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(Click to enlarge images, click again to zoom.) We consumed the open sky and nearly infinite tan and green-flecked prairie as if it were an addicting and healing tonic. Which it was. We lingered at our breakfast as the serenade of Meadowlarks and Yellowthroats continued unabated. Sigh. Time to move along. A splash of bright purple flashed into view and a large white bird materialized among the greenery. Water. Pickerelweed and a… Read More
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.) A few very cold mornings are uncomfortable events for these native Floridians. Ever the optimist, Gini opined that the below freezing temperatures will help “set” the sweetness for our local strawberry farmers who run sprinklers all night to provide a frozen blanket to protect the little red bundles of pleasure. Today, the thermometer rose sufficiently for us to venture out and explore what… Read More
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.) In order to enjoy sunrise at some of our favorite distant locales, the clock must be set to scream at an alarmingly early hour. Scrambling to get the gear packed, remembering to grab the food bag, did we check the gas gauge last night? We do it because we love to be in that special place at that special time when the sky… 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
“All men would be tyrants if they could.” – Daniel Defoe One of the special treats we enjoyed when living in Texas was the year around presence of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. Their graceful flight, efficient hunting technique, subtle plumage and courtship displays were highlights of many field trips. We miss them. Winter migration brings us gifts of a diverse selection of birds we would not otherwise be able to observe here in sub-tropical… Read More
Our Natural Places 