I had to stop to admire this tree trunk at Abercrombie Park a few days ago. While at first glance it looks like a carving, it is, in fact, all natural. Just the story of the tree’s life, neatly arranged and captured in its bark. Nature is a marvel.

Recently, I popped over to nearby Ted Phillips Wood Ibis Park to get a bit of fresh air. It was my first visit to the small neighborhood park in Gulfport.

I thought it amusing that there was a flock of American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) loitering by the pond since the park was named for them. Well, it kind of was.

The artwork near the sign clearly depicts a White Ibis but the park name, Wood Ibis, was the common name once erroneously given to Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) which are not ibises. Get it? Got it? Good!

I found this painted rock on the beach yesterday. I brought it home because this is the only kind of snow I want at my house! ❄️❄️

This morning I was signed up for the Run for the Beaches fun run on Treasure Island. I checked in, attached my number bib, and started stretching. But then, I looked down and my plans immediately changed.

I spotted a small sand dollar that was still alive and knew I had to move it out of the way of the impending stampede. I placed it gently back in the water but by then I had noticed a small piece of coral, and the fog over the water, and a larger sand dollar, and the run was over for me!

I still completed the route and I’m so glad I did because on my return trip I spotted a small Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus) in the shallows. The ray wasn’t happy to see me so it quickly glided off before burying itself in the sand.

I didn’t set any records this morning but it was certainly another memorable day on island!

Since it’s the holiday season I thought I’d share some nature-inspired tree decorating tips. There’s a tall Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) visible outside my kitchen window. Various birds take turns perching on it. I recently caught this Nanday Parakeet (Aratinga nenday) on the tippy top.

Cute but perhaps not showy enough. Stay tuned, I’ll have some other suggestions coming soon…

I had the pleasure of spending time with this juvenile Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) last week at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Though they are roughly the same size as a Snowy Egret, the grayish, two-toned bill is a helpful clue.

As the name implies, when this bird molts into adult plumage it will be a sleek blue-gray.

Sunset on the beach was a bit chilly tonight but oh, so very worth it!

Apparently, Westley isn’t a big fan, though he did finally get out of bed. Wonder what he’s going to do when the temperature drops tomorrow?