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!
Header Image: Snowy Plover
The inlet between beach and sandbar was less than knee-deep. Although it was barely past sunrise, the water of the Gulf of Mexico was not shockingly cold like that of the Atlantic Ocean on the other side of the state. Sand as far as the eye could see in either direction was the color and consistency of white sugar. Laughing Gulls and Sandwich Terns splashed a few feet from the shore and flew off with silvery scaly slivers of wriggling fish for breakfast.
I headed north along the sandbar, pausing to gaze at the open gulf. It was difficult to believe Gini and I once plied these waters beyond sight of any land in a small boat under the blazing sun, catching a fish now and then and thoroughly enjoying the incredible sights and sounds of the sea. It all seems like a dream now. A very pleasant one.
A lagoon between the sandbar and main shore was quite shallow in places which made it perfect for wading birds. Retreating tides revealed soft mud for hungry shorebirds. The rising sun was breaking over the sand dunes and I lay in the freshly exposed mud hoping a few feeding birds would come within camera range. It was a good morning.
We were at one of the area’s premier birding spots, Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s beach season so we knew to be there early as the sand would quickly be littered with oiled humans hoping to become sufficiently browned without becoming painfully red. Fortunately, the mud flats don’t seem to attract the attention of two-legged sun worshipers like that white sand does. Go figure.
I felt a bit like the shorebirds I was chasing as I lay in one spot, got up, scurried to another spot, lay down and repeated the process three or four times. Covered in mud, I waded into the lagoon to rinse off a bit. The perspective from being in the water and looking toward the shoreline was an interesting change. But that’s a story for next time.
Dunlin remain here throughout the winter but are dressed in their dull gray plumage. It was nice to find one still hanging around and in its breeding suit. As with many shorebirds, Dunlin breed in the Arctic tundra. This individual could be a little late in migrating north. Some first-year birds of several shorebird species often remain in their wintering grounds all year.
Black-bellied Plovers may not breed here but several remain either through late spring or even all summer. This one has not yet transitioned from its winter plumage. This seems like it may be a first year bird based on the look of the individual feathers, but it doesn’t have the “checkered” appearance of a new juvenile.
The diminutive Semipalmated Plover also breeds in the Arctic and Alaska. Again, some first-year birds remain with us all year long. Here you can see the webbing between toes which gives the bird its name.
Although not visible in this photo, a Semipalmated Sandpiper also has partial webbing between its toes. This small “peep” sandpiper has a little different profile and shorter bill than its similar cousin, the Western Sandpiper.
It is always a treat for us to spot an American Oystercatcher. I know there are nests around here but couldn’t locate one today. This bird wasn’t telling, either.
Larger than the “peep” sandpipers and smaller than a godwit, this Short-billed Dowitcher should also be flying north very soon. Very similar to the Long-billed Dowitcher in appearance, they can be separated by distinctive calls. Plumage will soon change from non-breeding grayish to an overall cinnamon.
A pair of Ruddy Turnstones preen and rest between searches for food.
As noted above, the Western Sandpiper has a bit different profile and usually a longer bill than the Semipalmated Sandpiper. That long bill has just pulled up a juicy mud worm thingy.
Another migrant late to the party. This Red Knot should be in the Arctic tundra scraping out a nesting spot. Typically, we see most of these in their gray winter plumage so it was nice to see the red in the Red Knot! I saw six Red Knots this morning and this one sported a leg flag. (Again, some of these birds may stay here all summer.) I discovered the flag was attached on February 1, 2022 at Big Pine Key, Florida, part of the Florida Keys, at which time the U.S. Wildlife Service bander noted the bird had hatched in 2021.
The highlight of the morning was an energetic Snowy Plover. Although he was wary of my presence, it didn’t stop him from his “run-pluck-run” routine all the while keeping an eye on me. These little birds are a threatened species due to development and recreational use of beach habitat. All of the leg jewelry allowed me to determine this male was initially banded less than two miles north of here on May 3, 2021. The bander estimated the bird’s age at the time of banding to be about one year.
Gini and I joke about having salt water in our veins. There does seem to be an irresistible urge for us to be around salt, sun and sand. The fact that there are so many birds hanging around is a nice bonus.
Next up: It’s a Wading Game.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
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