Header Image: Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
Why does a plain boiled egg taste better when consumed under the branches of a huge oak tree in the middle of a forest where no sound of man can be heard?
Following our wading bird extravaganza as we paused at one end of the old bridge over the Little Withlacoochee River, we found a nice clearing for brunch just beyond the other end. Lush Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) adorned almost every tree branch in sight. From the depths of the woods around us came the songs of Northern Parula, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Common Ground Dove, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpecker and a White-eyed Vireo who didn’t stop calling the whole time.
We drove along old logging roads about a dozen miles, stopping often to walk a bit down trails, examine small creeks and to admire flowers as well as the pollinators visiting them. A lazy morning which ended all too quickly. If I was a better naturalist, I could talk about how there was a visible difference as we passed through changing habitat. Standing water, damp ground above water, sand, mounds which may have been man-made, diverse plant communities signifying the various ecosystems.
Instead, I just enjoyed being with Gini for an outing. Science shall have to wait. There are birds to hear, flowers to smell and bugs to chase. We are content.
Just as we reached the opposite end of the bridge, a lone Climbing Aster (Symphyotrichum carolinianum) bloom poked above the bridge railing. Investigation revealed a few more blooms hiding in the shadows under the bridge. This plant has vine-like tendencies but has no tendrils. Instead, it relies on other structures such as trees or a bridge for support. Although it blooms all year, peak season is autumn.
Even one-legged grasshoppers enjoy the beautiful Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) blooms. I think this may be an Atlantic Grasshopper (Paroxya atlantica), but would love any correction to my guess.
Crinkly lavender petals dotted several areas of the open forest. Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) is actually a member of the nightshade family. Along with a thirsty hoverfly, we don’t care what it’s called. It’s absolutely lovely.
For several years, scientists were concerned the population of native Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) was being impacted by the invasive Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei). Further research is needed, but it appears the smart native lizards change their habits when the invaders show up. It’s believed they simply move higher in the tree canopies where the visitors don’t frequent. Time will tell. (Please – don’t release any non-native species into the wild. Plant or animal.)
A tall plant with little yellow “bells” grabbed Gini’s attention. We found four specimens of Yellow Colicroot (Aletris lutea). Although a common species, we don’t recall ever seeing one. Most of the plants were nearly three feet tall.
We saw quite a few dragonflies during the morning. Most, as usual, were camera shy. This Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) took pity on us and allowed a portrait.
The Northern Parula is an abundant woodland warbler which breeds in Florida. Males, such as this one, have a distinct dark blue/black and orange band across their breast.
An attractive plant with a not-so-attractive common name, the Tarflower (Bejaria racemosa) is an abundant sight in our summer pine forests. These plants can grow in excess of eight feet tall and nearly as wide. That common name is a result of much of the plant, especially the flowers, having a very sticky substance which is as strong as commercial flypaper. Insects can be trapped in the sticky stuff but the plant is not insectivorous. Botanists believe the Tarflower uses a defense system to keep hungry bugs from damaging or destroying it. Tricky business for pollinators to navigate in and out of the pretty and aromatic blooms!
One of our largest dark butterflies is the Palamedes Swallowtail (Pterourus palamedes). Several butterfly species can be observed appearing to “drink” from sand or mud. They apparently are extracting mineral nutrients in this manner.
Abundant in our many lakes, we were a bit surprised to see Bulltongue Arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia) rising from a very small woodland pool which was in a spot that would seem to receive little sunshine.
Small with a feisty attitude, the little Carolina Chickadee is usually curious, loudly so, about any visitors to their neighborhood. These small beauties breed throughout our area.
Several patches of bright Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) looked like spots of golden sunshine throughout the forest and along the road.
On the way out of the forest, a stop at a primitive campground facility gave us a chance to see a Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea). He may need to re-think his choice of resting spots as he didn’t exactly blend in with the gray metal.
Florida’s swamp and forest locales offer so many opportunities to observe our natural world. Today’s excursion began with a gaggle of wading birds, continued across a bridge into a shady hardwood hammock and concluded with myriad flowers displayed in the understory. Not to mention a froggy farewell!
