SANLAN RECREATION AREA NEWS

Otters at Sanlan!

2012-03-30T11:25:00.001-04:00

We went on a 'bird walk' down by the pond at the back gate of Sanlan, and we had no idea what a neat site we would have! Things started quietly enough, finding a small flock of Robins flying over. We got a good look at a Snipe, and some other wading birds, at the ponds. As we were about to move on.....

we caught a glimpse of something moving in the water that we thought was 'The Loch Ness Monster' - - - It was an OTTER!

It oscillated through the water so smoothly. Then a second one glided into the water from the shore. Lorna was able to get a few quick photos of them as we enjoyed the show.....

What a treat to watch them as they swam and fished. Each one caught and ate big 'mud puppies' : salamander-type things that are pretty ugly, but must be good eating! They seemed undisturbed by our

being there, swimming out to

limbs and snags sticking

up out of the water, to

fish, as it's doing here.

Otters have been seen in Sanlan on occasion, but to have them here close to the

campground was a real treat.

Maybe we'll see them again early

next season when we return!

We had a tough time leaving them, but we continued on and had a little bit more birding before we

called it a day. Though it was a short walk, it was a rewarding one - - - I won't forget the enjoyment of watching those otters!

Great Backyard Bird Count at Sanlan

2012-03-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

In Sanlan, it's a real thrill if you happen to come across one of the bobcats while you're out on the trails. And if you're lucky enough to have your camera with you, that's an extra-special thrill! That was the case for Ann Nichol, as this beautiful cat crossed Sanctuary Trail, and she got this terrific picture - Thanks for sharing it with us!

Feb.17th began the Great Backyard Bird Count. It's a national count organized as a fun project, with Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. It is valuable to help collect data to learn more about birds' behavior, movements, and population changes.

Since we are lucky to have Sanlan, and Sanlan Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary as "our backyard" during the winter, I set out to do my count on the trails!

At my 7:30 am start, I went out towards the back gate and saw most of the species common to this area of the park.... By the time I passed the golf course parking lot and reached the trailhead, I had 20 species!... A few of those species: Tree Swallow, Little Blue Heron, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Sandhill Crane.

Robins are feeding in big flocks in the woods - something we don't see when they get up north and wander around in our yards! I stopped to take a look into Stahl Canal as I passed it along the trail. I came upon 15 more species as I wandered along this area, of special note... Black and White Warbler, Wood Stork, Hooded Merganser, Great BlueHeron, and the 'ever-squawking' Limpkin!

Continuing on that trail, I enjoyed the view across Banana Lake, and chatted with a couple golfers on the tee at Bramble Ridge. A Royal Tern circled over the lake, showing off his aerial acrobatics - so graceful! I also added Belted Kingfisher, Grey Catbird, Pied-billed Grebe, and the beautiful white Snowy Egret to the list.

As it got late in the morning, I happened to be "in the right place, at the right time", when a 'mixed flock' gradually moved thru one large live oak tree ... I watched for 15 minutes as eight more new species were found at this one tree! The first Northern Parula of the season was seen .... they are always the latest ones to move thru here in migration, and I had been anxious to see them and hear their unusual 'trilling' call. Some other wonderful ones to see were the big flock of Cedar Waxwings, the vibrant Yellow-throated Warbler, cute Downy Woodpecker, and tiny White-eyed Vireo.

Just as I turned to start away from the lake, I took one last look and ducks were feeding in the marsh.... and 2 Roseate Spoonbills just happened to fly across above the lake at the right time! What a nice sight! Other nice species in this area were the Brown Pelicans feeding in the lake, and the Swamp Sparrow creeping thru the brush at water's edge.

A couple other nice birds were added to my list as I made my way thru the wooded area of the trail, and the warm afternoon quieted things down. I heard a Barred Owl giving his distinctive hoot... I think we have a pair nesting in the thicker parts of the park!

Although I certainly didn't get all the bird species that can be readily found in Sanlan, it was a thoroughly enjoyable time.... I finished up my list with a total 63 species!!

