lone ibis was noteworthy, highlighting the author's appreciation for observing different species.
The mention of squirrels in the park implies a sense of normalcy and completeness in the park's wildlife, as squirrels are common yet cherished animals in urban green spaces.
The overall tone of the trip reflects a sense of liberation and joy from the ability to travel and observe nature after a prolonged period of confinement.

Green Cove Springs, Florida

On Wednesday, my friend Gina and I took a short road trip — a little more than 50 miles east of where I live to the town of Green Cove Springs, which is west of Jacksonville.

Our first stop was Springs Park on the St. John’s River. I wrote about the park here:

I was hoping to photograph wading birds but didn’t find any. Instead, I was delighted by other wildlife, such as the grackles that were plentiful and comical.

And, a cormorant drying his feathers in the breeze while eating his lunch.

And, there was one lone ibis.

And, what would a park be without squirrels??

We were only gone five hours but after being confined to my city for 15 months those hours were deliciously memorable.

River Wildlife

Green Cove Springs, Florida

Springs and Other Things

A road trip photo story — chapter one