He was hoping to catch one last wave but his family was calling him away, so he just stared wistfully out at the water for a few minutes. I don’t surf but I fully understand how hard it is to leave the beach!
Sunset Surfer
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Erin
Coddiwompling through life, guided by my love of nature and insatiable curiosity.Cute Crustacean
Recently spent a relaxing day at my favorite spot in nearby Fort De Soto Park. As on my previous visits, I encountered something new and interesting to learn about.
This time the critter introduced itself by scuttling over my toes while I was wading in the bay. While the Longnose Spider Crab (Libinia dubia) may not win any beauty contests, it is perfectly camouflaged for the silty seagrass beds it lives in.
According to my bit of research, they are known to attach pieces of vegetation to further enhance their disguise. Pretty crafty little crabs!
The wildest tidbit about this species is that they have been found happily residing inside Cannonball Jellies. The hows and whys are still not fully understood but it would be a safe place to grow up and the food is free. Not sure how the Cannonball benefits, other than maybe bragging rights, “Hey, guys, look at me. I’ve got a crab in my head!”
Toilet Royalty
I’m curious about the owner of this truck. Though I suppose one should have a crown when sitting on the throne…
Priorities
Walking behind these girls last night on the beach. The mom called out, “Hurry up, Carson, we’ve got to go!”
As Carson took off running she yelled to her mom, “But, can’t we have a little fun along the way?”
The scene stopped me in my tracks, because, of course, Carson is absolutely right. It seems to me that’s pretty much the entire point of living.
Oh sure, one must work and fulfill other daily obligations but beyond that? I truly believe we are meant to savor those sunsets, laugh with friends, dance barefoot in the sand, stop to smell the flowers, share sweet kisses, and enjoy life while we have it.
Thanks for the reminder, Carson!
Little Gift
I found this tiny gem (less than an inch long) on my doorstep this morning. There’s been a pair of Blue Jays visiting my yard regularly, they are quite fond of my bird feeder but even more so of the bird bath. I clean it daily and fill it with fresh water, which they take turns frolicking in.
I wonder if this token was from them? They have been known to do such things. I’ll be on the lookout for more treats in the future. For now, Poubelle*, will have a spot on my kitchen windowsill where she can watch the Blue Jays every day.
*Poubelle is French for trash can. It was also a friend of mine’s nickname during her childhood (given with affectionate by her grandfather). Besides, it’s a fun word to say!
Island Project
This morning, I answered a Facebook plea for volunteers to help clean up a nearby island. I tend to pitch in when I can but I’ll be honest, the added enticement of a boat ride made me even more eager.
Both Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves and Keep Pinellas Beautiful teamed up to host this event. I was familiar with KPB’s work but it was my first time learning about TBAP (they are mainly in charge of submerged areas but in some cases of high priority, they manage islands, too).
Our worksite was a three-acre island with the incredibly romantic name of BC 21 (Boca Ciega Bay, near marker 21). Our job, removing flotsam and jetsam, was made a bit easier since a crew had already cleared out invasive trees, like Brazilian Pepper and Australian Pine.
We collected over 1,000 pounds of trash in just a few hours, clearing the entire western side of the island. The debris on the eastern side of the island will have to wait for another day. Fittingly, for the upcoming holiday weekend, I found some stars and stripes related items.
Once the rainy season starts (hopefully soon), TBAP will be back out to plant native species, restoring the tree canopy for migrating birds and other animals. Speaking of wildlife, we crossed paths with a couple Marsh Rabbits and a shy snake in the mangroves while out in the shallows, a young dolphin was learning to fish from its mom.
Not a bad way to spend a morning!
Not as Pretty as It Looks
I snapped this photo last month in a nature preserve. The showy bloom caught my eye and I was pretty certain it was a milkweed. Since I’m looking to add some milkweed to my front yard I thought this might be a contender.
Sadly, a bit of online research proved me wrong. It is a milkweed but not a native one. Tropical Milkweed is a year-round bloomer, originally from Mexico.
It is quite popular with caterpillars but unfortunately, also a favorable home for the parasite, Ophryocystsis elektrosirrha. Many monarch butterflies already play host to the parasite and transmit them when laying their eggs.
The difference is that native species of milkweed die back during cooler weather, thereby reducing or eliminating the number of Oe on the plant. Tropical Milkweed does not, so when the hungry caterpillars emerge and start devouring the plant they ingest extra Oe. Most species can successfully tolerate some parasites but when the balance tips it becomes a problem.
This bright specimen will not be added to my pollinator garden but thankfully, there are 21 native species for me to choose from.
Never Gets Old
The weather has been perfect lately: low 80s, with very low humidity, and slight breezes every day. I know it won’t last so I’m taking full advantage before the “real” Florida summer sets in.
I’ve realized I’m happiest when I have sandy toes!
Not the Cow, Too!
This bumper sticker gave me a giggle last week, though I didn’t get the reference (thank goodness for the internet). I have since learned that it is a quote from Mushu, the scrawny dragon in Disney’s Mulan.
I haven’t watched the whole movie but apparently the little fire breather was prone to dramatic responses to the tiniest of perceived slights. When you bring livestock into the mix, that’s a serious amount of dishonor…
Nom, Nom
Not the sharpest set of photos (unlike the Anhinga’s pointy bill) but I thought it was an interesting series. After the “Snake Bird” impales it’s prey, it has to flip it loose using a few quick jerks of the neck.
Like juggling, precision is the key. Toss it too far and a nearby opportunist will steal it from you, miss the catch and it’ll swim away.
As you can see from the fish shape wedged in the neck, this Anhinga was well-skilled.
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