Tag Archives: florida

Butterflies and thistle

Susan and I returned to Goethe State Forest yesterday, once it armed up around 1pm. We wanted to walk more of the road looking for insects. As a result I saw more Zebra and Pipevine Swallowtails in a day than in my entire life. The day started with a Carolina Mantis egg case where weContinue reading “Butterflies and thistle”

Goethe National Forest, Florida

We spent the morning yesterday with Tom, Kathi and Sue looking for birds and butterflies in Goethe National Forest near Dunnellon, Florida. Tom and Kathi, Susan and Sue. Sue is one of the few people that I have known longer than Susan. Tom and Kathi have been my friends for some 40 years. Wow, timeContinue reading “Goethe National Forest, Florida”

Alexander Springs, Florida

Susan and I are always looking for interesting places to stop and walk looking for birds, plants and insects as we head from one spot to another. Yesterday to stopped at Alexander Springs on our way to see Tom and Kathi in Dunnellon, Florida. Variable dancer (left) and Cyprus clubtail (right) to nice Odonata. BarredContinue reading “Alexander Springs, Florida”

Farles Prairie Recreation Area, Ocala State Forest

We spent a day on a trail looking at insects and birds. While the birds were great, the insects were even better. Bird grasshopper. Blue corporal (dragonfly) – female on the left, male on the right. Confusing duskywing on the left, Juvenal’s duskywing on the right. Florida harvester ants. They’re going to have to cutContinue reading “Farles Prairie Recreation Area, Ocala State Forest”

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, Florida

Susan and I returned to the typical wildlife drive at Lake Apopka and weren’t disappointed. Wading birds were quite plentiful along the drive. We had great looks at all of them. Two of my favorites were Glossy Ibis (left) and immature Little Blue Heron (right). There was a great Blue Heron nest where we stoppedContinue reading “Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, Florida”

Orlando Wetlands, Florida

We spent the morning at Orlando Wetlands with our friends Roger and Dawn. The plane was to get there early, walk the boardwalk and have lunch before the temperture topped 90F. Our plan worked perfectly, and we even had some great birds. Roger, Dawn and Susan looking at waders and gallinules. Black-crowned Night-Heron and aContinue reading “Orlando Wetlands, Florida”

Haw Creek State Park, Florida

We spent a morning here with Roger and Dawn. There’s a wonderful boardwalk with great plants, insects and lizards But our day started at the bathrooms, it was a long drive and frankly there were insects/ Figure-eight Sallow (left) and Lunate Zale (right). These were a nice way to start the day. Spring fishflies addedContinue reading “Haw Creek State Park, Florida”

Longleaf Pine Preserve, Florida

We spent the morning walking the main trail at the Longleaf Pine Preserve in Volusia County, Florida. This trail always has interesting plants and butterflies. But with the current drought we knew that there would be less to be seen. Fourpetel St. John’swort was in prime condition in the parking area. Carolina Satyr (left) andContinue reading “Longleaf Pine Preserve, Florida”

Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Florida

We took the long drive to the T.M.Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area in southern Brevard County, Florida. Our target bird was Snail Kite, but we also heard of some other interesting birds there. When we got there we saw a bunch of people watching and photographing Roseatte Spoonbills. They were nice but not what we wereContinue reading “Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Florida”