Finding Nature

  Posted on October 16, 2023 By

 32 Comments

Watching a sunrise is special. Sharing it with someone you love – priceless.

We have an established routine at this spot. Begin near the boat ramp, walk along the lake shore until we reach the canal, check the big trees near the footbridge for warblers and vireos, traverse the open grassy area stopping again to inspect the scattered oaks, linger around the low wet area, look at the small pond for ducks and waders, scan the tall lights around the soccer field for Osprey or owl nests.

Wait. Soccer field?

Yep. Today we traveled a whole 3.25 miles from the house into the city. Although not a large metropolis, a population of over 100,000 means plenty of traffic, big buildings, dense downtown business district and all the positive and negative social influences of that many humans living in proximity to one another.

The city planners have done a fair job creating oases throughout the concrete jungle where urban dwellers can find a respite from the daily hustle and bustle of life and relax by the side of a lake, walk in the shade of aged oak trees or nap on a bench under the rustling fronds of a palm tree. These spots are magnets for picnics, jogging, dog walking, something called “disc golf” and many other pursuits which can cause the parks to become crowded, especially on weekends.

If we visit on a weekday just as the gates open, crowds are not normally an issue. A few runners and dog-walkers don’t present a problem and they typically follow the paved pathways. We do not. (Surprise!)

The magic formula of trees, bushes and water attract an amazing variety of life forms other than humans. In the late fall, it is not unusual to see over 50 species of birds at the park we are visiting. Today we did not keep an accurate tally but observed at least 30 different species, which is normal for most of the year. Fish in the lake, bountiful insect populations, small mammals – plenty of food for a variety of hunters.

We did not enounter any unexpected surprises today but it was nice to see migratory American Redstarts and Black-and-White Warblers. In addition, small flocks of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Tufted Titmice were forming in preparation for their southward journey.

Barely two hours, a short trip for us, but it passed very quickly. A quick drive back to the house in time for a mid-morning brunch of cantaloupe, thinly sliced ham and strong coffee.

Now the day can begin.

Anhinga roost at dawn.

Common Gallinule chicks seem to have hair rather than feathers. Mom is showing junior how to select the best produce.

An Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) didn’t pose for long and darted off to snag a bit of green breakfast.

This lake has a very healthy Limpkin population. Snail scanning is popular – and vital.

A pair of White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) butterflies brightened up the early morning.

Birder affliction. Looking up in the trees and not paying attention to what’s at your feet. This little reptile (perhaps three feet long) was quietly watching from a few feet away. Love those eyes!

American Alligator

The Morning White Ibis Cypress Knee Coffee Klatch.

More and more migratory warblers are showing up as the fall movement begins in earnest. A female/immature male American Redstart repeatedly flashed wings and tail feathers to startle insects into revealing their location. Breakfast is served.

Speaking of breakfast. In the same tree as the Redstart above, a Black-and-White Warbler performed its Nuthatch imitation by running down a tree trunk to wrangle a wriggly spider.

A young male Downy Woodpecker hopes to find his own wriggly morning snack.

Silky black plumage, ivory-colored bill, ruby-red eye. Simple colors combine to make the American Coot mighty handsome.

The sun is now bright in the morning sky. A Little Blue Heron perches in a cypress tree to preen and think about what to have for breakfast. Fish? Frog? Crawdad? Decisions, decisions.

We love to travel and find new and exciting natural places to explore. Sometimes, finding Nature can be as simple as walking into the yard or enjoying a sunrise in the city. Seek. Find. Savor.

Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!

 Category: Birds, Fauna, Florida, Insects, Photography      Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

32 Comments on “Finding Nature”

  1. Another great haul of shots from your latest adventure Wally. We are having a huge Limpkin eruption all over the states – one about an hour away and then multiple ones up in near Chicago and Rockford. We just happened to be there the day the Rockford specimen was spotted and had a chance to welcome it to IL. To think we had our first ever sighting in Texas earlier in the year, traveled to Florida in April to see them again and now they are all over the place ha. Those Black and Whites are fun to see, kudos to getting them in the tin as they can be Pixie Stick junkies at times and jumping about like Kinglets. Loved the Gallinule chick shot – yet to have a chance of seeing one of those – so cute. Thanks for taking us along on another of your adventures.

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    • Tracking your itinerary with the sightings of Limpkins – y’all aren’t seeding the durn things around the country are you?

      We appreciate you taking time out of what seems a very busy schedule to say nice things.

      Hope the weekend is great for us all.

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  2. When a day starts out with so many wonderful encounters and moments, one’s soul can deal much better with whatever is thrown at it later. Thank you for letting my soul participate in your wonders vicariously. 🙏

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  3. Hi Friends. Here just the same. Mid week trips are certainly the best time to avoid non-birders, or birders with a different agenda to your own. Call me anti-social.

