Wonders Never Cease

Lots of Butterflies in the Yard Today!!

2009-12-14T12:13:00.004-05:00

It's a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining and the gardens are full of butterflies. I have seen several species of butterflies landing on the milkweed flowers which are in bloom in the front garden. All my northern friends are ankle deep in snow so it's fun to share photos of what it looks like in my Florida gardens today!

Hummingbirds in California

2009-06-29T14:59:00.002-04:00

We had four hummingbirds coming to the Cape Honeysuckle in our backyard today. The flowers just started blooming, so the hummers are going crazy for it! Of course they can't share, so there is constant zipping around and chasing going on. The hummers are so fast that it is hard to get a picture, but perseverance paid off!
Pam

Rare lily

2009-06-15T08:50:00.004-04:00

On Friday morning we headed north over the Golden Gate Bridge to hike up Ring Mountain (elevation 602 feet). Ring Mountain is so unique that geologists and plant people from around the world come to study it. We hiked to the top to see the extremely rare Tiburon Mariposa Lily. It grows nowhere else in the world, and only blooms in May/June. It is also known as the butterfly lily, and this group of flowers is sometimes called "pussy paws" because of their hairy features.

Posted by Pam in California

Eucalyptus flowers

2009-05-28T19:22:00.003-04:00

Australian Eucalyptus flowers are blooming right now. They have very unique flowers. The flowers are so much a part of the culture of Australia that a children's book was written about them. The book is the absolute cutest, with the flowers playing the role of little flower people. Eucalyptus trees release oils after a rain and smell like Hall's cough drop!.

Posted by Pam in California

Ruddy Duck

2009-05-18T15:55:00.002-04:00

The ruddy ducks change into their breeding plumage and take on a whole new look this time of year. In winter the ruddy ducks have muted colors. In spring the male ruddy ducks look spectacular with their cinnamon feathers and turquoise blue bills!
Pam

Harbor seal

2009-05-13T15:45:00.006-04:00

This is a special scene we saw at Monterey of a California harbor seal nursing her pup. Harbor seals can reach 6 feet long and weigh 300 pounds. The pups are born in April and can swim at birth. The pup will ride on its mother's back when tired. Pups make a bleating sound that sounds like "maaaaa".

We saw them at China Cove (below). Look closely and you can see masses of bullwhip kelp in the water. Kelp (a type of seaweed) can reach 120 feet long. Pacific coast Indians used it for fishing and storage containers. A mother sea otter sometimes wraps her baby in kelp to keep it from floating away while she searches for food.

Posted by Pam in California

Avocet baby

2009-05-11T15:59:00.009-04:00

.
Here is a picture of the baby avocets we saw last week.
It's spring and all the avocets, black-necked stilts, and terns are nesting now. They sit on eggs out on little islands in the marsh.
Pam in California

Sea Otters

2009-05-11T15:58:00.005-04:00

We found a new favorite place for sea otters. It is at Moss Landing (south along the coast between us and Monterey). There were 36 sea otters together in a big raft. A short distance away was a pier with a couple of hundred sea lions barking. What a great location for wildlife!

Below are the sea otters floating on their backs, sleeping in the sun. Next you see a naughty seagull poking at their feet, hoping to snatch some food.
Pam

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Starting a Leaf Collection

2009-04-29T15:25:00.001-04:00

Many people keep a wildlife journal, collect rocks, and keep lists of what birds and creatures they've seen when and where, but how many people do you know of that collect leaves?
It's a different kind of experience than other collections, but it's sometimes easier for kids who have short attention spans or for kids who'd rather not spend the whole day out of doors.
To get started I'd suggest a basic lesson in botany found here:
http://http://forestry.about.com/od/treephysiology/ss/part_of_tree_2.htm
and a press, either stormade or homebought
For ideas on how to make a leaf press at home look here:
http://forestry.about.com/od/treeidentification/a/leaf_collection_2.htm

Jamie Drake
http://savingfloridaphotography.blogspot.com

A Garden of your own

2009-04-25T15:23:00.001-04:00

It's one of the best and easiest things people can do to help reduce our negative impact on the world, yet it's something most people don't. Recently I've learned that front yards around the country are experiencing a transformation of sorts. The green lawns that once signified suburbia are turning into green farm lots, growing tons of vegetables yearly.
It's not an innovative or new thought. In Europe, for centuries, people have kept apothecary gardens, and now they keep edible gardens. They are beautiful and a unique way to set yourself apart, save money, and get nutritious wholesome foods without ever leaving home.

For great ideas on organic sustainable living with excellent resources for farming anything in any situation check out MotherEarth News. It's not just for hippies anymore.

