And So It Begins

Kicking off the holiday season with the traditional unraveling of the Christmas tree lights!

Happy Thanksgiving

Gobble gobble!

"Hey, don't worry about her.  Park rules are in effect: Shoot photos. Not turkeys."

Encountered these wild turkeys wandering in a field at Myakka River State Park...safe & sound.  No stuffing, mashed potatoes or gravy in sight.  Wishing everyone in the City Daily Photo community a Happy Thanksgiving!

Standing Guard

When I was on my way to the Veterans Day parade last weekend, I spotted a bald eagle flying overhead....which reminded me that I never posted this handsome guy.  I encountered him a while ago standing guard in rural Sarasota County. Would you believe me if I told you his mate suddenly showed up?  Well...

Yep.  This happened.  Love nature!

Veterans Day Parade

The annual Veterans Day parade was held yesterday morning in downtown Sarasota.  Very patriotic with thousands coming out to thank veterans for serving our country.  As I snapped this photo on Main Street, it struck me...

 This could have been a scene from the '50s.  What do you think?

Lots of ROTC cadets marched in the parade.

Always love to see the parade goers proudly waving the American flag.

And, so nice to see the younger generation paying tribute to our vets.

The topper for the morning's event was....a military flyover!  Two F-16s from Homestead Air Reserve roared over the ceremony.  Awesome!  Thanks to all the veterans.

Oystercatcher

Who can resist the the bright orange beak and orange-yellow eyes of an oystercatcher? Not me! Such a unique seabird. I spotted this guy this past weekend during a relaxing day at Lover's Key State Park near Ft. Myers Beach.  Oystercatchers prefer environs south of Sarasota, so it was fun to encounter this one....who appeared to have his head cocked and ready for his closeup.  Nice!