    Surprisingly, Saturday mornings can be quite good to sneak off birding when mom goes shopping and dad takes the kids to soccer (or disc golf) and many a place can be devoid of people and yappy dogs on and off leads. Yes, we have a disk golf in a local park but I have yet to see anyone use it. Of course it cost many thousands of £ss but who’s counting when it’s not your own money to fritter away?

    At least when I go out I don’t have to look down for lurking alligators. I hope you wear sturdy boots at all times, if only to give a protected alligator a good kicking?

    Sue sends her best regards and the idea of a hot toddy (or two). Yes, she’s on with that but finds it hard to give up her G&Ts. Take care. I am still having problems posting a comment here. Word Press doesn’t like me.

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    • We share the same experience on very early Saturday mornings. The problem is fighting our way OUT of the park as the hordes storm their way in.

      I had to give up kicking ‘gators. At my age they can now catch me with little effort as “running” is no longer part of my vocabulary or ability.

      I was not aware you were having issues posting a comment. I may have to give up on WordPress as your story is becoming more common. No worries. We know you care.

      Off now to give some young young person in a white coat samples of bodily fluids. Birding tomorrow. Perhaps. Hopefully.

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  5. We definitely have to look in every direction when we are out in nature…and go slow! I love the soft backgrounds in so many of your photos! And that EYE of the gator is amazing! Enjoy your day! We are planning a short hike today too…the weather is so gorgeous!

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      • I can imagine. We were at the Bird sanctuary last sunday and it was beyond blissful. Will be sharing the pictures soon. Met a Wild Cat too, hunting down peahens. Lol! Usually rare to spot at that hour. 🙂

        Good week to Giiny and you.

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  7. Ahhh, another glorious walk shared. Great shot of the alligator eye, so nice of him to sit still and close for your convenience. Love the female Redstart, what rich colors! I’ve only ever seen a migrating male, but he also had that characteristic “jumpy” flashing behavior, looking to startle up a meal. And how wonderful to get the two peacocks together – that was a real treat. Another great place!

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  8. Your Coot is wearing that Coot-like expression of surprise that I always find so endearing. And who wouldn’t love those fuzzy Gallinule chicks? Your alligator has the somewhat speckled appearance that I’ve seen only once; I named that fellow ‘Freckles,’ and always hoped to see him again, but his pond dried up and he probably traveled on.

    The Anhinga roost reminded me of a very early morning I spent at the Solo tract, a couple of years ago. (I just discovered it was in 2019. Time flies.) I’d stayed overnight in Kountze so I could be up early, and I found this. There’s nothing like any natural place at sunrise.

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    • Coots can be so entertaining. I love their pneumatic-looking feet. They are surprisingly vicious fighters during breeding season.
      Gini says the Gallinule babies look like floating Brillo pads.

      Those early pines were worth an overnight trip! Beautiful.

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  10. Your silhouetted dawn roost is moodily effective.
    What a nice close portrait of the little blue heron, and of the other avian sitters.
    How come you didn’t reach down and remove the grass stalks from in front of the alligator? (Hah!)

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    • The park is well-suited for early morning excursions. It becomes very busy by mid-morning.

      Regarding the grass, I highly prefer leaving the scene as natural as possible. Especially when it may be guarded by sharp-toothed creatures.

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  11. You were very busy that morning Wally. Great selection of wildlife. You also highlighted the importance of being aware of your surroundings, especially at or below ground level.

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    • Thanks, Brad.

      We’re blessed with diversity, that’s for sure. That little ‘gator is used to seeing lots of people. He keeps hoping one will pass by with a small dog.

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  13. Ooh. And ahh. As I so often say as I scroll up and down your posts. Early morning is my favourite time of day. As I type the sun is just peeking out – and a myriad of birds are greeting the day.
    Thank you for sharing the beauty and the wonder around you.

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  14. I’m very envious, Wally, of you having a city so close to you that has such a fabulous haven for wildlife. I was also surprised that the ‘gators are found inside the citiy limits. We do have some cities that are not too far away, and Leicester has some good wildlife locations, mainly due to the repurposing of defunct industrial sites.

    The Little Blue Heron shot is utterly fabulous!

    We’ve now had our first good frosts of the winter with a need to scrape ice off the car windows. Lindsay reckons it’s time to hibernate, but I think there’s still too much out there that needs my photographic attention.

    With my very best wishes to you and Gini – – – Richard

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    • We are totally spoiled, Richard. (But love it!)

      Florida State Law requires all cities to have resident alligators.

      The fish and game officers are routinely called to remove a wandering reptile from parking lots and residential driveways.

      You definitely need to be out photographing. Otherwise, we may have withdrawal symptoms until spring.

      Gini and I hope you are both well and can find ways to remain warm.

      By the way. What is “frost”?

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