And that doesn't even include all the many alligators that I saw that added extra fun to my walk! Good Hiking! ----- Randi Denham

Bird Walk January 31, 2012

2012-02-06T15:34:00.001-05:00

BIRD WALK - Jan. 31, 2012

Ann, Ralph and Gloria, Denny, and I started our morning by checking for the Osprey on the front nest. It seems that we don’t have them nesting there this year – There’s been no nest-building activity at the platform. I see them right in the area though, so I think they’ve chosen a new near-by spot. We had some nice sightings as we walked down by the front ponds – Ann spotted a Wood Stork, and we actually got to see a cute House Wren who stayed in sight after his chattering caught our attention!

Belted Kingfisher Sandhill Crane Great Egret

American Robin Boat-tail Grackle Fish Crow

Northern Mockingbird Common Moorhen Anhinga

Eastern Phoebe Double-crested Cormorant Wood Stork

Red-bellied Woodpecker Limpkin House Wren

Palm Warbler Red-shouldered Hawk Little Blue Heron

Carolina Wren (v)

As we continued down around thru ‘the flats’, we checked the trees along the side ridges. Denny spotted a pair of Red-bellied woodpeckers, who gave us real nice looks at them. A few small birds flitted in the trees, but we could only identify a few before they took off.

Mourning Dove White Ibis Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Osprey Black Vulture Turkey Vulture

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher

We circled the ponds by the treatment plant, and found the ‘line-up’ of the ‘black-type’ birds on the wires, that we often see there… It’s a challenge to try to sort them out into species, picking out the differences in bill and head size, tail size and shape, color shading, etc. But that challenge is one of the enjoyments of birding! These species are the first three below. We went on to see a neat baby alligator in one of the ponds – catching some rays.

Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Common Grackle

Glossy Ibis Hooded Merganser Great Blue Heron

Tri-colored Heron Pied-billed Grebe

We took one of the new trails and went down along the butterfly garden. Many of last year’s plantings that were hit by last month’s frost are sprouting back up again – it’s spring! It should look quite different there in another month.

But our most exciting find was – ducks in the wet area on beyond the garden, in the flooded ‘hills and swales’. There were about 20 Green-winged Teals, which are a small, beautiful duck, and they were close enough to get a real nice view of them. A couple Blue-winged Teals were there, which I found there several days before. The ducks are starting their migration north, and may not hang around here too much longer, but it was a great sight, since it’s been years since we’ve had them on our Sanlan bird list!

Grey Catbird Northern Cardinal

Green-winged Teal Blue-winged Teal

It was a real nice walk - Come join in the fun….

Randi Denham

MONDAY DEC 26, VISITOR

2011-12-30T12:42:00.000-05:00

This past Monday afternoon we had a visitor checking

out what would be good for lunch over in the maintenance

area, or maybe if there is a good nesting site around here.

BIRD WALK

2011-12-29T16:23:00.000-05:00

BIRD WALK - Dec. 20, 2011

What a nice morning… I was joined by 5 other birders for
our walk: Pam (birds with our Lake Region Audubon group),
Bill and Alice, Ann (good to see you back for another season!),
and Wanda. Thanks to all of you for coming out to enjoy the
Sanlan scenery and birds!

Pam and I checked the ponds near the office, before others arrived.
Some of ‘the regulars’ were around the pool pond. A few Hooded
Mergansers showed up here, apart from the bigger group we’ve
been seeing on the pond at the back gate.
Our birds in this area:
Great Blue
Heron

Limpkin

Little Blue Heron
Fish Crow (big groups have been seen….
I’m not sure what the ‘attraction’ is!)
Killdeer

Hooded Merganser
Mourning
Dove
Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher

We walked down to the ponds at the back gate, and had lots
of good sightings. This has become a really good spot this season…
the birds are regularly quite numerous here. The Black-bellied
Whistling Ducks seem to have moved on to another place now.
We had noticed the numbers dropping, and now it seems they
are gone for this year. Hopefully we’ll get them back again next
year! I’ll keep checking down along the canal at the B & W
Sanctuary… maybe they’ve just moved back there into the marshes.
Our little Least Sandpipers are at the pond again… They look
like little ‘peeps’. In fact, we refer to them, along with about
3 other species of sandpipers that all are about 6” long, as ‘peeps’.
Our birds in this area:
Double-crested Cormorant
Anhinga
Tree Swallow
White Ibis
Great Egret

Palm Warbler
Wood Stork
Red-bellied Woodpecker

Least Sandpiper
Sandhill Crane
Greater
Yellowlegs

Tri-colored Heron
Pied-bill Grebe
Cattle Egret
Wilson’s Snipe

Then we headed out the Clubhouse Trail. Though we still

aren’t hearing or seeing many small birds, we had some good

sightings as we walked out to Stahl Canal and back. The

butterflies are pretty numerous, especially the Zebra Longwings

(Yes, the neat ones with long black wings with yellowish stripes…

like a zebra!) We saw other ones, varying sizes and all yellow, that
fit into the group called ‘Sulphurs’.

