“One of the Forever Gifts …”*
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
Here we are again. We don’t exactly know each tree by their name, but we know we are among friends. The arching branches provide shade for our late morning breakfast. A breeze by itself makes no sound, but when it rustles pine needles above our heads it gives the impression of waves breaking along the shore of our souls.
No matter how ingenious humans become, reproducing the aroma of a pine forest for our living room, the laundry, a car, the bathroom (!) is just not possible. When you are in an actual forest, aroma is only one of a complex set of sensations combining to create an experience. Pine scent is just fine where it is, thank you very much.
On this bright Spring day, Gini and I wandered slowly and re-discovered the miracles of this season of renewal and growth. How amazing that “green” can come in so many different subtle shades! Green is highlighted by a nearly infinite array of additional colors as buds, leaves, flowers, fruits and canopies decorate the landscape.
Blooming flora means a fresh supply of food for insects, birds and animals of the fields and woods. It is one thing to enjoy the beauty of a flower, but when one looks closer we discover a nectar-gatherer who will visit another bloom, carrying with it the life-continuing pollen necessary for a plant’s survival. In the distance is another flower being attended by another would-be pollinator but the busy bug is snapped up by a Great Crested Flycatcher. The Circle of Life is non-discriminatory and it is quick.
Our exploration lasted for a morning. Our memories will remain forever.
One day, I shall stop apologizing for including so many images in these posts. Simply scroll quickly and perhaps linger if you find something agreeable.
Dozens of Prairie or Savanna Iris (Iris savannarum) were on display today. Just one example shows why we love this flower.
A shy Common Ground Dove peeks at us from her perch in a holly tree.
While admiring the lovely blooms of a Nuttall’s Thistle (Cirsium nuttallii), we were being admired by a lovely Eastern Leaf-footed Bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus).
Lingering in the Sunshine State can be a good thing. Unless you need to be in Virginia checking your dating service and real estate listings for suitable nest sites. We forgive this Savannah Sparrow for procrastinating and will look forward to seeing him again in the fall.
Roads are for racing. This North American Racer (Coluber constrictor) knows that. Fortunately, 1/1250th of a second was enough to capture an image before it disappeared into the grass.
Another Spring-breaker who needs to get its rump up north. We are already noticing a lot fewer Yellow-rumped Warblers than just a week ago.
One of my all-time favorite flowers. Perhaps it’s the incongruity of its common name with its actual species. Nah, the Carolina Desert-chicory (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus) is just plain beautiful.
This Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is likely a resident rather than migrant. The northern visitors usually travel in groups and this one was all alone while it scooped up bugs among the branches.
When you are small enough, the spines of the thistle are not much of a problem. This Spotless Lady Beetle (Cycloneda sanguinea) has no issues with navigating among the pointy things.
This lovely flower is new to us. Sparse blooms on a spindly stem over three feet tall, a Bahaman Aster (Symphyotrichum bahamense) really stood out against the backdrop of the pine forest and palmetto understory.
Another favorite threw itself in front of us and begged to be photographed. Several patches of Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) kept us entertained for awhile.
Unique foliage. Uncommonly beautiful. Fourpetal St. Johnswort (Hypericum tetrapetalum) punctuated the woods in several places.
A female Downy Woodpecker hopped along an oak tree branch in search of brunch.
Spring has sprung and butterflies have magically appeared everywhere. This Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) is gathering minerals from the damp mud.
Small. Yellow. Gorgeous. Common Yellow Stargrass (Hypoxis curtissii) would be completely overlooked if not for those bright blooms.
One might also overlook the Yellow-throated Warbler, if it weren’t for that bright yellow throat. And the contrasting black and white plumage. Oh, and that wonderful Spring song.
Red, black, white – the combination certainly gets one’s attention among brown and green foliage. In attempting to find a naval connection for the name of the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) butterfly, I discovered in the late 18th century it was called the Red Admirable. Makes more sense to me.
Wiry stems with smallish yellow flowers are beginning to become abundant. Each year, large patches of Leavenworth’s Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii) brighten the countryside.
With basal leaves resembling that of some oak trees, Oakleaf Fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius) is very common in our area. Although the blooms are short-lived, plants continue to produce well into the fall. Flowers range from white to pink to purple.
Florida’s most widespread species of small sulphur butterflies, the Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) is somewhat helpful for this elderly photographer in that it tends to fly in straight lines as opposed to the zig-zag patterns preferred by its relatives. Perching once in awhile is also extremely appreciated.