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: Wood Stork
When it comes to exploring natural places, we are easily pleased. Throughout our incredible life together, Gini has always been one to find exuberance in being outdoors. “Let’s just get out of the house for awhile.” It has been a common refrain. Actually discovering some new bird or bloom or bug puts our joy over the top. Our mutual love of nature is, I think, an extension of our mutual love for each other. (Don’t tell her I got all mushy here.)
Summer in Florida is hot and humid. Much of my memory is fading but I vividly recall dancing in the yard in July as the sprinklers tried to keep the grass from becoming crispy. That was over six decades ago. Summer then was hot. Summer now is hot. My Dad was addicted to fishing, a trait I inherited. During the summer months, he would say “We’ll go early, catch a mess for dinner and get off the water before it starts to boil.”. (For the benefit of anyone who may need a translation, “mess” in this sense would be enough for supper.)
Gini and I use the same strategy in our search for natural places in the summer. We head out into the dark hours of pre-dawn and (much of the time) call it quits by mid-morning. As luck would have it, much of nature’s activity coincides with our schedule.
Today’s ramble took place within the Withlacoochee State Forest, so named because the Withlacoochee and Little Withlacoochee Rivers traverse the area. This part of the state forest is located within the vast Green Swamp. In addition to pine woods, there are many hammocks, slightly drier areas in the swamp where hardwood trees (mostly oaks) thrive. The big trees produce fairly dense canopies and the understory flora and fauna can be different than that found in the relatively open pine woods. Of course, with two rivers and many small creeks there are plenty of wet places to remind us we’re in a swamp.
An old wooden bridge over the Little Withlacoochee River provided quite a bit of entertainment this morning. Large wading birds were feasting on fish and frogs plucked from shallow weed-covered water. Several varieties of flowers were in bloom which attracted myriad nectar-loving insects. Barred Owls called in the distance.
Later, we’ll see what’s beyond the bridge. For now – – –
An Anhinga sings its lovely morning song welcoming us to the forest. Okay, the very last thing one could say about the Anhinga’s voice is that it’s “lovely”. A loud, scratchy “awwwkk” is more like it.
Epiphytes love all the trees here since they can’t exist without a suitable host plant. Although not parasitic, they need the structure of the trees for support. I think this is Bartram’s Airplant (Tillandsia bartramii) who finds a fallen tree just as suitable as one standing.
A Great Blue Heron rests near the river between hunting trips.
Damsels in the grass. It’s easy to overlook these small jewels and that would be a shame. The Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile) may be tiny but she sure is bright!
There are about 30 species of Ludwigia in Florida. In that group are a couple of non-native species, such as this Peruvian Primrose-willow (Ludwigia peruviana). While I was snapping a picture of the flower, a Bumblebee (Bombus species) needed a drink. “Photo-Bombus”.
Wood Storks, along with other large wading birds, breed in this area. There are plenty of big trees for their sizeable nests and a bountiful food source is nearby.
Whether open or closed, flowers of the Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) vine are really beautiful!
One of the most common flowers blooming at this time of year in the forest is the lovely Pale Meadowbeauty (Rhexia mariana).
Several Great Egrets, including what appeared to be some immature birds, were very actively feeding this morning. The bridge railing was their favorite spot for enjoying a freshly caught breakfast. Relaxing in the Cypress trees was also popular.
Blooming flowers mean nectar-loving pollinators galore. Another Bumblebee (Bombus species) dove deep into a thistle for its juice fix.
At first glance, it appears some Cypress trees are developing a bloom at the end of their branches. This is actually a gall caused by a very tiny midge. Eggs are contained within the gall and once adults emerge the galls turn brown and drop from the tree. The galls do not harm the tree but can become unsightly if the trees are being used ornamentally. The name of the midge is much larger than the actual fly: Taxodiomyia cupressiananassa.
One of the “King Skimmers”, a male Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) is very dark overall and has a unique wing pattern to help in identification.
