Be humble, for you are made of earth.
Be noble, for you are made of stars.
~ Serbian Proverb
Juvenile Alligator, Largo, Florida March 2020
Amid the Stars
Author Archives
Erin
Coddiwompling through life, guided by my love of nature and insatiable curiosity.Patterned Terrapin
Note Water Drop Under Chin
Pretty!
I came across this shy Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri) last week. As the name implies, it is endemic to this state (and the southeast corner of Georgia). This species is far less tolerant of cold weather than other box turtles. Apparently, we have that in common.
The yellow dashes on the carapace are distinctive. To be honest, I think it looks like a Common Gallinule walked over the turtle’s shell after stepping in yellow paint.
Common Gallinule Toes, Largo, Florida March 2020
Tiny Bubbles
Colorful Bubbles, Treasure Island, Florida April 2020
When conditions are just right, the sea floats foam onto the shore. When the light is just right, the bubbles in the foam iridesce. I’ve been fascinated by these ephemeral phenomena for years. I first captured some on the beach in Carpinteria, California in 2006.
When I lived on the Oregon Coast in 2018 I was fortunate to be treated to not one but two sightings. Because I’m such a music lover this song pops into my head every time…
After the Storm
Stormy Afternoon, Treasure Island, Florida April 2020
Lightning, thunder, wind, and sideways rain pummeled us earlier today. From my window, I watched palm trees bend, patio furniture flip over, and water flow down the road. It was loud, chaotic, and a bit worrisome for awhile.
After the tempest blew out to sea, a quiet calm prevailed. The sun reappeared and birds emerged from their sheltering places. It brought to mind the Persian adage, “This, too, shall pass.”
A saying which is also relevant in light of the global crisis we are living through right now. Though perhaps this updated version is more apropos? “This, too, shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.”
Not All Clothing is Optional!
Nudists, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Salem, Oregon October 2018
Since you know how I feel about the naked truth, I couldn’t “bare” to let this story about police requiring nudists to wear face masks go uncovered (all puns intended, at all times). Let’s face it, we can use a wee bit of a chuckle these days.
The “Marshan”
As the common name implies, I discovered this Florida Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris paludicola) in a riparian area the other day. The second part of the binomial also references its preferential habitat as palustris is Latin for “of the marsh”.
These strong swimmers live in the marshes and swamps of coastal regions of the southeast. I had hoped to see it swim but no such luck. Though, now that I know where it lives I will be on the lookout during my next visit.
Please forgive my partially obscured photos, this was a secretive animal and I feel fortunate to have seen it during the day as they tend to be more active at night.
Compared to the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) I photographed a couple weeks ago, it is easy to discern the Marsh Rabbit’s smaller ears and darker, more rufous, overall coloration.
Eastern Cottontail, Dunedin, Florida March 2020
Pretty Predators
Great Pondhawk
Ebony Jewelwing
Wandering Glider – F
Wandering Glider – M
Eastern Pondhawk – M, Rambur’s Forktail
Rambur’s Forktail – M&F
Eastern Amberwing
Blue Dasher – M
Four-spotted Pennant
Halloween Pennant – F
Halloween Pennant – M
I snapped this collection of photos from a couple local parks over the past few weeks. I am always pleased to see so many of these ravenous beauties around – if not we’d be swarmed with multitudes of mosquitoes and no-see-ums! They are ferocious predators, in both their aquatic larval stage and as aerial adults.
I do wish I had better shots of a few but I still included them to show some of the diversity. Granted, this is only a small smattering of the 150+ species that have been documented in Florida. Note the colorful differences between the males and females.
Occasionally, if the light is just right, I can capture the metallic sheen of their wings glinting in the sun.
Top to bottom, left to right: Great Pondhawk (Erythemis vesiculosa), Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata), Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) Female and Male, Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis), Rambur’s Forktail (Ischnura ramburii) Male and Female, Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis), Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera), Four-spotted Pennant (Brachymesia gravida), Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina), Female and Male.
Go, Speed Racer, Go!
While roaming Walsingham County Park last week I saw six Southern Black Racers (Coluber constrictor priapus), though I’m sure I missed many others. Since this species is active during the day it is the most commonly seen snake in Florida. I think I saw more than usual since they are in the midst of their breeding season (March through May).
As their common name implies, their first defense is to flee and man, are they fast! It was a definite challenge to get a few good shots of these speed demons.
Super Star
Seedhead Star, Largo, Florida April 2020
This jumped out at me at the park yesterday afternoon. I had been following a pair of Indigo Buntings, hoping for a decent photograph when I spotted this star. It was so eye-catching that I stopped what I was doing and switched cameras.
Ordinarily, the naturalist in me would clamor to learn the name of the plant and details of its life history. But sometimes, it is just enough to admire a thing for its beauty…
Too Much Time on My Hands
Decal Spotted in Treasure Island, Florida April 2020
I was stuck at one of Florida’s infamous, long traffic signals on my way to volunteer at the local food bank the other day. Bored out of my mind I noticed this sticker on the car ahead of me. I love word games like Boggle so I set out to see how many words I could make out of Passholder. Humble brag, I remain – as yet – unbeaten at that game (which is why no one will play it with me anymore).
I also have a bit of a potty mouth, so the first word that jumped out at me I won’t write here (if you’re curious, just drop the P-D-R, no need to rearrange any letters). Needless to say, I continued making words for the rest of my drive.
My list is 279 words long (not including that first word). All words are three letters or longer and yes, I allowed plurals. I imagine many of you have extra time on your hands right now, so why not give this a whirl? I’m curious to see your list!
3rin's View... 