There are 30 species of Ludwigia listed for Florida, many of which are not native to the state. With its non-native sounding common name, turns out that the Mexican Primrose-Willow (Ludwigia octovalvis) is actually a native species. A very attractive one at that.
It’s difficult to believe a bird with yellow, orange, blue and green could be so hard to discern among leaves and branches. Once seen, we really appreciate the beauty of the Northern Parula. When it sings, our appreciation increases.
Walter’s Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum) is a shrubby tree which can grow to nearly 20 feet tall. It is also called Small-leaf Arrowood. The plant’s common name honors Thomas Walter (1740-89), English-born planter of South Carolina, who described this species in his Flora Caroliniana. Each Spring, we’re treated to profuse blooms of creamy flowers with yellow centers.
Anyone with a fear of spiders needs to spend some time with a jumping spider. Their appearance, fearless curiousity and downright cuddly nature may just be a cure for arachnophobia. I mean, come on, just look at that face! We appreciate the patience of this little Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius), one of our favorite models.
Our outing today was absolutely exhilarating. At this special season, a visit with Nature is truly as Mary Oliver describes: “… one of the forever gifts …”. We hope you are able to appreciate the gift of Spring, or for those even further south than us, Autumn. Nature has gifts for us to relish in every season.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
*“Come with me into the woods where spring is
advancing, as it does, no matter what,
not being singular or particular, but one
of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.”
― Mary Oliver, Dog Songs: Poems
Our Natural Places 
Love seeing your Yellow-throated Warbler, a sighting of one was just seen in our county. The warblers are getting ready to descend on us and pass through quickly, I just had a Northern Parula pass through my treetops!
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We’re feeding and watering them as fast as we can so you should have a yard full in the coming days. If your turkey doesn’t mind.
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Thank you, and my turkey won’t mind! 🙂
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I just love your images! I was thinking which ones are my favorites, but I cannot choose. If I had to , I would probably choose a close up of an insect. I just do not have the patience or skills to do that. Someday, but not today.
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I really appreciate your very kind comments.
The journey to take photos of what I love continues to be one of discovery. As long as it remains fun and satisfying, I reckon I’ll keep trying.
And, it sure beats a day in the office.
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The weekend at last, and a little time to meander through more of your offerings. I remembered your Pyrrhopappus carolinianus from another post; it’s similar enough to our Pyrrhopappus paucifloris that I could easily confuse the two. We’re currently in a Pyrrhopappus superbloom of sorts; there’s certainly no paucity of the flowers.
I’m sure that another of your pretty yellows — the star grass — is blooming at the Attwater preserve now, but with work deadlines looming, I can’t make a visit until after May 1. And we surely have a few Ludwigia in bloom now; their yellow is equally cheerful.
I was sure I had a photo of a spiffy ladybug like yours, and sure enough, I have three. What’s interesting is that all three were on milkweeds; one was eating aphids. I like all of them, but the unspotted ones really appeal.
The Red Admiral is one of my favorites. I just read that one of its primary host plants is stinging nettle. Chomp away, I say!
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I know the work is necessary but hope you can break away once in awhile to recharge the Nature batteries.
Yes, yellow seems to dominate right now. Which is a good thing. Combined with the various hues of Spring green it makes for a really pleasing landscape.
Who doesn’t love a bug which dines on aphids? The only thing better are those which favor skeeters. And yellow flies.
Go take a nap. It’s almost Monday.
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Please excuse a brief response, Wally, as things are getting a bit on top of me at the moment as I try and get things sorted out for next week’s medical events.
I was quite surprised t.o see you have Red Admiral on your side of the pond.
This post’s stars for me were the North American Racer Snake, the Cloudless Sulphur, the Regal Jumping Spider, and the Carolina Desert-chicory.
Best wishes to you both – – – Richard
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Take care of business first, Richard. We’ll be here once you have things sorted.
You know you are in our thoughts as you head into next week, but please let Lindsay know we are thinking of her, too.
In the meantime, we shall fight our way through monster infested swamp and forest to bring more wonders of the New World to you once you are in recovery.
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A spotless red beetle….well…I never! That is just gorgeous. I would think something was wrong with this ladybug if I saw one. I can always go into my recent photos and name some of the wildflowers …thank you very much. You are so great with Identification and I struggle! Love these photos and this beautiful time of year! Enjoy your week!
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Isn’t Spring a great time to be out and about?
Where did you get the idea I don’t struggle with identifications?? 🙂
Have a great weekend!
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You are right…we all struggle with proper IDs. I’m just happy that we get to see so many varieties and have good books and the internet to help. And I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge. Happy weekend!
