Header Image: Thunderstorm
“Feel like a ride?”
Florida’s wet season is somewhat predictable. Afternoon storms begin to arrive late in the day usually with a grand entrance involving a sound and light show. Sometimes, animal life becomes more active just before the rains begin. This can be a good time to spot raptors which are trying to spot the animals becoming more active.
We had a particular spot in mind where we have seen Burrowing Owls in past years. Nothing says “adorable” quite like a small owl with great big eyes.
Locating the fast-moving thunderstorm was no problem. Alas, no owls were located.
Many of our trips are like this. Driving, hiking, anticipation … little or no results.
Poor Gini. Our life together has spanned setting up and dismantling households in four different states and three different locations in Germany. As we explored each of those venues, she tried to become accustomed to my unique approach to discovery. Basically, it involves getting “lost” and then attempting to find our way home again. (What? Why, yes, of course I do that on purpose.)
Such trips often result in only a few photographs, if any at all. Over the past few weeks, we have seen a few things we like from a relatively large area and diverse habitats. We thought we would share these miscellaneous tidbits of Nature with you.
Don’t worry. If we become lost, we know how to get home again.
A small local nature preserve is even more intriguing when the way forward is shrouded in early morning fog.
Pine woods with a dense understory of ferns can be especially pleasing with a mix of bright green, reddish brown and fallen limbs.
A pond lined with cattails is a perfect spot for Red-winged Blackbirds to hide a nest.
Even when we may not find a bird or animal to photograph, some paths offer a beautiful consolation prize. This one was in the form of a Four-petal St. Johnswort (Hypericum tetrapetalum).
Rain or no rain, dragons must eat. Once in a while, they will pause for a candid portrait. A female Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) was kind enough to wait for me to fumble with the focusing.
It is still spring and most of our resident song birds are, well, singing. A Brown Thrasher has a surprisingly large repertoire and many mistake the varied tunes for those of a Northern Mockingbird.
One may be forgiven for not associating “jackets” and “Ohio” with Florida. One may be appreciative at finding the Bluejacket or Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) during a morning hike.
Beauty can often be found in small packages. One of the smallest dragonflies in North America, the Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera), is a prime example. They fly with their legs dangling beneath in the hope a hungry predator will mistake them for a wasp and decide to leave them alone.
Yet another consolation prize on a walk which yielded no bird sightings, a small but gorgeous bloom of Yelloweyed Grass (Xyris spp.) brightened our day.
The Crested Caracara is a member of the falcon family. They are skilled at hunting live prey but will seldom pass up an offering of carrion. Turkey Vultures do not take live prey but are carrion specialists. Very often these two species will share a breakfast buffet of recently expired wild pig. Sometimes, a hungry Caracara will decide that sharing is over-rated.
Meanwhile, along a seldom trod path we found a blooming Netted Pawpaw (Asimina reticulata). The large waxy flowers are magnets for all sorts of pollinators. The plant bears a fruit which looks a bit like a pear that has been designed by Salvador Dali. The fruit is edible but good luck finding a ripe one before the animals do!
Spring is a time of renewal. Florida’s resident population of Sandhill Cranes are busy with new families. We spotted this group foraging in the tall grass adjacent to a small scrub oak grove. The young are called “colts” and since nests are usually on or near water, they can swim and walk within hours of hatching.
Grand trips are fun. For us, small journeys are just as much fun. We may not see much on some outings and there is a chance we will be rained on. We might even become lost. Finding our way back from being out and about is always rewarding.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: Skin Pattern, Water Moccasin
There is nothing quite like a large yellow flower in a field of brown grass to grab one’s attention. Prickly Pear blooms dotted the landscape this morning. We appreciated it.
Mornings still have a hint of coolness and have not yet evolved into the sub-tropical heavy air filled with humidity that we will soon enjoy. Gini and I reflected today on how reassuring the visits to our natural places have become. It would be easy to succumb to pessimism and callous indifference with the onslaught of negative news and behavior to which we are exposed on a daily basis.
Nature is predictable. The sun rises each day. It may be obscured by clouds or fog, but we KNOW it is there. Flocks of White Ibises, Cattle Egrets and Double-crested Cormorants move from their night-time roosts to feeding areas and retrace their flights just before sundown. Flowers bloom. Insects pollinate the flowers. Birds eat the insects and sing about it. Alligators maintain watch in their watery neighborhood. All of this happens whether or not we are present to observe.
Nature is sort of like our reset button.
We enjoyed another breakfast together at the side of the lake lined with tall Cypress trees all draped with Spanish Moss. A pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flew low in front of us. Three Swallow-tailed Kites cruised the shoreline just above the trees. As we checked a few favorite spots, we felt as if we were dropping in on old friends to make sure they were doing well today. Actually, I suppose that is exactly what we were doing.
Nothing we saw this morning was exceptionally unusual.
Everything we saw this morning was exceptionally satisfying.
Prickly Pear, Devil’s-Tongue, Cactus. (Opuntia spp.) From a dull green flat pad guarded by long, sharp thorns emerges a glorious bright yellow flower.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are by far the most common woodpecker species in our area. At this time of year, adults are searching non-stop for insect morsels for hungry chicks.
