Falling Toward Winter
(Click to enlarge images, click again to zoom.)
Winter solstice begins in two days. That may not mean too much, temperature-wise, to us here in central Florida, but in many areas of the northern hemisphere the date usually portends colder conditions with frost, ice and snow. I found a virtual binder in the corner of the digital desk drawer which was not reported on at the time. We apologize for its tardiness, but please accept some warming images of our late fall to help ease you into whatever your season is offering.
This actual trip took place during the last week of October. The woods and fields of nearby Colt Creek State Park were filled with our favorite natural triumvirate: birds, blooms and bugs! The normal bird population was supplemented by migratory visitors, some of which will remain here throughout the winter. Central Florida is blessed with several species of late-blooming flowers and the extended warm season is perfect for insects trying to survive a late-season hatch.
It was a relatively short ramble but extremely satisfying. A small pool of water at the edge of the pine woods attracted a dozen wading birds. Deer browsed in several different areas. Splashes of yellow, blue and purple decorated the fields and forest understory. Butterflies took advantage of fresh nectar. We spent nearly 30 minutes observing one section of marsh as several species of small birds were very actively feeding on insects and seeds from Alligatorflag (Thalia geniculata), also known as Bent Alligatorflag or Fireflag.
Blue skies, tall pines, the distant calls of a Barred Owl, a pair of big Pileated Woodpeckers foraging above. It all made our boiled egg and tangerine breakfast seem unusually special.
We hope your first day of winter will be as pleasant as possible. If it’s too cold, rub your hands together, pour a cup of hot chocolate and come to Florida for a little while.
There were many White-tailed Deer in the park and this fawn didn’t understand why Mom insisted she move into the shadows of the woods. She will, one day.
White Ibises typically feed on insects and grubs. This one has apparently developed a taste for seafood. (Or, in this case, small-pondfood.)
Young White Ibises remain brown and gray until their second year when they transform into the all-whitle plumage of an adult.
An immature Wood Stork also takes about a year to fully develop its adult plumage, including a bald head.
Early morning dew causes a Gulf Fritillary (Dione incarnata) to linger at its nightly perch until the sun dries its wings a bit.
One of our winter tourists, the House Wren, was present in fair numbers today.
Seeds of the Alligatorflag (Thalia geniculata) are rich in protein and attracted quite a few birds to a marshy spot this morning. A pair of Northern Cardinals flew from one plant to another in a sort of frenetic feeding dance.
Joining the cardinals in the hunt for seeds were several Swamp Sparrows. We only see this species during migration.
Prairie Warblers breed in this area, but we also see individuals from the north during the fall/winter. Impossible to tell if this female is a visitor or a tourist. Easy to tell that she was hungry.
Movement under a large oak tree turned out to be a Carolina Satyr (Hermeuptychia sosybius).
There was a lot of yellow throughout the park this morning. Most was Narrowleaf Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius).
A few patches of bright purple Chapman’s Blazing Star (Liatris chapmanii) certainly demanded our attention.
Not as abundant as the sunflowers, buttery yellow Four-petal St. John’s-wort (Hypericum tetrapetalum) was equally beautiful to behold.
Another common fall migrant is the Eastern Phoebe. Many of these aggressive little flycatchers will stay with us all winter.
Even more yellow. At this time of year, our most common goldenrod is Pinebarren Goldenrod (Solidago fistulosa).
Several butterflies thrive almost year around in central Florida. One species which does well is the Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Burnsius oileus).
It just doesn’t seem like a real color. The Eastern Bluebird tries to “out-blue” the sky. I purposely didn’t adjust the color of this image so it would show the actual hue.
A personal favorite. When I go out to specifically find one of these, I invariably fail. On a casual day of relaxation, a feeling that you are being watched comes over you ……….Gray Wall Jumper (Menemerus bivittatus). (Do click twice on this one.)
A fall morning. A full morning. Old man winter was not on the horizon. Now – he’s knocking at the door.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Our Natural Places 
I have never actually seen an ibis with a fish. That was a unique one for me. Seen them bashing a frog against a rock for what was obviously pure pleasure as the frog was done in well before it stopped hammering on it ha. I am going to put that spider on my full laptop screen and set it next to Linda’s alarm clock – wish me luck hehehe.
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That ibis has evidently been watching the Great Blue Heron at the buffet.
Good luck – hope your face heals quickly.
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A fabulous series. That spider steals the show!
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Thank you, Ken.
Those little jumpers are pretty adorable. Now, if I could just find them on purpose.
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This is a fantastic collection of wonderful creatures! I didn’t even know that Eastern bluebirds were found in Florida. I must admit the gray jumper is my favorite… just too adorable for words!
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Thank you. We had a nice, diverse outing.
That little spider is a star. Hope to find more.
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Outstanding captures, Wally! Well done as always!!
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Thank you, Donna.
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Hello Wally and Gini. Here is our own Winter Solstice news.
“Storm Pia gales bring chaos to Britain at start of Christmas holidays: 80mph winds spark road and plane mayhem, train cancellations, ‘do not travel’ warnings and school closures – as 16 MILLION cars prepare for festive getaway tomorrow”
The Gray Wall Jumper reminds me of our next PM Keir Starmer aka Kneel Starmer.
