Red Bluff Flora and Fauna

We always have lots of interest in the more unusual animals that live around here. Maybe not so much from our Florida hunters (whose climate, etc.) is so similar, but definitely from our northern friends. A few of our hunters have taken some great shots during their hunts and have been generous enough to share them with us (thanks goes out to Matt and Mark Miller and to Charlotte Crider).

I thought that this was a dreamy action shot of our 'possum on the half shell' - an armadillo. Hunters often beg for a chance to see one of these - alive, that is. Most are spotted legs up on the side of the road. We've even been known to take hunters out on armadillo safaris in the efforts to spot one. For a laugh, it is always fun to watch our black lab, Zeke, try to chase and catch one. His teeth slip off of the scales - it puzzles him so.

Here's our neighborhood gator, Albert, who lives just 300 yards or so from the lodge. He's usually pretty shy, so I was glad to get such a great shot of him. The kids always like to drive over in a golf cart in the efforts to spot him.

Even though this shot is a little bit blurry, I love it. Here is a barred owl, who makes the distinctive, "who cooks for you" hoot.

I'm pretty sure this is a black pine snake. What a good eye to get this shot!

The oh-so-elusive vertical rattlesnake. VERY rare to catch one of these on film!

A picture here of our ultimate cleanup crew taking a break between meals.

Finally, a flora pic. This is a swamp tree that appears to be sleeping. Charlotte Crider spent the morning with it while hunting and got a good shot for us.