Pets/Wildlife

Sue Dow snapped this photo of Muscovy ducklings at Zephyr Park. The ducklings will stay with their mom for 10 weeks to 12 weeks until they can regulate their temperature well enough on their own. They already know how to find their own food, but still need their family for warmth and protection.

Eduarda, aka Eddy, loves to sit and rest in a prim and proper way! She loves to watch her owner do the dishes. Her favorite thing is running water and she has even learned to turn on the bathroom faucet for a drink. Eddy lives with her proud owner, Beth Musgrove, in Zephyrhills.

Steve Vinik heard a bird squawking behind him at his home in Lexington Oaks, Wesley Chapel, and spotted this limpkin on his roof. The reason for all the noise? It’s usually territorial males reminding each other of their space. To hear the bird, visit AllAboutBirds.org/guide/Limpkin/overview.

Three-year-old Luey, left, and 2-year-old Jax are both Shih Tzus. Although they are not biologically related, they love each other like brothers. They currently are adapting to life with their new (human) baby sister, Scarlett. Luey and Jax live with their proud owner Amy Hin in Wesley Chapel.

Elaine Parker said this curious woodstork came up to her truck while she was getting ready to take her dog for a walk in Zephyr Park. This bald-headed wading bird stands just over 3 feet tall, and roosts and nests in colonies in trees above standing water. Florida populations have declined as water management has become a more difficult problem.

Poppy is a Havanese and about 7 months old. She rarely barks, but she will whine when she wants something. She loves people and thinks everyone should stop and pet her. Poppy couldn’t wait for her owner to brush her teeth, so shown here, she did it herself (she really likes the toothbrush). Poppy lives with her proud owner Donna Denommee in Zephyrhills.

Carmen Harris, of Land O’ Lakes, enjoys bird-watching, especially in her own backyard. She was delighted to spot a painted bunting that frequents her feeder. These fairly common songbirds breed in the coastal Southeast and in the south-central United States, where they often come to feeders. Harris said the bird looks so tropical!

This is King George, a rescued feral cat. He is a very calm cat and grants his rescuer short brushing /petting time. King George stays in his outdoor ‘recovery condo,’ but loves the warmth of the car engine — his favorite spot during the winter. His face seemingly shows he does not approve of having his photo taken. Anita Cooney has rescued King George and five other ferals as a community service.

Sam Lopez captured this photo of a monarch butterfly emerging from its chrysalis at his house in Land O’ Lakes. A monarch will remain in the chrysalis for 10 days to 14 days, depending on temperature. When the chrysalis is completely transparent, the butterfly will emerge.

Nakita is a 10-year-old Cornish Rex. She originally is from Minnesota, where she was always cold. Nakita is happy to live in beautiful, sunny, hot Florida. Most days she lays outside on the lanai. She is very sweet and always greets visitors at the door. Nikita lives in Land O’ Lakes with her proud owners, Lynette and Patrick Condra.