Monthly Archives: February 2024
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.) “Who would think there could be so much diversity out here?” Once again, Gini was absolutely correct. We humans are quick to assign stereotypes to our thoughts and ideas. When we first moved to west Texas, it looked so desolate. That impression was exacerbated by our military peers, who had also recently moved there, as they bemoaned the flat, brown landscape that, presumably,… Read More
“Look at those red eyes!” No, Gini was not referring to me. A handsome (that immediately disqualifies yours truly) brown and white bird ran, stopped, cocked its head, ran a few more steps, stopped, grabbed a grasshopper, gulped it down and – wash, rinse, repeat. The behavior, plumage and beautiful dark red eyes belonged to the Killdeer, a member of the Plover family. Although a “shorebird”, it is more often encountered inland,… Read More
(Click on image to enlarge, click again to zoom.) A splash to our right caused us to reflexively look in that direction, although we knew the source. An Osprey rose from the lake’s surface with a small catfish, shook off excess water and flew to a nearby pine tree limb to enjoy her finny snack. She and her mate have been busy with their annual home-improvement project. Soon, the branches will have… Read More
(Click images to enlarge, click again to zoom.) Although she didn’t ask any questions, I could tell Gini was curious about my frequent checks of the time. Very uncharacteristic of me, as I normally don’t adhere to a schedule. Today was different. We had thoroughly enjoyed meandering along Black Point Wildlife Drive, lingering at spots where we could observe so many birds going about their daily business of survival. The wind was… Read More
(Click images to enlarge, click again to zoom.) “All that water looks really shallow but if you wade out in it you would probably completely disappear in the soft mud.” I’m still trying to work out if Gini was being scientific or making a suggestion. Indeed, the average depth of the water throughout this portion of Merritt Island National Wildlife Preserve is from six to ten inches. There are a few deeper… Read More
Our Natural Places 