Nature Photography: Trees, Plants, Birds & Critters

I thought I'd share some photos I've taken in my neighborhood over the last couple of weeks. This large flowering "golden shower tree" (Cassia fistula) is located on some empty land nearby. I had noticed some cardinals in the area and spent a little time early one Sunday morning trying to get a photograph of one. They seem to be awfully wary of people and don't hang around any particular area for long, but I managed to get a few shots, although not as close-up as I would have liked. While I was waiting patiently for the cardinals I found a few other things to take photos of, namely butterflies, dragonflies and lizards!

The Cassia fistula tree is the national tree of Thailand, and according to Wikipedia its yellow blossoms symbolize Thai royalty. It is native to southern Asia, but I've seen quite a few of these trees scattered throughout Miami. At this time of year they are all in bloom and are a lovely sight. 

Above and below is a young female Northern Cardinal. I noticed her eating the yellow petals from the tree.

  

  

Another young cardinal above. Isn't it cute? As it grows into adulthood its crest will turn red at the top and its bill will become orange instead of the dark color you see here. 

This lizard has quite an interesting pattern, not typical of the ones I usually see 'round here. 

A stray cat wandered over and scared off the birds, oh well...

The red flowers above are from a wild vine called the "Rangoon Creeper." It is native to Asia, but is also found in other parts of the world. I've seen it in many areas in Miami and it has lovely red and white blooms, but if left to its own devices it can sometimes take over other plants and hedges. 

Mini-dinosaur ;)

 a.k.a. the Brown Anole (a common type of lizard)

   

These pretty yellow blossoms cascade downward like a golden waterfall.

  

  

Here is a male cardinal I followed around with my camera for a bit. I love his vibrant color and crest.

"Maybe if I hide behind this palm frond she won't see me"

    

Above and below is an example of an older female whose bill has already turned orange. Her coloring may not be as eye-catching as the male, nevertheless I think she is beautiful!

 
All of the Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) trees in the city are in bloom and looking gorgeous. Interesting fact (which I just learned): this type of tree originally came from Madagascar. However, they have been widely introduced into tropical and subtropical areas. I have one in my back yard and they are very common in South Florida. I love the coral color of the blossoms. The flowers are shaped a bit like an orchid.

  

Some more photos taken on a morning walk around the neighborhood...

   

~ Thanks for visiting. Have a great week! ~