Lake Poway: Osprey, Snakes, Coots & Haiku…Oh MY!

A quick visit to Lake Poway today yielded a few surprises! Once we arrived it only took a few minutes to see a ‘capture’ of a baby rattlesnake, reported to the ranger by a man fishing along the water’s edge.

Only a few minutes later, someone behind us shouted ‘he’s got a fish’! We looked up to notice just that! Perched high above on a utility pole, an osprey was holding a fish. He soon took off! The photos below show a bit of the dramatic feat!

Here’s a short #haiku (Day #4 of National Poetry Writing Month hashtag: #napowrimo)!

Perched high, above pole

The osprey held on to prey

Then it flew away!

Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications

Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Osprey Perched with Prey – Take Off! Photo by SJF Communications

 

Osprey Perched with Prey – Holding On – Photo by SJF Communications

Wasn’t that osprey cool???

We walked along the water, taking in sights such as the beautiful blue sky and calm water of the Lake Poway. A few people were fishing, a few boating. Just a gorgeous afternoon.

More #Haiku

Crystal blue water

Perfect way to spend the day

Nature enriches

Entrance to Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Cormorants – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Coots and a Mallard – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Coot – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Picnic Area at Lake Poway – Photo by SF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Mallards – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

OH NO!!!!! We suddenly spotted this snake- rattlesnake? (or gopher snake?…it was a few feet long) – just as we walked above (and to the left) of the trail around the lake. That was enough for me! Beware, it’s SPRING and the rattlers are awakening!

Last #Haiku

I ask you…take heed

The rattlesnakes are lurking

Avoid getting bit!

Rattlesnake – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Whew, that rattler was scary! At the end of the trip we noticed this woman who caught some trout. She allowed me to snap this photo!

Trout! Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

All in all a wonderful time at Lake Poway!

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Butterflies on Parade – Haiku & Photos: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

I have been delighted with some great perks and benefits with my Keepers Club Membership  at the  San Diego Zoo Safari Park! 

We visited a great new exhibit, “Butterfly Jungle” at the Safari Park in Escondido, California the other day…

Please note: The Butterfly Jungle is only open now through April 15th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A few words to the wise! Be prepared to wait! This is a very popular exhibit! (For an extra fee of $20 you can move up in line).

Once you’re inside, they will allow you to marvel at and photograph these lovely colorful butterflies.

What a hoot! The butterflies love bright colors, so feel free to wear them! They will gladly land on you! You’ll chuckle with delight!

It’s a blast!

Here’s my #Haiku to kick off National Poetry Writing Month (#NaPoWriMo) and Global Poetry Writing Month (#glopowrimo):

Haiku: Sweet Butterflies

by

SJF Communications

 

Fickle flutterers

Quick, vividly colorful

Dainty butterflies

They might land on you

If so, they invite your grin

Butterflies marvel!

Oh…another important note (per the ambassadors): No touching the butterflies or taking them out of the area with you!

These sweet creatures are endangered, so there will be several ‘exit stations’ where the Safari Park Ambassadors will have you “turn around’ and  ‘shake it out’ to ensure that no butterflies are resting on your clothes, backpacks, hats, etc!

It’s all worth it though! Although there was an elusive few that flew so quickly that by the time I had my camera ready they were gone!

I am looking forward to going again soon! Hurry, the exhibit closes on April 15th!

Check out these photos and feel free to click on each one for more detail!

Paper Kite – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Postman – Photo by SJF Communications
Rusty-Tipped Page – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Giant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications
Giant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Giant Owl – Photo by SJF Communications

 

 

Giant Owls – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Flowers that invite butterflies to visit! – Photo by SJF Communications
More flowers that invite butterflies to visit! – Photo by SJF Communications

 Click here for info about the:

 San Diego Safari Park

 San Diego Zoo

 

Thanks for stopping by!

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