Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

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Turtles and Birds and Gators, Oh My!

March 24, 2016 by Ellen 14 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I fought with a bout of flu. Let me tell you, I believe the flu is winning! I have learned two things:

  1. Flu fatigue is REAL!
  2. Lack of energy for a low energy person (me) is a killer!

I have had all sorts of ideas swirling around in my head for blog posts, but no energy to write them.

So, once again, all of you will get a bit of Whimsy!

I work on a property that is about 1,300 acres, with a bayou and some swamp area running through it. I see all sorts of wildlife, that I thought I would share with you this week. I mean, anybody can share their flower pictures, right? But who runs across gators regularly?

Here is a sample of what I’ve been seeing this spring:

This big boy has been lurking in the swampy area and sunning. Please note that I use the zoom on my camera and stay in the car!

These two (large turtle, small gator) were having a stare down. I couldn’t hang around and find out who won. However, they all seem to live in harmony together. Would that we could do the same, amen?

 

I believe this pretty thing is some type of blue heron, although don’t quote me on that. She (or he?) happened to be wading next to the big gator from the first picture. Again, living in harmony and respect.

Praying that you enjoy these pictures, and that the flu fatigue will lift soon, so I can begin writing!

Grace upon grace be with you,

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Filed Under: Whimsy Tagged With: birds, gators, turtles, Whimsy

Comments

  1. Beth Rayann Corder says

    March 28, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Ellen, ditto on the flu issues…just coming out of that funk myself and think it would have been easier to fight off one of your gator friends! ;-O
    It sure is hard to live in harmony with the flu. I battled it all the way.

    Great nature pics! Pray you feel better and stronger soon! Think Spring…

    Smiles, BRC

    Reply
    • Ellen says

      March 28, 2016 at 8:55 pm

      My sweet pink friend Beth! I am so sorry you had to fight that nasty flu bug too. It is a funk, isn’t it? Praying for your strength to return quickly, my friend! Thanks so much for stopping by my little spot on the web!

      Reply
  2. Karen A Del Tatto says

    March 29, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    I saw my first alligator several years ago when we visited Kiawah South Carolina. It was quite a sight to see for this New England gal. lol. On one of our walks we saw a huge notorious 12 footer. I didn’t realize the kind of noise they produce with their mouths, but it is hair raising!! This particular gator was letting a swan know that it was his little island not hers.

    Then we went on a bike ride and my husband stopped for a second to adjust something and realized he was right next to a little alligator. We hopped on our bikes before Momma Gator showed up.

    Still fascinating creatures as are all of God’s creatures.

    Thanks for sharing a glimpse into the beauty that surrounds you.

    Reply
    • Ellen says

      March 29, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      Oh Karen – you got so very close to those gators! Do you know they are extremely fast? Glad you biked away before Big Momma Gator showed her face! Thanks so much for visiting today!

      Reply
  3. Angela Craig says

    March 29, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    This is so cool for me to see the gators, turtles and cranes being a Native PNW Girl. The whimsy worked for me. I DO hope you feel better soon. It is so fun to visit your blog today. Your neighbor at Purposeful Faith Angela Craig.

    Reply
    • Ellen says

      March 29, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      Oh Angela, I’m so happy you enjoyed the pictures! And yes, I am getting better each day, and feeling more like myself! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Tara says

    March 29, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Praying your flu fatigue lifts soon. And so fun to see your pictures. I definitely don’t get to see these animals in North Dakota. Blessed to be your neighbor at the RaRa linkup today.

    Reply
    • Ellen says

      March 29, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      Hi Tara! Flue fatigue is lifting this week, thanks! I imagine you have a whole different set of critters up there that I can’t imagine. Thank you for visiting today! Blessings to you!

      Reply
  5. Teresa says

    March 29, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    Hope you are feeling better each day. Lovely photos – thanks for sharing. I would have stayed in the car too knowing that big guy was on the loose!

    Reply
    • Ellen says

      March 29, 2016 at 7:44 pm

      Yes, Teresa, I’m on the mend! So glad you visited today, and enjoyed the photos. Blessings to you!

      Reply
  6. Rachel Q says

    March 29, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    So sorry you are down, Ellen! Our family got struck with that whole thing 2 weeks ago… right before Easter…not a good time. And yes, it just wipes you out and leaves you fatigued. Praying you get well soon and that your energy returns quickly!

    Blessings on you friend! 🙂

    Reply
    • Ellen says

      March 31, 2016 at 8:55 am

      Rachel, your whole family down with sickness! Praying you all recover quickly!

      Reply
  7. Crystal Storms says

    March 31, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    Praying for a quick recovery, Ellen, so you’re filled with energy and back to writing. But I love the pictures. I’ve never seen a gator that close that wasn’t in some type of habitat. Living in Florida the chances of spotting one are pretty good, so I keep searching. : )

    Reply
    • Ellen says

      March 31, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      Crystal, they are very fast! Stay a safe distance when you see one!

      Reply

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