The birds we saw in this area:
Kestrel
House Wren (heard, only)
Turkey Vulture
Mottled Duck (pair)

Belted Kingfisher

Brown Pelican
Eastern Phoebe
Yellow-rumped Warbler

Red-tailed Hawk

As we passed back by the big pond again, the Greater

Yellowlegs (a 10” wading bird often found at mudflats) was

joined by a Lesser Yellowlegs, which is smaller. It was neat

to have them there together, to see the difference… it is often

difficult to tell which one it is when there is only one!

That brought our total to 33 species, on our enjoyable walk! Thanks again –

The Rest of the Butterfly Garden

2011-09-22T11:47:00.010-04:00

There are many more pictures but I will have to save them for later.

Under the trees the vines we planted are growing. The Cassia trees all four species are doing extremely well.

The salvia's are reseeding themselves along with the Mexican sunflowers. The only thing I did not find were the trees (Maple and others) that we had planted along the berm. Enjoy the pictures and see you soon.
Susan

September Update From the Butterfly Garden

2011-09-22T11:22:00.009-04:00

Taking pictures of the butterfly garden and working down there after being gone so long was a pleasure.

I will add additional posts with pictures of the overall growth in the butterfly plantings.

I know there were many more butterflies utilizing the area than I could get shots of so don't despair we still have many more species than contained within these photographs. For all you Sanlander's that helped out with upkeep, weeding, planting; it is important to realize that the survival of our hard work is due to the dedication of the grounds keeping staff of Sanlan RV Park and adequate rainfall over the summer months.

Please be sure to thank them when you get back and enjoy the fruits of all of our labor. I did plant more seeds when I was out there taking shots. My husband and I weeded, watching out for the many fire ants that had taken up residence in the garden. We also sowed special butterfly vine seeds on the newly established trellis. Hopefully these pipevine seeds will sprout and grow in before we get any seriously cold weather.

Can't wait to see everyone back during the season.

Susan

Hello August

2011-08-05T15:07:00.010-04:00

I checked with Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland, Florida today for an update on the young eaglet juvie rescued following the storm here and taken to the center to fledge, then released in Mulberry in April. Linda White said she was observed in the release area, but is now likely in the Chesapeake Bay area of the east coast because that is where many Florida eagles go for the summer. Then begin to return in September and October. Her parents have only been noticed once since the storm but are likely vacationing north also. Unfortunately the damaged nest and tree have fallen so the parents will have to start a new nest and hopefully in the area. Below are pictures of the butterfly garden taken this week, it sure does look nice this year with a new round of blossoms and green grass. I saw a lady humming bird checking out some blossoms when I was there. There were several butterflies around also.

Sanctuary pictures

2011-04-25T15:12:00.008-04:00

The beautiful Martin bird house, built by Jon Hains, is finally up out near the west pond.

We have garden pictures taken last week, and we sure could use some rain. In some pictures there is a butterfly working.

This picture of a bobcat was taken April 8, 2011 by Sherry Mizicko while riding on the trail between the Sanctuary and Bramble Ridge Golf Course. They stopped to take this picture and spoke to it and the cat just sat there. What a picture!!!

Pictures of the Eagle Release

2011-04-25T10:29:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures of our juvenile female Bald Eagle being released in south Mulberry. The young lady in the picture is Linda White of the Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland, FL. She and her staff were the ones that were able to rehabilitate our young gal and get her ready for release. The eagle pair that had several juveniles her size learning the ropes of flying and hunting were the best choice to release her to. It is expected that she will fly with them and learn from them that which she needs to learn about caring for herself. Eagle Watch volunteers are keeping an eye on her as is the property owner. We hope for the best in her continued existence through maturity.