Jamie Drake
SavingFlorida Photography
This photo is a tomato, straight from my garden. :)

Very cute video. Watch and listen

2009-04-24T17:23:00.003-04:00

A lesson to be careful

2009-04-23T10:12:00.002-04:00

I was wandering around the yard yesterday and saw this squirrel eating away at something. I was horrified when I saw what it was! A wasp nest that we had just doused with poison the day before and had left lying on the ground.

I tried to chase him down and get it away from him but he ran away, taking it with him.

I have no idea whether it will hurt him, but I can only assume that it probably well. Just another important lesson to be careful about what we leave lying around in the yard!

Gators are gorgeous too

2009-04-21T18:39:00.001-04:00

Gators are gorgeous too
Originally uploaded by SavingFLorida

Isn't it funny how we make labels in our minds of the good and the bad? Alligators, one of the most amazing animals on earth, almost entirely fall in the bad category for most. Taking a closer look though, and thinking about what they do, what they are, Gators are beautiful amazing creatures. Just like the feathered and furred things, all things are beautiful. The trick is finding the beauty.

Indigo Buntings

2009-04-19T14:44:00.006-04:00

Indigo Buntings... the most beautiful shade of blue. Need I say more?

Jamie Drake
Flickr
SavingFlorida Photography

Hunting Buntings

2009-04-18T17:58:00.004-04:00

I finally saw my first beautiful painted bunting of the season.

Hopefully, he'll stick around for a few days.

Still lots of other warblers, including the black throated green warbler(s) and at least one hummingbird.

Not sure if the male hummer that looked like he had a bad eye is still around

Betsy
Melbourne, FL

The Great Turtle Race

2009-04-17T19:05:00.005-04:00

Check out the migration of Leatherback Sea Turtles in real time and learn a whole lot about them in the process!

Did you know that between Brevard and Indian River Counties in Florida is the Archie Carr Preserve? The area is specifically preserved for sea turtle nesting.
http://www.greatturtlerace.com/

The Thirsty Squirrel and other Critters in the yard

2009-04-17T15:31:00.004-04:00

As always, there is a lot going on in the yard.

The cute fox I saw the other day ate one of my neighbors chickens. A lot of my neighbors have chickens and most of them expect a few to get taken by the hawks, eagles, bobcats and foxes that live around here. But apparently one neighbor is putting out a trap for the fox. I called FWC and found out it is illegal so I'm hoping to reason with him.

The Carolina wren abandoned her nest in the hanging plant on the front porch. I'm not sure if she just got fed up with people going in and out the front door, or whether it was the strong wind the other day that did it.

Last night my husband and I heard a horrible screaming out in the woods. It lasted for quite some time. We cautiously tried to track it down, but since we've recently seen both a bobcat and a fox in the yard, we didn't want to walk up on either one while it was trying to eat. Today, there is no sign of whatever was going on out there.

I caught this cute photo of a squirrel getting a drink out of a watering can. I tried to bake some healthy, sugarless cookies last night and they turned out so dry and tasteless, that I tossed some out for the squirrels. Apparently, they were pretty dry even by squirrel standards, since this guy looked pretty anxious for water.

Show rollers. How bizarre!!

2009-04-17T15:04:00.003-04:00

This is definitely an example of a "wonder" of nature. Naturally formed "rolls" of snow. Click link for more photos.

Snow Rollers

Submitted by Pam Winegar, California

A bug's world

2009-04-17T12:47:00.006-04:00

This picture is what we call a bug's world. Notice the teeny tiny bug on top tip of one of the "owls" on an owl's clover. We think the bug is kind of cute!

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

The Truth about nature.

2009-04-16T12:15:00.003-04:00

It's not always pretty, it's not always easy, and many times it's downright disturbing and sad. My Osprey just experienced an unprecedented setback in nesting as a storm with 40 mph winds blew by their 5 stories up pine tree nest. The egg, the sticks, even a few fish landed on the ground...

The other truth about nature is that those who survive always continue on. Even if it takes some time there's always a second try. Almost like they can't look back.
Jamie Drake
Visit me on Smugmug

Yellow Rat Snake @ Lori Wilson Park

2009-04-14T23:54:00.003-04:00

Ok, so most people aren't big on snakes.

I, personally, love to look at them and sometimes don't even mind holding the smaller versions.

This Rat Snake caught my eye today as I braved the horrendous winds over my hometown to check out my local Maritime Hammock for songbirds.

The color, oh the color. How could one not look at this and enjoy it.

I found songbirds, and I found this snake. I think I enjoyed my snake experience more than the rest.

There is a saying that goes something like this.. "God paints with nature."

Today, I believe it to be true.

