It seems that editorial cartoonists always hit the high points of the week. How can Thomas possibly be involved in any rulings in the future?
Supposedly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is refocusing its invading forces to the far east of Ukraine. The Russian casualties are mounting with dead, wounded, captured and defections all increasing. Hopefully, this, along with sanctions will hasten an end to the invasion.
Now, on to some non-bird sightings from our past visits to Florida.
Two years ago was the fist time that we stayed at the cottage on the tidal canal at New Smyrna Beach. On three mornings we were fortunate enough to watch a bobcat cross the property, on one occasion with a second bobcat.
No, this isn’t a snake – it’s an Eastern glass lizard. This species has not legs and is quite a stunning reptile. We saw this at T. H. Stone State Park in the Florida panhandle.
We are always excited when we find butterflies in the south since it is winter. Two that we have found most years are Checkered skippers (that’s a mating pair, showing the differences between males and females) and a Red-banded hairstreak.
This Titan sphinx can easily be mistaken for a butterfly, but it’s actually a diurnal moth.
A mating pair of damselflies in the Keys. Over the years since I took this photo I have yet to identify the species. I’d better get working on that.
When searching for plants and insects we always find spiders. This is a large Golden orb-weaver.
Hmm, what could this be? It’s a swarm of honey bees. I have been fortunate over the years to watch 3-4 large swarms in flight and amassing on trees. This was in the Panhandle NW of Marianna.
A final photo was an “accident.” I was photographing a Black-and-white Warbler on a moss and lichen covered tree not noticing the mantic “hiding” in plain sight. It was until I looked at the photo on my computer that I found this grizzled mantis. The photo was taken in Everglades City in the extreme SW of mainland Florida. A year or two later I managed to find another one in New Smyrna Beach.
That’s about all for now. Enjoy the snowy day in the north or sun in the south.
Michael's Place 