I just had to stop and admire this East Coast Dune Sunflower (Helianthus debilis). As the name suggests, this ground-hugging species thrives in our sandy and salty soil on the islands.
While it lacks a pleasing aroma it more than makes up for it with a sunny disposition.
As I’ve mentioned previously, this tree across the street from me is extremely popular with my local avians. Various species take turns perching on it, this morning it was a Mockingbird.
The coloring is a bit muted, but if you want a singing tree you wouldn’t be able to top this one’s ability to belt out a tune!
In case you missed the earlier ones, here are my previous suggestions:
I hit my beach around noon today, wanting to soak up some warm sunshine before this afternoon’s oncoming storm. I wasn’t sure what to expect out there since riptide warnings had been issued, but the water was crystal clear and the colors were stunning. Just another day in paradise…
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.
Since we were just speaking of Ibises, how about one for the top of your tree? Or, in this case, a trio of them. Fog is optional.
Another tree topper idea can be found here. Stay tuned for more suggestions coming soon!
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…
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