Young Eagle to Take Flight

2011-04-22T18:29:00.002-04:00

On Saturday the 23rd of April our young female rescue eagle will be released on private property in south Mulberry. If you wish to see the eagle before she leaves we will be meeting at Circle B Bar at 10:30am and leave from there to her release point. It seems that there is a pair of adults with two young eagles about her age who are in residence at the release site. It is the hope of the rehabilitation team from the Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland that she will have the opportunity to learn the skills she will need from this pair of Eagles. Though some of us have seen her parents circling around Sanlan at times there is no real nest site left and the fear for releasing her there is that they will not be around to teach her what she needs to learn.

I will post pictures from the release sometime after Easter Sunday. I will be busy with family till then.

Susan

YOUNG EAGLE UPDATE

2011-04-07T15:16:00.002-04:00

Ok, our surviving eaglet is a female. She just yesterday started to branch or perch which means she has gained both strength and agility. She is not quite ready for flight just yet. I spoke to Linda White, the EagleWatch Coordinator and she said they were expecting (4) more juvenile eagles by today, for a total of (8) in the last week. Please think about the Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland, FL for a quick donation - (Don't forget to mention you are a Sanlan resident). This way we know our eaglet will have plenty to eat. Due to the major storms that hit last Thursday and more recently on this Tuesday many young eagles are finding themselves in peril across the Central Florida landscape. Lets pitch in and help them rehabilitate and release all of these youngsters. More updates to follow as the information comes in. Susan

Native Florida Wildflowers (Part 2)

2011-04-05T17:47:00.000-04:00

Native Florida Wildflowers (Part 1)

2011-04-05T17:44:00.000-04:00

Eagle Nest Update

2011-04-04T16:01:00.005-04:00

For all of you Sanlanders that may have started your trek homeward here is the current update on our wonderful Eagle pair's nest. The storm that happened on Thursday the 31st of March spawned several tornado's throughout Polk County. Our Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary as well as the RV Park was hit with extremely strong winds it is unclear if we actually had tornatic winds. The eagle nest along the edge of Banana Lake near the cow pasture suffered extensive damage. As I was driving home on Thursday I noted that there did not seem to be much of it left in the tree. I called my Eagle Watch group leader and we embarked on a hunt for the eaglets Friday morning. It was clear to us as we went along the trails in the Sanctuary that many trees had taken a powerful hit and were down or had major branches down. We saw the Red-shouldered Hawks, the Great Horned Owl, Osprey and other birds as we headed out to the nest site. We took with us a bird net, and capture box in hopes of finding the eaglets safe but that was not to be. After we located the nest we immediately saw the damage. Most if not all of the nest was on the ground, scattered and shattered into a trail of debris. We found the first eaglet dead at the base of the tree. He or she had been predated but it was unclear if that bird have even survived the fall. The other eaglet was nowhere to be seen. We searched and searched, calling and making noises in order to hear a response. No luck. My companion Reinier, our Polk Eagle Watch group leader went one direction and I went the other. After about 35 minutes I heard a distant cry, like that of a juvenile bird, but could not tell exactly where it was coming from. Then I looked up and notice one of the adult birds circling overhead. As I walked toward where it was circling I heard the noise again. After retrieving my companion we located the second young eagle. It was down in a slight ravine along the trail heading back to the bridge about 50-75 feet from the tree that once held their nest. It was laying flat on the ground. We captured it and tried to examine it for injuries but it was very weak and we decided to remove it from the area. The other eaglet being targeted by a predator meant that this youngster, in his weakened state was vulnerable to the same actions. I hoisted the dead eaglet in the net and we made the long trek back to the golf cart. We were lucky that there were some guests walking the back trail that morning because we ran into more large trees down across the canal trail. If it would not have been for the lady and gentleman we would have had to take the long way back to the office. They helped clear debris so we could pass. A big thanks goes to them, sorry I did not get their names. Well our eaglet is in Maitland now at the Audubon Birds of prey Center. He is on fluids, and had preliminary x-rays. Yeah, no broken bones. He will be monitored and fed for a week or two. His parents did an awesome job rearing both young eaglets but the weather was against them. We will have to watch and see if they pick a different tree to nest in next year. More to come and pictures later. Susan

2011-03-18T10:39:00.016-04:00

Yes - There are flowers in the butterfly garden now!! This Cosmos came out first, and there are many more of them to come.

This perennial Peanut will spread and be ground cover - and a butterfly found the tiny

yellow bloom just after it was planted!

