(Click on images to zoom, click again to enlarge.)
An hour past sunrise and lingering fog obscures the bright light we normally encounter. Damp air mutes the calls of Mourning Dove and Northern Cardinals. Along the edge of the lake a Pig Frog grunts a greeting from the cover of lily pads. Gradually, the gray veil lifts to reveal clear blue skies overhead.
Today’s venue is a county park, although at over 1200 acres it is larger than what we usually think about as a “county park”. Four lakes, each with a nice boat ramp, makes this a desirable spot for fishermen. Fortunately for us, the park is normally very sparsely visited during the week. Around the lakes are nice wooded patches and a long boardwalk winds through a wetland. We have always enjoyed visiting Hardee Lakes County Park and today is no exception.
The lakes are remnants of phosphate mining. Plentiful and relatively easy to find within a four-county area in west-central Florida, phosphorous rock has been mined here since the 1880’s. This particular spot ceased mining activity in the 1960’s and, as they have done in most instances, was subject to intense reclamation by the mining company. There are, of course, huge negative environmental impacts of almost any mining industry. The balance of the positive results, in this case, producing a large percentage of the nation’s agricultural fertilizer, will always be a subject of debate. For now, we shall enjoy what has become a lovely natural setting filled with native flora and fauna.
Our morning progressed around each lake shoreline, through the wetland and a bit of probing the forested edges. Plenty to see and hear. Breakfast before the sun broke through the fog was very pleasant as a pair of Sandhill Cranes fed and preened just a few dozen yards away. After that, it just got better.
Join us …
This Sandhill Crane pair entertained us during breakfast (ours and theirs). Feeding, preening, male showing off – same thing going on at our table.
Ubiquitous is a word invented by residents living near water in places such as Florida to describe the Red-winged Blackbird. This male sang his morning tune as the sun began to burn through the mist. Check a dozen field guides and you’re likely to find as many descriptions of his song. Gini says it’s “Per-deeeee-TA!”. Now, I hear nothing else when he sings. The female may not sing, but she has plenty of sounds and calls of her own. She may be one of the most confusing birds to identify in the field. Living proof that plain can be gloriously beautiful.
Plenty of yellow blooms this morning. We found a field filled with Mexican Pricklypoppy (Argemone mexicana). Pretty to gaze upon, painful to pick.
Here there be dragons! A male Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) shows off his blue abdomen, yellow and black racing stripe thorax and white face.
Although typically seen around the beaches, Forster’s Terns are fairly common at Florida’s inland freshwater lakes.
Aquatic plants such as Bulltongue Arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia) are abundant around all the lakes.
One of our more common dragons is the Four-spotted Pennant (Brachymesia gravida).
Florida + Fresh Water = Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata).
Florida + Fresh Water = Common Gallinule.
They may be common, but I usually can’t resist photographing the Carolina Desert-Chicory (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus), especially an adorable pair such as this. This beautiful flower with the oxymoronic common name is also known as the Texas Dandelion and False Dandelion.
Master of camouflage. If it doesn’t move, it can be difficult to spot a Killdeer.
Loggerhead Shrikes find the best perches in their search for lunch. In this case, Sherrif Shrike is giving you that look ’cause you were thinking about parking in his buffet spot.
Cute kid. Petting is not recommended as, even at this tender age, there are a bunch of really sharp teeth within those surprisingly powerful jaws. Besides, she has taken care to conceal herself so well with those reeds you can’t even see her. Right? (Immature American Alligator.)
A Little Blue Heron displays breeding plumage which includes that very dark beak.
American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea). Gorgeous at any distance. Amazing intricate details up close.
It was hard to believe there seemed to be so many White-eyed Vireos as they were singing and calling everywhere we stopped. I still think it was just one bird who had been assigned to follow us around and report back to Vireo HQ on our activities. (Yes. Gini rolled her eyes, too.)
Watching a Great Egret in flight just above the lake’s surface was so fascinating.
Wing pattern, great green eyes, almost never lands. A male Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps) inspected me just long enough for a quick snapshot before returning to patrolling the lake shore.
A Double-crested Cormorant found just enough tree stump on which to perch in a secluded lagoon in one of the lakes. Orange-yellow around the bill and pale neck and breast indicate this is an immature bird.
“You WILL come back for a visit!”
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the former mining pits and truly appreciate the efforts of the mining companies to reclaim the land. As we return to what used to be a regular outing schedule, Hardee Lakes County Park is high on our list for exploring natural places.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
Naturalists and photographers, even amateur “enthusiasts” such as the two of us, know that being outdoors early is the key to success in seeking our subjects. Birds – well – even children know “the early bird gets the worm“. Blooms are more likely to be fully open as the early rays of the sun glisten on dew drops among soft petals. Bugs typically follow the peak blooming of the flowers for access to that sweet nectar.