A bright green female Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) was busy devouring what may have been an Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera), but I’m not sure about the victim’s identification.
Edgy raptor. Red-shouldered Hawks tend to hang around the boundaries of changing habitat. A wood line adjacent to a field, the shore of a lake – any spot where they can observe and react quickly.
It’s natural for us to see a Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also called a Cottonmouth Moccasin, since we spend a lot of time exploring within its preferred habitat – wet. Fortunately, as with most wild things, they usually slither off the road or path as we approach. Usually.
As the sun dries the dew from the landscape, insect activity increases. This, in turn, brings out insect predators such as the dragonflies. A Red Saddlebags (Tramea onusta) likes to perch atop a bare stem which provides an unobstructed view of any potential prey flying nearby.
There are many lakes in our natural places around central Florida. All of them support healthy populations of fish. Bald Eagles like fish. A lot. It’s common to see them heading from one fishing hotspot to another.
Golden wings with bold stripes identify the Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina).
A Red-tailed Hawk is a treat to see any day. Recently, a pair appears to be tending a nest in the area. We haven’t located it yet, but seeing these magnificent raptors soaring in our blue skies is encouraging.
Just as we decided it was time to head home, the clear sweet song of an Eastern Meadowlark caused us to linger a bit longer.
Our peaceful easy morning soothed our souls. No rare bird to report nor did we see any Panthers or endangered plants. What we DID see, however, was nature going about the business of survival. How could we not marvel at such a spectacle?
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: White Ibis
Honest. She literally pushed me out the front door.
“Go! Shoot some birds. Take your time!”
I went. Reluctantly. The shooting was good. Time is a precious commodity of which there is never enough.
Our local city park is located on a medium-size lake and has plenty of picnic tables, a boat ramp and several paved walking paths. It can be very crowded with people on weekends. Weekdays are somewhat busy early with joggers and dog walkers. In addition to the lake shore habitat, there are several oases of hardwood trees, a couple of wetland areas, a few Mulberry trees and a canal lined with Cypress trees.
Fall and Spring migration brings a very good selection of birds to the park. The remainder of the year is filled with plenty of local songbirds, wading birds and raptors using the relatively protected area for breeding. Butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies abound.
Arriving at the park when they opened at sunrise, I covered just under two miles and every few steps was rewarded with a new sight or sound. Nest building was in progress all over the park. Birds were beginning the daily task of finding food, a job which seems to never end. Osprey parents on nests screamed at anything which encroached on their space. Spring migrants have departed and resident birds are dedicated to raising a new generation.
The morning air was cool and fresh. Blue skies were reflected on the lake’s surface.
I miss Gini.
Time to go home.
“Back already? Breakfast is almost ready.” Home fried potatoes with roasted poblano peppers and red onions, smoked sausage and a fried egg. I truly do not deserve this woman. Don’t tell her.
Oh. I took some pictures.
Limpkins like to make sure everyone is awake about an hour before sunrise and fill the air with their somewhat eerie cries as the sky begins to brighten. Long, sharp claws certainly make scratching an itch a challenge!
Within a small wetland area, a beautiful lily known as Seven Sisters (Crinum americanum) offered a lovely bloom.
A Pied-billed Grebe bobbed up from a dive and created a nice circle of ripples in the warm glow of the morning sun.
Mallards do not discriminate when it comes to breeding. Scientists are concerned some duck species are nearing a point where there will be no genes without those of Mallards mixed in. These two ducks are a hybrid of Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).
Few of us can wear all black with just a hint of white and make it look good. The American Coot shows us how it’s done.
Crayfish is on the breakfast menu for a Little Blue Heron. I know this because right after I lowered the camera he caught one and swallowed it before I could snap a record of it.
Happiness is sharing a spot of sunlight with your best friend. And hoping she doesn’t eat you. Young American Alligators.
It was a good morning outing at the city park. It was a fabulous return to the house where a superb meal waited for hugs and kisses to be completed. (Yes, it all did have to be reheated. It was HER fault.) If you have a city park near you, explore it to see what surprises you might find.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: Lake In Fog
“It’s so quiet.”
That from the pretty lady with the good hearing.
We were enjoying breakfast at one of our regular lakeside spots having spent the hour after “sunrise” searching for early birds pursuing worms. Gini was right (as usual). It was very quiet. Morning fog is somewhat an extension of night. The sun’s rays are blocked from illuminating the landscape as much as they would on a clear day. Accordingly, many creatures delay their activity until the light increases and dampness begins to evaporate.
Attempting to peer through the fog makes us realize how different the world seems with this thick gray blanket obscuring the scenes we are accustomed to seeing. We know what the opposite shore of the lake looks like, we just can’t see it today.
We don’t hear any Limpkins calling, Anhingas grunting or woodpeckers hammering. Morning flights of egrets, ibises and cormorants might be occurring, but we can’t see them. A splash in the water is muted and we don’t know if it is close by or more distant. Was it a fish, a frog or an alligator?
