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Archive for ‘Observations’

Bitty Blues

While pulling weeds in my front yard the other evening I spotted these little beetles. Roughly the size of a grain of rice (about 1/4″ long) I would’ve overlooked them if not for their gorgeous metallic blue-green color. Pesky weeds were forgotten as I dashed inside to grab my phone so I could take some photos in the last light of day.

A new species for me, I learned they are members of the Flea Beetle family (Altica spp.). Narrowing it down from there proved to be a bit more challenging. The definitive way to differentiate the species is to run their DNA. Since I don’t have a sequencer the next best way to distinguish them is to examine their internal genitalia, though that seemed mighty intrusive.

A less reliable, but field-friendly, method is to determine what host plant they are using as some species have strong preferences. Based on the plants in my yard, I believe these are Altica litigata, a species which happens to favor evening primrose.

Although they can fly, these beetles are good jumpers (much like fleas). In fact, they are so good at it that even their genus name references their skill (from the Greek word for jumper). Their strong hind legs enable them to jump long distances, probably to help them avoid predation.

Welcome to my yard, shiny ones!
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Along the “Boat Building” River

Caesarweed (Urena lobata)
Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis quadrivittatus)
Lichen Diversity
Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
Prickly Pear Pad
Tree Fungus
Reindeer Moss (Cladonia evansii)
Close-up
The “Sickener” (Russula emetica)
Goldenrod (Solidago odora)
Woodpecker Work
Manroot (Ipomoea pandurata)
Persea sp. with Galls
Leaf of the Invasive Air Potato Vine (Dioscorea bulbifera)
Tree Eats Hiker, Multi-use Trail Sign
Tarflower (Bejaria racemosa)
Florida Greeneyes (Berlandiera lyrata)
Maryland Meadowbeauty 
(Rhexia mariana)
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)
Bumblebee Robberfly with Prey (Laphria flava)
Bumblebee (Bombus sp.) on Tarflower
Grass-fed Squirrel
Needham’s Skimmer (Erythrodiplax umbrata)
Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
Eastern Lubber (Romalea microptera)
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei)
Ground Nut (Apios americana)
Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Willow Primrose (Ludwigia decurrens)
Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
Creeping-oxeye (Sphagneticola trilobata)
Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum)
Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
Big Bite
Tortoise Den
Raccoon Tracks
Barred-Owl Feather
Gopher Tortoise Scat
Remains of an Invasive Wild Hog (Sus scrofa)
The One that Got Away, Desiccated Fish on Line Stuck in Branches
Young Cypress Forest, Regrowth

Last week I drove deep into neighboring Pasco County to the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve, a little spot that just recently came across my radar. The river’s long name is Creek for “Boat Building” (pithlo=canoe and chaskita=to chop out). The once abundant cypress trees along the river attracted Seminoles who would hollow out the large tree trunks into canoes.

Cypress lumber was also prized by later settlers, who clearcut so many areas that few of the giants remain in Florida. This preserve was partially set aside to protect the largest remaining cypress tree in Pasco County and I was looking forward to seeing it.

I took the narrowing of the roads and growth of potholes as signs that I was getting closer. When I finally pulled in, it didn’t surprise me in the least to be the only car in the parking lot.

Low visitation can make for a more peaceful outing though there are some downsides; wildlife can be more skittish since they are unaccustomed to humans and trails tend to be overgrown since they are less frequently traveled. But the worst part, is all the dang spiderwebs! I coped by picking up a stick and waving it in front of me like I was casting spells. A behavior that I’m certain would have bemused fellow hikers, had I encountered any.

There were fewer than 5 miles of trails but there was still plenty for me to see along the way. A week earlier we had finally received some decent rainfall in the Tampa Bay area and plants had responded with showy displays. As a result, the place was buzzing with pollinators.

While I followed a bumblebee, a smaller version caught my eye because of its odd behavior. It wasn’t visiting flowers to fill the pollen baskets on its legs, instead it was clinging to a plant stem with something clenched in its grasp. It turned out to be a Bumblebee Robberfly, which as the name infers, is a mimic that preys on flying insects. The one I spotted was probably in the midst of injecting its catch with toxic saliva so it could then suck up the liquified innards. Yum!

I enjoyed a nice visit with a striking Eastern Rat Snake, a first for me. I admired the long, slender serpent as it slithered sinuously atop the duff. Since it lives in the forest, it didn’t surprise me to learn that it was also an agile climber.

While a White-tailed Deer and an Eastern Cottontail chose not to pose for photos, an Eastern Grey Squirrel and a Gopher Tortoise didn’t seem to mind as they were both too busy chomping on their veggies.