Yep. All of the above is what motivates us to spring from our comfortable beds and rush out the door while it’s still dark. The “Golden Hour” awaits.
So, there we were at one of our favorite patches – in the middle of the afternoon.
No, we didn’t oversleep (although that has been known to happen). It was just one of those “Hey, feel like a short ride before supper?” sort of moments. “Sure!“. —>Is there any question why I love her? (That would be – “nope“.)
Our expectations of encountering much to observe with that sun so high in the sky were not keen. But the mere anticipation of “getting out of the house” and looking at lakes and fields and trees had us excited nonetheless. One of my favorite quotes is “a short visit to the natural world is better than no visit“. Okay, I just made that up, but it should be a famous quote.
Wrong time of day. Not much time to spend. Low volume of wildlife activity.
What a wonderful time!
A messy mass of weedy stems. Closer inspection reveals a multitude of bright white and yellow blossoms. Prairie fleabane (Erigeron strigosus). Not really sure if it’s a bane to the fleas, but those flowers certainly made us feel better.
A fungus among us.
Our activities did not go unnoticed. I know that birds don’t express emotions but the look from this Eastern Towhee sure seems like one I’ve seen from some humans who would prefer to be left alone thank you very much.
Jam, jelly, preserves. Berries shall soon replace those dense clusters of white flowers. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis). I heard stories that Grandma kept a bottle of elderberry wine on the top of the tall tri-corner cabinet in her kitchen right next to the old wood-burning stove and could be reached by standing on a chair and stretching my 8-year old arm as far as — or, at least that’s what I thought maybe I heard ……
Common in pastures as they follow browsing cattle which cause insects to move out of their way and “gulp“, Cattle Egret appreciate the food-finding service provided by their bovine namesakes. Handsome in flight, too.
We came across a patch of White Sweetclover (Melilotus albus) dotted with colorful Lantana (non-native but with its extensive commercial landscaping use, has become common in many natural areas). The section of clover was about 20 feet wide. I stood in one spot for several minutes happily watching about a dozen hairstreak butterflies sip from the small blooms. A bonus, a nice-looking moth larva. Interestingly, the butterflies never visited the Lantana. Three different species of hairstreak in one spot. What a great day!
Once again, we prove that even a short unplanned visit to the Natural World can provide immense enjoyment. The Golden Hour is quite special, no doubt. Being out there – at any hour – is always “lucky“.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
Peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches and bananas. Underneath a pine tree. Cicadas sputter and then hum their familiar chorus. We stretch and sigh heavily as the morning is now becoming quite warm. It would be easy to lay back with my Love and remain here holding hands for hours. So much has transpired in the past couple of years. It is history. For now, our focus is to observe what we have been missing.
A couple of hours ago, we were met by Mother Nature’s Official Welcoming Committee. Actually, the little Marsh Rabbit didn’t stop chewing the tender grass and barely noticed us. We meandered along and found a few flowers blooming, a few bugs visiting the blooms and a few birds watching a few bugs on a few flowers.
Enough words for today. We hope you are able to get a sense of our very pleasant day by gazing at these images. Pretend the air is pine-scented, the sun is not too hot and the sky is a perfect blue.
Small and lovely, the Cutleaf Evening Primrose (Oenothera laciniata) only offers a full view of its flowers in the late evening through early morning hours. Our timing was good.
Displaying its namesake, a Great Crested Flycatcher was quick to let the neighborhood know a hawk was cruising above the treetops. How thoughtful.
Truly one of the most beautiful flowers in our area, the Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) bloom is incredibly intricate. Gini still reminisces about using them to decorate mud pies. (And that was just last week……)
Not in Carolina. Not in the desert. Not related to chicory. Other than that – the taxonomists nailed it! Carolina Desert-Chicory (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus).
Speaking of Passionflower. The bright orange Gulf Fritillary (Dione incarnata) uses the Passionflower as a host plant.
One of our favorite members of the morning glory family is Tievine (Ipomoea cordatotriloba). It’s interesting to examine the leaves of this plant as they can take a few different forms.
Checking us out. Gray Squirrel.
Lots of really bright yellow flowers makes the Butterweed (Packera glabella) a very happy plant for us to encounter.
Always looking so serious, a Red-shouldered Hawk gave us that look that translates to “move along, I’m trying to hunt here“. We did.