But before I show you other flowers, take a look at our new additions to the Sanlan eagle family........

These two have gotten really Big in the last couple weeks!! They were just 'hangin out' on this hazy early morning. They won't get their white heads and tails for several years!

The 2 tropical honeysuckles seem to like their spots at the garden

and the red Salvia is looking pretty! It's neat to see leaves coming out on the 3 Green Ash trees that Patti kept in her 'plant nursery' thru last summer, and that now are planted along the bank at the garden. We'll be looking for lots more flowers to come - and I'll give another update before heading north to see what's coming up in my garden!

2011-03-07T23:37:00.002-05:00

Check out this Preying Mantis I found along the trails. Now he just wants you to know he is natural pest control. It is nice to see these very secretive fellows along the trails.

Susan

What you see!

2011-03-07T23:33:00.003-05:00

Our Eagle's Nest from a vantage point on Hwy 98 South. Adults were in the middle of changing places. What I would do for a digital scope about now.

Susan

Signs of Spring

2011-02-16T21:40:00.014-05:00

February 25, 2011

The BUTTERFLY GARDENS are underway!! A grassy path is growing, that runs thru the center of the plant borders. Many native perennials have been planted, and seeds spread. We just need to keep them moist (thanks to our great water barrels!) thru this dry spell, and hopefully we'll get neat flowers, and later seeds, that will keep butterflies and birds coming!

More walks on the trails brings some special treats.... An

Ovenbird quietly snuck alongside the trail. They just blend in with the woods floor - and aren't much bigger than a big sparrow.

A real surprise was found by fellow trail travellers, and word was passed on to others along the way! So THANKS to whomever initially found the Barred Owl perched 'in clear sight' (though

perfectly hidden just by virtue of his color!!)

Spring is a time for new babies, and we are certainly seeing and hearing some Great Blue Heron chicks. All these photos are from last season, since my camera isn't always on me...and these heron chicks are a little older than the ones we have now.

The Ospreys out on the platform at the front of the park are now busy readying their nest, too!

These are the beutiful Red Maples that we see this time of year. They look like leaves are coming out... but look closer and you'll see that they are the seed pods!!

ENJOY the beautiful weather and our wonderful trails ! ! !

Walks and Observations

2011-02-05T16:35:00.017-05:00

In the last several days I've walked some trails of Sanlan, and taken a few pictures. 2-5-2011

On Tuesday, it was one of the warm, hazy mornings. This Great Egret was in a perfect spot to watch from one of the benches (in the foreground) along the trail...And then decided I was too close!

The Glossy Ibis posed perfectly for me, his multi-colors showing in the sunlight. One of the most wonderful sightings was a Wood Duck on a limb of an old Oak, along the canal. It's only the second one I've seen here, and it would be great if a pair would nest somewhere nearby - one of the few ducks that breeds in Florida.

It warmed up nicely, and gators of all sizes came out to enjoy it.

A pair of Sandhill Cranes

has been around regularly,

and didn't seem to mind when I

wandered by.

On Wednesday, our birders had a nice walk, seeing 37 species of birds. We post our list on our Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary bulletin board in the A.P.R.

The pair of Ospreys are busy around the front of the park, but haven't been seen actually on the nest platform yet.

The new location for the butterfly/native flower garden is looking really good! Pete was working hard on it - grooming the area on either side of the walking path he's made. The flowers will be planted on either side of the path... the better to enjoy them from!! It will take some time to get the area established, but hopefully it will pay off in the longrun.

On Thursday, I took a trip to the south, to a huge Mosaic Mines location.... It's an area where they've transformed the mined area into ponds/ wetlands, that are now a haven for birds and wildlife. The Audubon group is able to go in on escorted birding trips once a year. This Great Blue Heron was one of many that nested in one of the areas.... It was an amazing sight. Though the mining is an awful sight while it's going on (it often looks like a moon-scape!), they are doing a pretty neat job of transforming it when done.

Friday was another beautiful day. Our pair of Bald Eagles at the south edge of the Sanctuary are very active at the nest, and I think it's possible they've now got eaglets - though I haven't seen them yet! When checking on them, I took this picture of Banana Creek as it heads out into the pasture, toward Hwy.98. I've never seen it flowing so well!! It's great to see.

So as you can see, there's lots of terrific things to enjoy out on the trails.