A little extra padding is needed at the nest so a Black-crowned Night Heron hopes the missus will be pleased with his selection of moss with a Spanish accent.
Yes, you already know it doesn’t take much for us to be pleased with our nature outings. When we find so many things at which to marvel, however, ordinary pleasure turns into downright delight! We hope you find some of nature’s simmering summertime surprises of your very own.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: Manyflowered Grasspink (Calopogon multiflorus)
Fortune smiled upon us a few weeks ago. Hiking in an upland pine forest was a bit surreal. One side of the path had recently undergone a prescribed burn, crucial to efficient forest management. The opposite side of the path was in its normal early summer lush green state.
Among the charred remains of the pine woods understory, a small bit of color grabbed our attention. Bits of green were beginning to show everywhere but the pale lavender here and there was unexpected.
In North America, there are five species of Grasspink (Calopogon), a terrestrial orchid. One of those, Calopogon multiflorus, seldom grows above 12 inches tall, may have from 5 to 15 blooms per plant, has a very noticeable aroma (apparently unusual for the Grasspink family) and it requires fire to create the ideal habitat for flourishing. We found a color range from fairly pale pink to magenta.
For the next couple of hours, we found a couple of dozen individual plants. Laying down in charcoal and maneuvering with my arms for a good angle resulted in very dirty arms and clothes and a bit of blood as the little burned stubble of former bushes stabbed at every opportunity.
A few images may help understand why we had a happy day.
Our day was truly special. On advice from a state botanical expert, we won’t share the exact location of our find as this species is threatened in Florida. Hopefully, one of the Grasspink varieties grows in your area and you can find your very own orchid to treasure!
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: Brown Pelicans
Our morning at Fort DeSoto Park had been wonderful so far. Birds in the mud. Birds in the water. Now that I was clean and dry less muddy and no longer dripping, Gini and I headed for the Gulf fishing pier.
The park consists of a little over 1300 acres. Although not a huge area, it is ecologically diverse and attracts a multitude of wildlife. Over seven miles of waterfront offers many opportunities for recreation and provides food and shelter for many different birds. Nearly 330 species of birds have been logged here. The park is actually five interconnected islands, or keys. Two long piers offer those without a boat a chance to enjoy fishing. One pier juts several hundred feet into the Gulf of Mexico while the second extends into the Tampa Bay shipping channel. The latter is currently under construction as the original, built in the 1940’s, needed replacement.
Remains of the actual fort are adjacent to the Gulf pier and there are plenty of parking spots, picnic tables, rest rooms, a snack bar and beach front. In the many trees around the area one can find a nice variety of birds at any time of year. We spotted an Osprey nest with an adult probably incubating eggs and another adult nearby keeping an eye on us. Woodpeckers, European Starlings, Great Crested Flycatchers, Mourning and Common Ground Dove, Northern Mockingbirds – all enjoying the breeze blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico.
Walking along the pier is essentially like “wading” into the Gulf without getting wet. Not to mention that actual wading would turn into “swimming” a few feet from shore whereas now we could stroll several hundred feet “into” the water. The structure of the pier is a magnet for small fish and crustaceans which, in turn, attract larger fish looking for a meal. Birds target the perimeter of the pier as they splash into schools of small fish.
Today we mainly saw Brown Pelicans, Caspian Terns, Laughing Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants, Great and Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons. Birds have learned that hanging around human fishermen offers plenty of feeding opportunities, from being tossed an unwanted catch to part of a ham sandwich to stealing bait from an untended bucket.
The cries of gulls and terns in the bright Florida sun made us feel right at home. By far, however, the best sound of the day was the squealing and laughter of children as they pulled in a silvery fish over the railing of the pier. No pressure. Just pure pier fun!
An occupied Osprey nest atop a pine tree was decorated with a variety of branches, seaweed and even a bit of anchor rope. Nearby, a second adult gave us the evil eye.
Royal Terns fly around the pier all day diving into the waters every several minutes for small minnow-sized fish.
Near the pier entrance, a female Red-bellied Woodpecker flew in, crest raised and squawking about something. She calmed down, fixed her hair and consented to a portrait.