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Thank you for sharing another post filled with beautiful creatures and words which did to me what the rustling pine needles did for you: move “the shore of my soul.”
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You are too kind, Tanja, but don’t stop! We really appreciate your gracious comments.
I’m still very jealous of your Dipper experience.
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Beautiful post. So many wonderful photos! A few of my favorites are the leaf-footed bug, the woodpecker, and the Yellow-throated Warbler (what a stunner!!). Great narrative, too!
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Thanks very much Peter.
Coincidentally, Gini just watched a documentary which said the Leaf-footed Bug was extremely nasty tasting so birds leave it alone. Glad I didn’t try to eat this one.
We’re blessed with a bunch of colorful warblers migrating north. Good time to be outside. Wait – that would be ANY time!
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Beautiful shots! The details on those little critters are amazing.
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Thank you, Dina.
With my increasingly shaky hands, high shutter speed is my friend. (I know, I know. But a tripod isn’t always feasible.)
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One shall never apologize for providing such beautiful content…although Linda did comment she could have done without the snake hehehe. We noticed a lot more Parulas while in Texas this recently – it wasn’t so much the number of places we saw them, but each encounter consisted of like 5 or more at a time. What we haven’t seen is a lot of Ground Doves. You won me over with that Carolina Desert-chicory – wow, that is a nice one. Great finds and thanks for sharing.
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Okay, I fought and fought to be able to even comment with all the WP issues and now I am getting duplicates ugh – sorry about that.
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No worries. I am a veteran wordpress fighter and empathize totally.
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Deja vu all over again.
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One shall never apologize for providing such beautiful content…although Linda did comment she could have done without the snake hehehe. We noticed a lot more Parulas while in Texas this recently – it wasn’t so much the number of places we saw them, but each encounter consisted of like 5 or more at a time. What we haven’t seen is a lot of Ground Doves. You won me over with that Carolina Desert-chicory – wow, that is a nice one. Great finds and thanks for sharing.
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Your nice comments helped lessen the guilt I had for foisting so many images and words upon y’all. Thanks!
Northern Parulas breed in our area but perform a short migration to the south part of the state in winter. Their northern cousins flood the area in the fall, a few remain until spring. As spring migration heats up, the Parulas form groups for protection during the trip home. Cooper’s Hawks appreciate the increased size of the buffet.
Yeah, that dandelion wanna-be is a looker.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you!
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“In the distance is another flower being attended by another would-be pollinator but the busy bug is snapped up by a Great Crested Flycatcher. The Circle of Life is non-discriminatory and it is quick.” I know someone who also reveres nature but still wishes the creatures within that natural world didn’t devour one another.
I’m guessing the change from “red admirable” to “red admiral” is due to “admiral” having been at one time (and perhaps still being) a more familiar word to many English speakers than “admirable” is.
Your oakleaf fleabane could’ve fooled me, as it looks pretty much like Philadelphia fleabane. And your Pyrrhopappus carolinianus, which also grows in Texas, is pretty similar to Pyrrhopappus pauiflorus, called Texas dandelion, two of which have sprung up on our front lawn, and one of which I photographed a few days ago. The fame of Admiral Nelson in Britain in the early 1800s might have had something to do with it.
The genus Parula reminded me of paraula, the Catalan word for ‘word.’ I looked up the origin of Parula and found it was created from Latin parus, meaning ‘titmouse,’ with the diminutive ending -ula added.
Your final portrait easily exemplifies the “Here’s looking at you, kid” line from “Casablanca.”
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Could we pick and choose which bugs get devoured? I have a list.
You may be right about admiral. I was thinking more along the lines of a tipsy taxonomist attempting “admirable” after some gin spilled into his tea.
Our two fleabanes certainly look similar. Apparently, Philadelphia does not extend into central Florida.
Those jumping spiders are so entertaining I almost forget to photograph them. Almost.
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How nice is to explore nature! 🐦🦋🌷
With your explanations it is even better. Thanks.
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You’re welcome.
Thank YOU for visiting us. Exploring nature is better when it’s shared.
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Nature is THE best artist and her galleries are superb.
Thank you. Muchly. As always.
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Definitely our favorite gallery.
It’s almost a weekend already. Gini and I hope it will be a good one for you.
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I was ooo-ing and ahh-ing and chuckling through this whole collection! The Little Yellows making more Little Yellows, the Blue-eyed Grass (one of my absolute favorites), and that Leaf-footed Bug – a brilliant photo! It was a joy to join you on this walk.
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Thank you, Sam. It was a joy having you along.
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