Often growing to over six feet tall, the Nuttall’s Thistle (Cirsium nuttallii) is one of the most popular plants among nectar seekers. For humans, attempting to pick a blossom is not recommended. Ouch.
Among the nectar-lovers mentioned above, we found two species of Hairstreak butterflies exploring the thistles. They obviously don’t mind all those sharp pointy things on the leaves and stems.
Uncomfortable memories from playing in the pasture behind the house when I was a kid. Officially it’s called Tread-softly (Cnidoscolus stimulosus). I knew it as Stinging Nettle and no amount of washing or alcohol would ease the pain of that rash!
Yet another fan of the spiny plant. Twin-spot Skipper (Oligoria maculata) on Nuttall’s Thistle (Cirsium nuttallii).
It’s pretty hard to find a more pleasing combination of colors than exhibited by an adult Eastern Bluebird.
Not as colorful as his metallic-colored cousins, this little sweat bee is one of the most abundant in Florida. We like it just fine the way it is. Poey’s Furrow Bee (Halictus poeyi) on Oakleaf Fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius).
Despite its name, the Mexican Pricklypoppy (Argemone mexicana) is a native of Florida. It’s beautiful, but just in case you see all those spiny leaves and think to yourself “you know, that might really taste delicious” – don’t do it! It’s toxic.
One of the lovely orange grass skipper butterflies, a Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) led me on a short chase before holding still. Thank you!
Mother Nature asked us to provide the following Public Service Announcement: “Before stepping into the hot tub, please check first to be sure another visitor is not already present. Thank you for your consideration.“
Our thoughts of blood tests, imaging machines, new medications — erased for a few hours as we totally immersed ourselves in a unique Natural Place. We intend to do it again. Soon.
We hope you enjoy your search for your own natural place and come back for a visit!
(Click to enlarge images, click again to zoom.)
We consumed the open sky and nearly infinite tan and green-flecked prairie as if it were an addicting and healing tonic. Which it was. We lingered at our breakfast as the serenade of Meadowlarks and Yellowthroats continued unabated.
Sigh. Time to move along.
A splash of bright purple flashed into view and a large white bird materialized among the greenery. Water. Pickerelweed and a Great Egret signalled the beginning of habitat transition from dry to wet prairie. Two large alligators sunning among blooming water hyacinths underscored the change. The Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area* actually borders (you guessed it) – three lakes: Jackson, Kissimmee and Marian.
Analysis of middens and mounds indicates humans have inhabited the shores of these lakes for hundreds of years. In the 19th century, pioneers settled into the area due to the abundance of fish and game. The nearby grass prairie was ideal for raising the wild “Florida” cattle left by Spanish explorers. One thing those cowboys learned was the importance of periodic burning of the prairie to prevent the growth of pine trees and scrub palmetto.
Speaking of fire management. The header image was taken as we moved from dry to a wet environment. The pattern of smoke suggests this was likely due to prescribed burns which occur on a regular schedule. That pine tree contains a Bald Eagle nest and an adult eagle flew from the tree as we approached. There has been a nest in that tree for as long as we can remember – a lot of years!
A short drive through scrub oak habitat and we reached the shore of Lake Jackson. Water birds. We meandered around to Lake Kissimmee and enjoyed the diversity provided by both lakes’ environments.
Too soon, it was time to head home. We will return.
Lovely from a distance, a closer view of Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) almost resembles a collection of orchids.
Abundant and beautiful. Southern Beeblossom (Oenothera simulans) seemed to be everywhere.
This Great Egret was too busy hunting to be bothered by our intrusion.
I don’t think this Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) cared if it was prairie or marsh. As long as something with nectar was available.
Tiptoeing through the hyacinths. Immature White Ibises are brown during their first year.
Near the water, we found plenty of dragons. This Four-spotted Pennant (Brachymesia gravida) clung to the fencing along a pier.
Lake = Osprey buffet.
Thought to be endemic to Florida until the 1940’s, Florida Betony (Stachys floridana), a member of the mint family, has spread to several other states. It is prolific and often considered a nuisance weed. Also known as Rattlesnakeweed, due to the shape of its tubers, the plant produces really lovely flowers.
Sandhill Cranes breed in Florida and we are now beginning to see family groups on almost every outing.
This is the largest raccoon we’ve seen in a long time. She didn’t take kindly to the interruption in her hunting.
The shallows of the lake suited the Black-necked Stilts just fine. It’s important to look around once in awhile in case there is danger from above. (Helps to have a neck that can turn that far, too!)
As we relaxed on a pier jutting into the lake, a large bee continuously patrolled above our heads. I think it’s an Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica).