A Snowy Egret must have thought I had a snack hiding in my camera as he flew in and perched on the pier rail a few feet away. He didn’t stay long as there was more opportunity for a handout a short distance away.
Brown Pelicans enjoy the shelter of the pier and a group of adjacent rocks. Plenty of spots to rest, preen and feed. Immature birds are brown all over and it will be up to three years before they attain the white head of an adult.
A day at Fort DeSoto is always a special treat for us. Just enjoying the sun and salt air is invigorating. Throw in some outstanding birding and photography opportunities and we have a hard time leaving. However, the lure of a fresh seafood lunch not too far from here convinced us it was time to go. We shall return.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: Reddish Egret
A small mound of sand just under the surface of the water turned out to be a good spot to sit. My knees supported the camera lens and I had a good field of view toward the shore where moments ago I had been prone in the mud. The sun was now rising behind me and as long as I made no sudden moves, birds went about their daily routine of hunting and eating.
Fort DeSoto Park is such a jewel along Florida’s gulf coast. There is a good mix of sand beach, mud flats, tidal lagoons and groves of hardwood trees. The combination is a magnet for birds migrating in spring and fall. Many species remain here all year and several shorebirds nest among the sand dunes.
The park has a campground, two large fishing piers and a very nice boat launch facility. It’s a great place to launch a boat and head out into the Gulf of Mexico or to motor into the shallower waters of Tampa Bay. A ferry takes visitors across the shipping channel to Egmont Key for a day of exploring the dunes and a lighthouse. Several picnic areas and an award-winning beach combine with all of the above to make this spot one of the most heavily visited coastal attractions in our area. Which is why we arrive as early as possible!
I was beginning to get whiplash trying to keep up with Willets, Dowitchers, Godwits, Herons, Egrets, Plovers, Sandpipers, Pelicans, Gulls, Terns and Frigatebirds. Oh, my. An hour flew by as swiftly as the birds. Reluctantly, I waded up the shoreline and made my way along the beach back to the car. Gini didn’t have to ask how the morning was going. My grin said it all.
We sat and enjoyed the view of the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A light snack of just fruit gave us a bit of energy but we wanted to be careful to not have anything filling. Our plan of operation included a lunch stop at The Fish House. Goodbye diet.
First, however, we had to see what might be happening at the gulf fishing pier. Soon, you will know what we found. In the meantime, be consoled, as I was, knowing that all things come to those who wade.
A Reddish Egret greets the first rays of the sun as it rises above the Sea Oat-covered sand dunes.
The Reddish Egret can be entertaining to watch as it chases small fish in shallow water, often using a “run-stop-run” technique which resembles some sort of energetic dance. There is a white version of this bird which is not as common as the dark morph.
A Snowy Egret watches with interest as a Red-breasted Merganser plows through the shallows churning up small fish, shrimp and crabs.
The merganser kept an eye on me but didn’t stop hunting. At last, she gave me a quick view of her glorious self before diving for more breakfast. (The female and immature male look similar.)
Even when half-asleep, a Great Blue Heron exudes magnificence.
That nice long bill makes the Marbled Godwit a mud specialist. They breed mainly in the northern Great Plains of the United States.
Like the Marbled Godwit above, Willets are among the largest members of the sandpiper family. Plumage is overall gray and nondescript all year around and Willets have shorter bills than the godwit. When a Willet spreads its wings, however, dramatic replaces nondescript!
Breeding in Canada and Alaska, Short-billed Dowitchers probe shallow water in a straight up-and-down motion, like a sewing machine. “Short-billed” seems a misnomer, but there is also a “Long-billed” Dowitcher. Despite the name difference, it can be very challenging to tell the two species apart as bill length can be similar. The calls of the two birds are different as is their “normal” habitat.
Playing in the mud was fun. I embraced my inner child and probed the ooze with my fingers while waiting on birds to hop closer. Waiting on waders while wading was also great entertainment. I can’t wait for you to peer at what we found at the pier.
Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of our coastal adventure: “Pier Pressure”!
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
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