Revisiting Merritt Island, Florida

Susan and I spent the day visiting some favorite places on Merritt Island. First we went to Pine Flatwood Trail, then we did Haulover Canal, Black Point Road, and the Visitor Center. We don’t come for the towhees, but rather the Florida Scrub Jays. Susan watching of the dozen jays that we found. Florida ScrubContinue reading “Revisiting Merritt Island, Florida”

Apopka WIldlife Area, Florida

We always visit the Apopka Wildlife Drive when in the New Syrma Beach area. But this year SEVAS (South East Volusia Audubon Society) arranged a special tour, via tram, to areas within the preserve that cannot be visited under normal circumstances. It was interesting getting back into areas we had never seen before. However theContinue reading “Apopka WIldlife Area, Florida”

A day at the beach

The other day Don drove us along the beach at New Smyrna Beach. As always it was a fun time. One of the many Royal Terns that we saw. A Sandwich Tern with Royal Terns. One of the many Ruddy Turnstones that we saw. One of the many Snowy Egrets at the Ponce Inlet. Breakwall.Continue reading “A day at the beach”

Canaveral National Seashore

Yesterday we spent the morning at Turtle Mound and Eldora two delightful places in the Canaveral National Seashore that are great for seeing plants and butterflies. The first thing that we saw was a Common Ground Dove, neither botanical nor a butterfly, but nice none-the-less. This Phaeon Crescent was basking in the morning sun. Abbot’sContinue reading “Canaveral National Seashore”

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

We spent yesterday at the wildlife drive of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina. It’s always a wonderful place to visit. The small parking area at the start is always a nice place to begin our adventure here. This huge live oak is truly an introduction to the south. Our first large sulphurContinue reading “Savannah National Wildlife Refuge”

Thinking about the garden and more

I had a nice conversation yesterday with somebody about having an Italian mother, the garden and cooking. That got me to thinking about growing up with an Italian mother, grandmother and all of the pasta that I ate over the years. It seemed that we had pasta at least 2-3 times a week, and alwaysContinue reading “Thinking about the garden and more”

Valentine’s Day – 2026

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, and we were traveling from Whitefish Point back to Ann Arbor. This covers the day perfectly for many people. Susan showed me snow fleas and I considered that my present. Our day started with a Common Grackle which is extremely rare in the Upper Peninsula in winter. The I suggested thatContinue reading “Valentine’s Day – 2026”

An interesting start to the year

Every year I keep track of what I seen. This includes plants, animals and fungi. Typically, by this time of year I’ve seen 2-300 total species. This includes starting the year in Oregon. This year I have vowed to be more observant and pay attention to the “little” things such as lichens and fungi. InContinue reading “An interesting start to the year”

Regaining my sanity

Sometimes it takes a long walk to go shopping then stopping at a favorite bakery for a pastry and coffee while listening to the person working there talk about their hard days commuting in the ice and snow to help with your sanity. Yesterday we took the long walk to Knight’s Market, mostly to getContinue reading “Regaining my sanity”

Sitting inside after breakfast

I made blueberry pancakes this morning for breakfast. Since it’s currently -11F (-24C) I don’t seeing heading outside soon. But have been thinking about art, drawing and painting. In two weeks we’ll be back in the Upper Peninsula looking for birds with friends. What will we find? Who knows? Regardless, it’ll be interesting and fun.Continue reading “Sitting inside after breakfast”