I was pleased to discover some Reindeer Moss just off the trail. It is very sensitive to disturbance by humans, so there are precious few populations of it left in the state.

Unfortunately, I noted a couple invasive plant species had snuck into the preserve (looking at you Caeserweed and Air Potato Vine). Though happily, there weren’t very many specimens of either. I only spotted one invasive animal, a Wild Boar and it was deceased (which is my favorite kind of Wild Boar).

Sadly, last year’s hurricanes destroyed the section of boardwalk that leads to the large cypress so I didn’t get a chance to see it. I’m hopeful that it survived the storms. Even though I missed out on the giant cypress, it was still a lovely way to spend a warm, overcast day.

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Feeling Fortunate

Mangrove Reflection
Seagrass
Brown Pelicans
Banded Tulip on a Sand Dollar
American Oystercatcher
Calico Crab Molt
Common Spider Crab (Libinia emarginata)

I took advantage of an overcast sky and paddled out to Shell Key this morning. While I was unloading my gear I started chatting with a couple that had driven all the way from Orlando to kayak here today. A good reminder of how fortunate I am to live so close to this treasure – it’s only a 20 minute drive from my house!

I took a slightly different route to the island, exploring several mangrove tunnels before landing in a new little bay just south of Irma’s Pass. Last year’s back-to-back hurricanes moved around an awful lot of trees and sand, creating a landing area just big enough for a few kayaks. I was out early so I had the place to myself.

I wandered the shore, looking for treasures and picking up trash. Thankfully, there wasn’t much of the latter. I didn’t linger too long once the breeze started to pick (as that can make for a less than enjoyable return trip).

Weaving between mangrove islands I came across a trio of dolphins fishing in the shallows. They were so intent on their prey that they allowed me to follow. I filmed them as I bobbed along and caught a snippet of “fish kicking”. It is a rather unusual technique where a dolphin circles a fish and spins quickly, whacking the fish out of the water with its tail. When the fish smacks down it is stunned which makes it an easy meal for the dolphin.

Researchers have only seen dolphins using this technique in two places, here in Tampa Bay as well as in the waters off New Zealand. A fun way to wrap up my morning on the water.

Dolphins, Fish Kicking (note the fish flying at the 7 second mark)
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Hoots* in My Hood

I found this trio of Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio) while on my way home from dinner last night. Given that it was cloudy with an obscured new moon I’m impressed that my phone managed to capture a somewhat decent photo of them.

Do not let their diminutive size fool you, they are ferocious hunters. While crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles make up a large part of their diet Screeches also prey on rodents. Mice are a favorite but they will even hunt down mammals that outweigh them such as rats, squirrels, and young rabbits. This behavior led early ornithologists to refer to them as “feathered wildcats”.

I’m thrilled to have them on patrol in my neighborhood!

* Yes, I’m aware this species doesn’t actually hoot (nor does it screech, but hey, I didn’t name it). Check out their cool sounds.

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Paddling My Hood

Puff, My Launch Assistant
Two Family-owned Homes, Separated by Bear Creek, Joined by Neat Bridge
Reflection
Mallard Family
My House from the Water
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
Caught a Jack Crevalle (Caranx hippos)
Hammock – Enter if You Dare
Looking South, St. Pete Beach

When you have a day off and the temperature, tides, and wind are all favorable it would be a crime not to get out on the water. Luckily for me, I don’t have to travel far to launch since I can drop in right across the street from my house.

My kayaking rather confused Puff (one of the street kitties that adopted me after the hurricanes last Fall). He followed all the way down to the water and watched from the shade of a mangrove tree as I drifted away.

I paddled up Bear Creek for a bit, enjoying my neighborhood from a different perspective. There’s often a chance to spot manatees, dolphins, or even otters but this morning it was just me and the birds. Speaking of birds, the Mallard hen I photographed has an odd little addition to her brood, not entirely sure what kind of duck it is, but it’s hers now.

A quick paddle under the Gulfport Boulevard bridge and I entered the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve. At this point I had several options; south to St. Pete Beach, east to Gulfport, or north to Treasure Island. Since I knew the day would heat up quickly, I kept it short and paddled out to Jack’s Island in the middle of the bay.

This small crescent of a key is supposedly privately owned but the owners allow day use. I had the beach to myself for most of my visit, it was so very relaxing. Just what I needed since I had a house project waiting for me that I was not looking forward to (more about that soon).
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Crafty Crows

Crow and Mockingbird (Gray and White Blur on the Right) – please forgive the low quality screenshot

Bird bath cleaning day is a popular day among my feathered friends. Fresh water is always a hit but even more so now since we’re about 6” behind on rainfall for the year.

