This 8 footer is a resident of Payne's Prairie near Gainesville, FL.  He was very close to the end of the La Chua trail almost under the observation platform.  I approached fairly closely but he wasn't interested in anything but soaking up the sunshine.

This beautiful stand of mixed trees is found at the beginning of the La Chua trail in Payne's Prairie.  Once we get a frost or two the vegetation should be down and the best part of the year on the Prairie will be here.  Winter brings in the Sandhill Cranes and even the occasional Whooping Crane.

Payne's Prairie Horses

This is another shot of the wild horses found on Payne's Prairie.

Florida Cracker Horses

Payne's Prairie is home to a small herd of wild horses.  They are thought to be descendants of horses brought to Florida by Ponce de Leon in 1521 that have bred with horses from many other sources.  These Florida Cracker Horses are tough and live in an environment that constantly changes due to water levels and that is heavily populated by some very large alligators.  We hiked the La Chua trail this morning and found three small bands of these horses near the observation tower along with a lone stallion that was somewhat protective of the band shown in the photo.  I've seen the horses on the prairie several times but never this close.  The area they were in is usually covered in water even during the dry season but is now covered in lush vegetation.

Payne's Prairie Bison

This is one of the bison that inhabit Payne's Prairie.  Efforts are underway to capture approximately half of the current herd and castrate many of the remaining males in order to control the population.  I've run across some of these extremely large animals on the La Chua trail without incident.  That's because I wait patiently for them to decide to go elsewhere instead of trying to encourage them or trying to sneak by them.  The La Chua trail looks very wide until you see one of these standing in the middle of it.  This bison was taking a sand bath while several others stood and watched.  I have mixed emotions about thinning the herd.  On the vast majority of days I've hiked this trail I have never even caught a glimpse of the bison but on other days they are very much present.  I'm not aware of any injuries or accidents occuring from the herd but I suppose it's inevitable if the herd continues to grow unchecked.  I understand the bison that are removed are being relocated and that there is a written agreement that they won't be sold for slaughter.  I hope that's true.

Mama Gator

If you ever run across a mother gator and her young you want to stay some distance away.  They are very protective and quick to get extremely irritated with you.  This gator family was found on the La Chua trail in Payne's Prairie.  I'm always amazed to see young gators there because there are numerous large males inhabiting the same areas.  That must mean there is plenty of other food for them so they don't have to risk the consequences of going after the young gators.

Alachua Sink

I took this shot at the Alachua Sink on Payne's Prairie near Gainesville, Fl.  You can see signs of the early spring in the old oak tree while the rest of the landscape looks like winter.  The La Chua trail runs by the Alachua Sink and out to an observation platform about a mile towards the center of the Prairie.  There were hundreds of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead, flocks of Red Shouldered Blackbirds as well as hawks, gators and a few egrets.  Any day at Payne's Prairie is a great day.