Pets/Wildlife

This resplendent cardinal decided to dine just outside the kitchen window at the home of Steve Vinik and his wife, in Lexington Oaks in Wesley Chapel. The Viniks said there are two male cardinals that visit from time to time, and sometimes simultaneously. The couple has also seen a female cardinal, a red-winged blackbird, a tufted titmouse, a red-bellied woodpecker, a house finch, blue jays and mourning doves.

Bob Harrigan snapped a photo of this white-tailed deer through his screened lanai, off Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz. Harrigan said residents spotted ‘Gimpy’ years ago noticing his damaged right front leg and wondered if he got hit by a car, and if he would survive. This young buck seems to be doing just fine!

Lily is a 7-month-old King Charles Cavalier spaniel. She loves going to the dog park, eating ice, hiding under the bed, sleeping on her owners’ heads and playing with their other dogs. Her precious face warms their hearts and always elicits smiles. She loves giving kisses and cuddling on the sofa. Lily lives in Land O’ Lakes with the Galan family.

Ty is a 1-year-old rescue cat that absolutely loves to lay in sinks. Madison Lash, of Wesley Chapel, has been a cat mom to Ty since he was 5 weeks old, and she has loved every second of it. Ty is the most loving cat and always cuddles with Madison when she gets home, from anywhere. His favorite thing to do is catch lizards outside and bring them in. Ty is all around the best pet anyone could have.

Nicole Hoffman was lucky enough to snap a photo of a barred owl in Seven Oaks, in Wesley Chapel. These owls lack ear tufts, and have a long, barred tail. Mainly nocturnal, its daytime roost is always well-hidden in deep woods. The barred owl also is known as the ‘hoot owl.’ It uses 10 different calls, each for a specific purpose. These calls include wails, whines, squeals, and even an eerie laugh. Its habitat is dense coniferous or mixed woods around rivers and swamps, and in upland woods.

Joe Macey caught this gator looking squarely at him from Reflections Lake in Villa Rosa, Lutz.

Luna is a rescued 4-year-old mix. She loves playing with her two human brothers, playing ball and taking naps. Luna is loved by all who meet her. She is the joy at the end of the day. Luna lives in Lutz with the Danaie family: Mazdak, Nina, Maz and Sevi.

Nicole Magazu and her husband, of Land O’ Lakes, spotted this group of mottled ducks swimming in the pond at sunset. Mottled ducks are known as ‘dabbling ducks’ because they feed at the surface or tip up to reach vegetation. On water, a group of ducks can be called a brace, raft, team or paddling. In flight, a group is known as a flock.