The familiar path into the woods is indistinct and the atmosphere is alien since we can’t see beyond several feet in any direction. Stepping onto a dry twig causes it to snap but the sound is muffled. We know the area does not offer much in the way of “danger” and instead of the fog causing us any apprehension, we are instead filled with anticipation. What will we find as the morning becomes clear?
It was a bit surprising to look up and see the vast gray covering was beginning to show some holes through which the bright blue sky of our new day could be seen. Gradually, almost imperceptibly, the mist dissipated. The curtain lifted to reveal a fresh clean stage upon which Nature’s cast proceeded with their daily performance.
Our anticipation evolved into pleasure. Familiar sounds and sights provided a comfortable feeling and we once again made note of how wondrous Nature is and how lucky we are to be included in the miracle.
Different lakes, same fog.
As the mist began to lift, our path became more clear.
Fog or no fog, the yellow blooms of a Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis) brightened our morning.
A Tricolored Heron scans for breakfast as the sky begins to lighten.
Always watching. American Alligator.
The dirty beak of a Cattle Egret tells us he has been probing the damp earth among the wildflowers and grasses for something delicious.
Finally! An Eastern Towhee shouts to the world that the wet blanket has been thrown aside and the day can now begin!
The air clears, dew begins to evaporate and the insect world emerges. This Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is an immature male still showing signs of green as it assumes the adult powder blue hue of adulthood.
Insects are active and so are those who would consume them. A Black-and-White Warbler scurries along a branch in the hope of locating brunch.
Nature’s air controllers have given the all-clear for flight activity. A Double-crested Cormorant is cleared for take-off on runway #1, destination – the other side of the lake.
Osprey. We sat back and thoroughly loved watching as it circled, hovered and made a splash into the lake. No luck this time, but eventually he will bring a fresh fish to the new chick waiting with Mom at the nest.
Today’s hazy daze was amazing. Mesmerized early by the gray mist, the sun burned through the fog to provide clarity to our path. Whether our vision is obscured or infinite, we are convinced – life is good.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Header Image: Mac Lake, Colt Creek State Park
We have a new plan of action. Have food in your hand at all times. Preferably, have the food almost to your mouth throughout the time period you are attempting to locate a subject to photograph when you’re in Nature’s yard. This plan will vastly increase your chances of finding such subjects. Be forewarned, they can sense when you are doing something which will delay you in raising the camera thus allowing them plenty of time to disappear. Bring plenty of food as you will be dropping a lot of it in the mud while adhering to our plan.
The white-tailed deer escaped before the shutter could be released. A pair of Wild Turkey hung around just long enough to stick their tongues out at us as they scooted behind a pine tree never to be seen again. Red-shouldered Hawk perched nicely on a limb? Forget about it. Gone as I was throwing a tangerine slice toward my face.
No matter the plan, success is still a matter of perseverance, timing and that best of all skills – luck.
Gini and I slipped into Colt Creek State Park after exchanging pleasantries with Sunny, the ranger who just happens to also be a photographer. She is always very helpful in directing us to a particular bird sighting, spring flower in bloom or advising of a trail condition we should know about.
It’s an interesting time of year. Spring migration is winding down but there are still stragglers who seem reluctant to leave Florida’s bountiful insect banquet. Resident birds are scurrying about gathering nest building material, singing non-stop to impress a potential mate and scooping up all manner of bugs, seeds and anything else resembling a food item.
Plants are preparing to blossom, insects are present in ever-increasing numbers and animals are preparing to raise a new family in this comfortable environment. Winter is a memory.
A few images of a season in transition.
We were a little surprised to find this Sedge Wren hanging about. Most of its group took a jet (stream) north last week.
A sure sign of Spring, a Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterfly was one of several we spotted during the morning.
Most of the Greater Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) who migrated south for the winter have returned to their breeding range in Canada. It is estimated 20-30,000 migrating cranes spend the winter in Florida. We also have a resident sub-species population of the big cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) numbering around 5,000 which breed within the peninsula. We found a pair, likely resident birds, enjoying the park this morning.
Just as the season is in transition, so is this immature male Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis). Beginning as a copy of the all-green female, he gradually changes to the powder-blue of an adult male.
One of our year-round residents is the White-eyed Vireo. In the Spring, time is divided between constantly singing from the underbrush to impress females and searching for food, such as a delicious Tussock Moth (Orgyia spp.) larva.
Happy Dragon! I think this male Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is smiling at the spectacle of me trying to hold a sandwich and take his picture at the same time. Perhaps we need to re-think our new plan of action.
Springtime serenade. A Carolina Chickadee is certain to catch the attention of a suitable mate with his enthusiastic singing style.
Reaching for the car door handle, a visitor was waiting for me. This larva of one of the Geometridae moths is often called an “inchworm”.
We can really be certain Spring is in full swing when the woods resound with the trills of the Northern Parula warbler. Those trills seemed to echo from every part of the park this morning!
We are in the process of re-thinking our plan of action as it didn’t seem to work as well as we hoped. Not to mention we can’t afford that much food! Hopefully, your neck of the woods is filled with the coming of nesting birds in the budding trees and the goings of winter visitors who will return to see you again in the autumn.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Our Natural Places 