We tried to see American Oystercatchers at low tide the other day without success. Then we sent to look for them at high tide with success. There was an oyster-spit barely above water covered with osytercatchers, Black Plovers and turnstones. A pile of Ruddy Turnstones as we searched for Purple Sandpipers. One of three PurpleContinue reading “Day-12: Shorebirds, gulls, terns and other things”
Tag Archives: nature
Day-12: A few birds and other things
A four-spot palpita moth, a nice southern moth that we have had several times in Florida. A monk skipper and a whirlabout, both on bristly thistle. Great southern whites on Spanish needles. Up close and personal shot of an American White Pelican. A Sora with a nice reflections that was scurrying through the mangroves. AContinue reading “Day-12: A few birds and other things”
Day-9: New Smyrna Beach – gulls and more
Today we went down and drove the beach here north to the jetty. Since it was early in the morning as well as cool and foggy there were very few people to disturb the birds. I got to see some of my favorite gulls and terns. This is one of the many Sandwich Terns thatContinue reading “Day-9: New Smyrna Beach – gulls and more”
Day-7: Merritt Island, day-2
Our day started out looking for Florida Scrub-Jays. The birds were “abundant.” We probably saw between 8-12 in about 100 yards of walking. This one was color-banded. Along the road as we headed back to Black Point Wildlife Drive we found a slough with hundreds of swollen bladderworts. Gulf fritillaries were quite common, especially atContinue reading “Day-7: Merritt Island, day-2”
Day-6: Merritt Island, Florida
We left our 1950s-era motel in the St. Augustine area and headed over to New Smyrna Beach where we are staying with our friends Don and Loree. When we got there Don immediately took us to Merritt Island. On our way to Merritt Island we stopped to see a Bald Eagle nest, which was quiteContinue reading “Day-6: Merritt Island, Florida”
Day-4, Congaree birds, plants and a reminder
We spent a second day at Congaree National Park, walking the boardwalk and the trail to Lake Wise. I always think it’s a good day when I find Yellow Jessamine. It is so bright and vibrant when little else is flowering. Winter Wrens were singing and allowing great views today. Pileated Woodpeckers was also common,Continue reading “Day-4, Congaree birds, plants and a reminder”
Day-3, Congaree National Park
We left Mark and Adrienne’s in the morning and made our way to Columbia, South Carolina where we will be staying for two days while we visit Congaree National Park. Finding nesting Northern Mockingbirds is always fun, as they can be quite tame. The boardwalk loop at Congaree is quite spectacular. I highly recommend itContinue reading “Day-3, Congaree National Park”
Ann Arbor, viruses and moths
Back in Ann Arbor where we found a yard full of flamingoes with hats and scarves. There is currently an uptick in Covid cases and hospitalizations. The current situation in Ann Arbor (from the Ann Arbor Observer). More worrisome is the situation with influenza. So far this flu season 5,000 people have died. So, be careful outContinue reading “Ann Arbor, viruses and moths”
Best birds of Oaxaca
Where do I start, what do I include? I hadn’t been to Mexico since 1996. I was so excited to be back where days included great birds and natural history, excellent food and mezcal! Also birding with old friends and new friends. It couldn’t have been better. Here are a few highlights from the trip. Let’s start with my favoriteContinue reading “Best birds of Oaxaca”
Oregon lichens and mosses
The perfect habitat for lots of lichens and mosses Oaks in the fog at Mt. Pisgah. Oregon white oak with mistletoe at Mt. Pisgah. Trees “dripping” with Usnea lichens. A gift from Alexis who knows that I love lichens. The pale one is perhaps hammered shield lichen. At this time I do not know the otherContinue reading “Oregon lichens and mosses”
Michael's Place 