Flashback: Yellow-Crowned Amid the Goldenrod–October 10, 2013 The first day I visited the peninsula more than four months ago, I spotted six Yellow-Crowned Night Herons in the low area at the far north end. It seemed this little piece of land belonged to the yellow-crowns. It was common to see several adults, as well as many juveniles, on daily visits. …
Surprising Start–October 18, 2013 You never know how a day will turn out. Early morning began with plenty of color but with a heavy layer of clouds above (left). I held little hope for an eventful sunrise, believing that the sun’s bright light would be trapped behind the clouds. But as is often the case with nature, believe one thing …
Perfect Timing–October 17, 2013 Yet another photo bonus which I could never have gotten if I had tried. I snapped a photo of this pelican only to discover the jumping fish in the background at download. It’s a prime example of perfect timing and sheer luck. What’s funny about the photo to me is that the pelican appears to be …
Texas Box Turtle–October 16, 2013 This is a three-toed box turtle, and the first turtle I’ve seen on the peninsula. It’s called a “box” turtle, because the high-domed shell is hinged so that the animal can completely lock itself inside, safe from predators. They have been documented to live 50 years, many live at least 20. Sadly, the box turtle …
A Two for One Special–October 15, 2013 Sometimes I get a bonus when I download the day’s photos, like in the one above. My shot was of the bright orange butterfly, a variegated fritillary, but when I downloaded the image, there was a second butterfly immediately to the right, clinging to the plant with its wings closed. Nature had gifted …
Deer Me–October 14, 2013 It has been weeks since I’ve seen even a glimpse of the deer. I knew they were still around because I’ve often seen their tracks. Today they finally surfaced again, but only briefly. As I was walking down the path, suddenly the momma bolted out of vegetation on the waterside and disappears into the brush. Then …
Up Close and Nearly Personal–October 13, 2013 I enjoyed getting back to the peninsula today. I’ve been away two days. I do miss it when my schedule doesn’t allow time to visit. The photo above and right are up close shots of the Merlin, the small falcon. It’s the first time it has allowed me to get close enough for …
Autumn Gray–October 12, 2013 Autumn is settling in more each day. Brown and gray palettes pushing the green and blue ones aside. I was away from the area most all of today. At left is a photo of the morning sky when I left with gray clouds building. At right is the evening sky when I returned, gray clouds dominate. …
Marching to the Beat…–October 11, 2013 We all march to the beat of our own drummer, and this high-stepping, little sandpiper is no exception! I found him hanging out by the marina. I stopped by to see what was happening. On my last few visits it was not unusual to count as many as eight green herons spread out along …
How do you pretty up a mud puddle? Place a snowy egret in it. It’s nice to see the peninsula bustling with life again. The recent rains and the infusion of water from the tropical system has added a fresh dimension. This summer’s continued drought left the area near parched. Now, the standing water creates little pond-like spots which attract …