Members of a dozen species make up my “regulars” – crows, mockingbirds, jays, cardinals, and grackles, as well as two types each of black-birds, woodpeckers, doves, and parrots.

It should surprise no one that the smallest bird of my crew is also the most territorial. Earlier today, my camera caught this scene of a relentless mocker vociferously dive bombing a thirsty crow. The corvid withstood multiple passes before finally ceding the watering hole.

Mockingbird Aerial Assault

A few minutes later the crow returned, but this time with a lookout. They took turns drinking while the other maintained a wary eye on the sky. Where there’s a will, there’s a way…

On the Lookout
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The Best Biker Gang

What a View!
Skyway Bridge
Loving My New Ride
At the Top!
After Ride Rest Stop

Yesterday’s bike ride with friends was an absolute blast! I’ve been wanting to check out the Skyway Trail for years so I was thrilled when Natasha and Peggy organized a group ride.

We were treated to an amazing view of Tampa Bay for the majority of our 10-mile route and the water was just gorgeous. We wrapped up at the recently renovated Skyway Beach Resort. It was my first outing on my new-to-me bike and I was pleased with how well she handled. Definitely a great way to spend the morning!
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Dynamic Duo

Caloosahatchee River
Original Bougainvillea, Over 100 Years Old
Thomas Alva Edison Statue
Mina Edison Statue
Pool Tile
Moonlight Garden
Edison’s Study
Seminole Lodge
All Original Furnishings
Thomas & Mina’s Bedroom
Guest Quarters
Family Den
Dining Room
North from the Porch
Edison Phonograph – Pay per Listen Version
Edison’s Last Breath
Henry Ford Statue
1919 Model T Ford
The Mangoes
Period Furnishings

While I was down south a few weeks ago I spent an edifying morning touring the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Intent on beating the heat (and the crowds), I visited on a weekday and arrived just before it opened. Other than staff dusting furniture and tending gardens, I was the only person on the grounds for the first hour.

It was so peaceful that it was easy to understand how the spot quickly captivated Edison. In March of 1885, when Thomas Alva Edison was 38 years old, he visited tiny Fort Myers. A quick thinking man, within 24 hours he had purchased thirteen acres of waterfront along the Caloosahatchee River with the intent of building a home as a respite from the frigid New Jersey winters.

As the railway had not yet reached Fort Myers, all the materials for the three main buildings (Edison’s house, one for his friend and business partner Ezra T. Gilliland, and Edison’s laboratory) had to be brought in by boat. Unlike many of his peers with their ostentatious, massive winter “cottages”, Edison’s plans were modest enough that construction was completed the following year.

1886 was quite a year for Edison as he also married his second wife, 20 year old Mina (his first wife had passed in 1884). Though she was young, Mina could hold her own with him (Mina’s father was a fellow inventor who also founded the Chautauqua Association). Choosing the term “home executive” instead of housewife to describe her role, Mina handily managed both households (New Jersey and Florida) and led several charities while raising Edison’s three children from his prior marriage as well as bearing three of her own.

While the Edisons took full advantage of their time in Florida, fishing in the Gulf and admiring the local wildlife (even amassing quite a menagerie on the grounds, including an alligator), these were not vacations as Edison worked constantly. Apparently, he often worked through the night – during the day he was known to stop and take a catnap wherever he was, sometimes even just sleeping on the ground.

Edison was endlessly curious. To that end, he was a voracious reader that surrounded himself with fellow innovators. When Gilliland decided to sell his portion of the property after the two men had a business dispute, Edison was pleased that Henry Ford eventually bought the house. Even though Ford was almost 40 years his junior, the men were acquainted since Ford had worked at the Edison Illuminating Company as a young man.

One winter, the men decided to explore the Everglades so they invited naturalist John Burroughs to join them on a camping trip. Though the terrain was rough and the swamps were buggy, the men enjoyed their strenuous adventure. They continued their “roughing it” trips for over a decade, in differing locations with a slew of guests over the years (including notables such as Harvey Firestone, Luther Burbank as well as Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge).

I knew of Edison as a prolific inventor (with 1,093 patents) but I was pleasantly surprised to learn of his reverence for nature. In 1930, about a year before his death, Edison wrote, “Florida is about as near to Heaven as any man can get.” I’m not going to argue with that! Fort Myers is quite fortunate that Mina had the foresight to deed the property to the city in 1947.

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