3rin's View…

I came across this sea turtle nesting site two days ago. It was the first one I’ve seen on my stretch of beach here in Treasure Island. Pinellas County has over 20 miles of sandy beach that are monitored each dawn during season for sea turtle nests.

Of the three species known to nest here; Leatherback, Green, and Loggerhead, the latter are the most common. Their nesting season runs May through August with the first nests of 2020 spotted on May 8th.

Since these beaches are very popular, officials have asked the public for their help: report any turtles or nests, turn off or dim outdoor lights, pick up trash, and smooth the sand. Of the four items, knocking down sand castles is the most fun!

Here’s hoping the nesting season goes well and all the little hatchlings make it safely to the water!

The waters at Lake Seminole Park must be chock full of fish because these two Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) were very successful. Good thing they had something big to occupy their time since it allowed me to get a few good shots. Just look at those talons!

Thanks, Nature, for providing me with such a nice contrast to the patchy-colored juvenile that I shared with you just yesterday. The base of the bill is a lovely pale blue and the body is an elegant slate gray but that deep purple neck is the showstopper here. There’s a lot to admire in this small package!

Met my first Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) at the park a couple weeks ago. Though it looks a little patchy it was still an attractive bird, especially the light blue at the base of the bill.

The species turns from white to blue-gray as it enters adulthood. It is thought the white coloration is beneficial as Snowy Egrets will tolerate them which provides protection and even feeding advantages for the youngsters. Snowies are known to chase off the darker-colored adults.

I stalked this skittish adult male Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) through a field before finally catching him feeding on grass seeds. Though it looks like a sparrow in size and appearance, this species is actually in the cardinal family.

The genus name refers to true sparrows (picking up on the superficial resemblance), while the latter part of the binomial is based on the male’s brilliant coloration during breeding season.

This one, unfortunately, is not yet all dressed up for prom. Though he is in his nonbreeding plumage he is still a handsome bird! The female by contrast is always quite drab.

Female Indigo Bunting, Walsingham Park, Largo, Florida May 2020