Hope you get many chances to do so!

And thanks for taking care of the Sanctuary... helping to keep it and the Sanlan trails litter free, and by not smoking on the trails. -

Randi Denham, site 474

Email Addresses

2011-01-20T15:26:00.003-05:00

Email your State Representative-Seth McKeel-seth.mckeel@myfloridahouse.gov
Email your State Senator- Paula Dockery- dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov
Email your State Senator- J.D. Alexander-alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov
Solicit help from Governor Scott.
Email /CC Bob English-bobenglish@polk-county.net
Email/CC Ed Smith ed.smith@polk-county.net
Email Gary Amig FDOT Access Management gary.amig@dot.state.fl.us
Email Cindy Clemmons FDOT Public Information cindy.clemmons@dot.state.fl.us
Email L.K. Nandam FDOT District T. O. Engineer l.nandam@dot.state.fl.us
Copy Garry Hoffman Sanlan RV Park it@sanlan.com

We appreciate everyone who attended our Town Hall meeting Tuesday night. We believe that the FDOT folks were listening to the speakers and are seriously reviewing the input.
We look forward to their return with an update. Thanks again.

New Pictures

2010-10-16T18:06:00.012-04:00

Susan took a short stroll and had the chance to run into these signs of life.

Fall Migration Has Started!

2010-10-16T17:22:00.005-04:00

We are finally seeing Zebra Long-wing butterflies after a summer full of waiting. The extra cold winter seemed to have the greatest effect on this delicate tropical species. They have been abundant down in the southern part of the state.

The migratory birds are arriving with many new species of warblers almost daily. We got a picture of a pair of Belted-Kingfishers that have taken up residence near the new construction area by the front lagoon.

The posted picture is not that good. The male kept darting about and vocalizing to distract us from the perching area of his mate. The Osprey and Eagle are constantly tailgating each other in order to acquire the freshest fish on the menu.

A Red Shouldered Hawk was not overly happy to see us out and about in its territory.

The wading birds, butterflies and bees along with the grasshoppers were numerous as always. I will post some more pictures when I have free time. For all those 'Sanalnders' that are on your way the weather has been cool in the mornings (in the 60s) and warms up to about 82-85 in the afternoons. We have been quite dry as of late with little to no rain. Not a typical late summer but early fall is quite nice.

School Begins Anew

2010-08-23T10:32:00.004-04:00

Well there are not only school children returning to school but also many forms of juvenile wildlife learning the ropes to survival. Several groups of young alligators have been seen moving around the property. For those of you who do not know young alligators stay close to their mothers for quite awhile. This affords them protection from predators including the male of the species.

Alligator females construct their nests by digging holes and lining them with leaf litter which through the process of decomposition heats the eggs and allows them to incubate at the correct temperature. Female alligators tend their nests sometimes removing debris to cool down the eggs while at other times adding debris to up the temperature.

Well afternoon rain storms are becoming a little more frequent but so far we have been spared any real tropical systems. Areas that are low are now holding water which will start to affect vegetation growth.

An interesting fact I just saw my second summer hummer. Hummingbirds that are here year round are the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds but I only see a few and never before late July or early August. This year they seem to have waited till mid-August to show themselves. I have been unsuccessful capturing a picture so far but I won't give up just yet. Northern male hummers also start their migrations southward, sometimes as early as late August to early September.

Here is a picture of a Ruby-Throated male from this past summer. The two I have seen lately appear to be a female and a juvenile male.

Hope to see you all back here soon.

Susan

2010-06-29T11:37:00.007-04:00

Well the summer rains are here. On again off again showers, mainly in the afternoon. The occasional rumble of thunder and the bright flash of lighting reminds us that heat and humidity can generate great displays of their own.

Enjoy the updated pictures and remember we miss all of you who call Sanlan home in the winter months and wish all of you blog visitors would come enjoy the Florida wild lifestyle that makes Sanlan a unique summer and winter destination.

Again I am going to post some of Jon Hains photos along with a few of my own.
By the way we here great things about the coming of LegoLand, can't wait for it to open so we can all have one more wonderful place to visit nearby.

The Buckeye caterpillar and Butterfly pictures posted were a first for Sanlan this year. We knew they were about but they were always very hard to photograph in the past. Enjoy.

Susan