Another Great Egret. This one found this post made a fine place to look into the water without getting its feet wet.
Several years ago, a canal was constructed which connects Lakes Jackson and Kissimmee. A dam provides flood control if needed. A helpful Great Blue Heron reminds us it’s not a good idea to swim here.
The Crested Caracara breeds in our area and finds the shorelines of lakes a great place to raise a family.
Limpkins love mollusks. This one is enjoying a freshwater mussel. The Limpkin is the only member of its taxonomic family (Aramidae). Unique birds which we enjoy observing.
Dry prairie. Wet prairie. Scrub woods. Marsh. Lake. It was a great day. Life is good.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
*More Information
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
So much sky!
We become accustomed to the view from our yards, towns, local woods or, in our case, swamp habitat. Our line of sight is limited by buildings, fences or trees. Hiking through the woods provides glimpses of the heavens through small overhead windows but nothing like we were enjoying on this trip.
Once upon a time, prior to Florida’s human settlement, there existed over 2,000 square miles of dry prairie throughout the central part of the peninsula. This vast semi-open range was home to a large number of “Florida Cows”, remnants of cattle brought by Spanish explorers nearly 500 years ago. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Florida was very busy in the cattle ranching business. “Cow Hunters” annually rounded up what were fairly wild herds and drove them to Gulf coast ports for shipment mainly to Cuba.
Today, some of those dry prairies have been preserved, one of the largest tracts being the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, where we enjoyed our breakfast under a seemingly infinite blue sky. (The three lakes are Kissimmee, Jackson and Marian.) This area is south of Orlando, north of big Lake Okeechobee and about 90 minutes due east of our house. Over 63,000 acres were purchased by the state in the 1970’s in an effort to preserve a portion of this unique prairie ecosystem.
Habitat here is a mix of dry and wet prairie with seasonal ponds scattered throughout and edged by moist flatwoods, hammocks and cypress ponds. An incredible diversity of flora and fauna can be found here.
As we traversed the open grasslands, there was an abundance of wildflowers, birds and insects just waiting to be discovered. I don’t think there was a moment during the entire morning that wasn’t filled with songs from Eastern Meadowlarks or Common Yellowthroats. Plenty of thistles offered nectar to an amazing number of thirsty bugs.
Take a look!
Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo Bee (Triepeolus lunatus) on Leavenworth’s Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii). This bee was a first for us. The bright yellow Coreopsis was probably the most abundant flower of the day.
Pure and loud. The spring song of Eastern Meadowlarks could be heard from all around us all morning.
Not quite as thorny as its purple cousin, Nuttall’s Thistle (Cirsium nuttallii) was prevalent along the edges of the prairie grass. Many plants were well over six feet tall and we seldom saw a bloom without a pollinator drinking its fill.
Depressions throughout the area will contain water during the rainy season. The few we came across with a bit of water also had a reptilian water-lover in residence. (American Alligator).
Although its habitat is listed as pinewoods and moist sandhills, Blackroot (Pterocaulon pycnostachyum) seems to like the edge of the dry prairie just fine.
Competing with meadowlarks for the most abundant songster of the day was the Common Yellowthroat. There seemed to be a male hiding under every palmetto frond in the land. Finally, one popped into view long enough for poor photo.
Plenty of flowers means plenty of pollinators. Here, a Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) enjoys sipping nectar from a Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum). Heavy traffic from sweat bees was a challenge and the bees often chased away would-be competitors.
More bits of yellow in the landscape were produced by Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) stems waving in the breeze.
Did we mention the thistles were popular? Halictidae spp. on Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
A Twin-spot Skipper (Oligoria maculata) on a Purple Thistle (Cirsium horridulum) tries to get a drink before bees and beetles chase him away.
Sandweed (Hypericum fasciculatum) is also known as Peelbark St. Johnswort. By any name, the profuse blooms are beautiful.
Orange and yellow can look pretty nice together. Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) on Leavenworth’s tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii).
A Bigflower Pawpaw (Asimina obovata) overlooks a bit of open prairie.
Another thistle, another drinker. The Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan) is very attractive despite little in the way of wing markings.
One bird we had hoped to find was the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. This sub-species is extremely rare and endangered. Our trip was in mid-April and although we struck out on Florida’s bird, we were treated to some great views and singing of its northern cousin visiting for the winter. The Florida sub-species (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is a bit smaller and overall darker than the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). Maybe next time.
We thoroughly enjoyed a change of venue from our local patches. There was more to this visit as well, which we’ll talk about soon. This is one of our favorite areas to explore and we’ll return to the Florida prairie often.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Our Natural Places 