Wish you were here. But please do enjoy your Christmas and New Year festivities in sunny FL. Luckily we are stocked up with a freezer full of food and a cupboard full of booze. We will survive. Cheerio.
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Someone once described the mission of political liberals and progressive as wanting to suck the pleasure our of life for all humans. They have made serious advances toward that goal.
The good news this morning is the sky is clear, the humidity is low, the termperature is mild. The bad news is I am not able to go outside to enjoy it. The alternate news is I am about to sample freshly baked sugar cookies.
With plenty of cookies and fresh banana-nut bread on hand, we’ll head to Daughter’s for ham and be all set to shelter in place for whatever the world’s planners have in store for us.
Merry Christmas to you and Sue and Bah! to all the humbugs of the universe.
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I like the storks and the ibises, but my favourite shot is definitely the Carolina satyr: the light is wonderful.
Thanks for sharing. Happy holidays! 🎅
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We really appreciate you stopping by to let us know you have a favorite!
Merry Christmas to you!
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Thanks. 🤶🎅
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I was tickled by the Prairie Warbler – look at the bright yellow pads of her feet! Surprise! Also noted that you got photo-bombed by something very tiny, in your photo of the Phoebe. An escapee snack, for sure.
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It was a fun morning.
Might be my imagination, but that Phoebe seems to be looking in the direction of that little bomber hoverfly……
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We look forward to the winter solstice every year as it means longer days, warmer temperatures and seeing those cute, spotted fawns is coming closer and closer!
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Yes, a turning point!
We hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
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Nicely done Wally. A near-winter menagerie for us to enjoy.
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It’s a tough job, Brad, but someone has to do it.
Happy to be that someone!
Merry Christmas, y’all.
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Out of all these wonderful images, Wally, I can’t help picking out a favourite on this occasion, and that’s the amazing Gray Wall Jumper – those eyes are fabulous!
It was only recently that I discovered that (in these parts, at least) although the solstice falls on December 21st, sundown starts getting later, a couple of weeks before this, and sunup doesn’t start getting earlier until a few days into the New Year.
I hope that all is well with you both. Sadly, Lindsay suffered a major set-back to her mobility on Sunday and I’m back on all but full-time caring duty.
Wishing you and Gini a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year filled with wonderful wildlife experiences – take good care – – – Richard
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Isn’t that spider adorable? I hope to find more.
We are very sorry to hear of Lindsay’s set-back. Our thoughts are with you both as we hope for improvement.
Holiday feast preparations have begun and the oven is working overtime to produce delicious breads and scrumptious cookies.
Gini and I are both well and send our very best wishes to you and Lindsay for an especially Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year.
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I’ve never seen an immature wood stork; what an interesting photo. It reminded me of the roseate spoonbills, who also go somewhat ‘bald’ with age. I was quite taken with your photos of the cardinal pair, too. They may be a ‘common’ bird, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth paying attention to.
If this was a relatively short ramble, it certainly provided a wealth of sightings. Once again, “the same, but different” applies to many of the plants; our goldenrod and liatris species may differ slightly, but they’re equally beautiful.
And then there’s that spider. There’s just something about jumping spiders that I can’t resist. I’m still hoping to find one that’s willing to pose when I have a camera at hand. Until then, I’ll just enjoy yours.
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A nickname for the (adult) Wood Stork is Old Flinthead. I guess junior might be “Young Fuzzy Head”. Oh, wait. the same could be said for yours truly and my own young ‘un.
I’m trying to do a better job of not ignoring our more common birds. In the case of these cardinals, I shot three dozen images and love all of them.
I did use the qualifier “relatively”. For some, it may have been considered a full day. Actual time elapsed was about three hours. No boring moments were encountered.
Yeah, spider serendipity was at work. Usually the macro lens is in another county when I find a jumping spider. Like any other addict, I need to find another one!
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You had a marvelous visit Wally. Your first photo really appeals to me – well done!
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It was a great combination of color and activity, Ed. Nice place to wander around in.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season.
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Thank you Wally. We have family here already and more arriving today and tomorrow. We’re looking forward to all the company.
I hope you and Gini have a wonderful Christmas too.
Ed
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Absolutely delightful. As always.
Your teeny spider reminded me of our peacock spiders (ask Captain Google). I have not yet seen one in the wild but I hope to. How I hope.
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You surely know Jurgen Otto, the “Peacockspiderman.” I fell in love with those little creatures through his videos.
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Yep, due to the work of Otto and Thomas Shahan, I am addicted.
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Good Chilly Morning, EC!
I have seen videos of your little peacock jumpers and would love to find one.
Gini and I are baking Christmas cookies this morning. (Okay, SHE is baking. I’m tasting.) Hope you can smell the aroma.
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All beautiful shots but that Jumper is amazing!
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Thanks, Dina.
Love those little guys but I have an unfulfilled obsession with finding more of them. Another good reason to keep going outside.
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You did a good job of springing that pun in your title on us. And your notion that the bluebird out-blues the sky is similarly good.
A caption for your closing picture could come from “Casablanca”: “Here’s looking at you, kid.”
As ever, you offer up a bunch of crisp closeups.
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Thank you, Steve, for the encouraging words on words.
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