Jamie Drake

Neighborhood Update

2009-04-14T13:55:00.001-04:00

Since I've returned from Ohio I've noticed a lot of things going on in my neighborhood. The ospreys continue their soap opera of a life. The second male snuck in and got caught by the first male on the nest near my house. It was quite a scene... wings flapping everywhere, quite reminiscent of the guy jumping out the window to avoid being caught.
Secondly, I've noticed a Cooper's Hawk, several American Crows, and many catbirds too! Last year, I watched for anything and never saw anything but doves, cardinals, and mockingbirds. Now the the butterflies have hatched, they are everywhere, Florida Whites being the most common, but also Giant Swallowtails, ceraneus blues, and Gulf Fritilaries. While I hate the 100 degree weather I know we're bound to have, I'm thrilled to see spring, it brings so many new things to see.
Jamie

Fw: poppies

2009-04-13T19:39:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures of bright orange California poppies. Before the flower bud opens, we think it looks like the poppy is wearing a little hat!

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Owl's Clover

2009-04-13T19:02:00.034-04:00

Here is one of our very favorite wildflowers - owl's clover. Whoever named it thought the flower looked like it was decorated with little owls. What's fun is that each flower is unique with its own individual "owls".

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Fountain

2009-04-13T19:02:00.005-04:00

Here is a pretty little scene on our deck this week. I was walking through the living room, and noticed the two doves perched on our fountain. You wouldn't believe how much the wildlife enjoys such a small fountain, and it sounds so nice too.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Foxy lady!

2009-04-13T16:53:00.005-04:00

Of course, I'm not sure if this is a foxy lady or a foxy gentleman. I was a little reluctant to get close enough to check. But I sure loved looking out my window this morning and seeing this beauty sitting there just as comfortable as can be!

Hummingbirds

2009-04-13T09:31:00.022-04:00

I was thrilled when a male RTH showed back up in our yard a few days ago. I don't think this is the same male that was here before we left on our last trip. This one looks much more mature, with a full, deep red throat.

I wasn't quite so thrilled when he turned around and I saw his right eye, which is terribly swollen. I don't know enough about hummingbirds to know what might be wrong with him but it is always depressing to see an animal with a health problem.

Easter Colors

2009-04-13T09:10:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, my husband called me outside to see a "Wonder of Nature." It's something that we do -- pointing out the new and interesting things that we see in our yard. What he wanted to point out was a wasp caught in a spiderweb, buzzing around trying to get out as the spider was busy wrapping him up for a later treat.

But the spiderweb was right next to the garage window. And as I looked out I saw a small but beautiful blue bird hopping around on the ground. It was an indigo bunting! The first MALE indigo that I have seen on our property since we have owned it (9 wonderful years now).

I proceeded to follow the little bird around the yard for at least an hour, snapping away with my camera. I never did get any REALLY good shots, but I thought he was a great Easter gift!

Catching the Flycatcher

2009-04-13T08:45:00.001-04:00

I have had this beeeeuutiful Great Crested Flycatcher hanging around my neighborhood for three weeks now. I believe it is a tad early to have it around, but I'm not complaining! Having never seen one so frequently before I have never even thought about trying to photograph it. It also moves at about 100 miles an hour in an erratic fashion. Yesterday, I had my chance, I was going out to my truck, with my camera in tow, and it landed in the tree above me. The face is somewhat obscured here but check out the beautiful feathers...

Jamie
Smugmug-ged & Flickr-ed

take a Gander at my goose!

2009-04-13T08:37:00.001-04:00

I was in Ohio this past week. I can't say that I brought home any great photos, the weather- need I say more? Ok, they didn't get the memo that spring has sprung.. snow was a sight we weren't really expecting. I did fall in love with these Canadian Geese. They hang out everywhere, kind of like seagulls in Florida. Incidentally, there are also sea gulls in Ohio, but they don't hang out in parking lots.

Jamie
I'm On SmugMug! (click here)

Orioles

2009-04-03T12:12:00.007-04:00

It took 3 days with the automatic BirdCam set up, but I finally got pictures of the oriole pair. They are spectacular!

Posted by Pam Winegar in California.

Random Thoughts

2009-04-01T20:34:00.001-04:00

Jamie's Random Thought of the day.
Even parent birds get annoyed with kids stealing their food.

Today, at the Viera Wetlands- Viera, Florida.

Caracara (Caracara cheriway)

Jamie Drake
Saving Florida Photography

Osprey Soap Opera

2009-03-30T12:42:00.001-04:00

I have three active osprey nests in my neighborhood. This one is across the road from me. I watched today as they argued with each other, and this is the closest I've ever seen them to being aggressive. There are three osprey in this photo; two on the tree, one in the air. Interesting thing, the one in the air was banded. More about that later..

Jamie

Hope for the future

2009-03-28T11:26:00.000-04:00

Each year, I eagerly look forward to the hatching of a new generation of Caracara.
If you don't know about caracara I suggest you visit here.

I have a bond with this species, I spent a year researching them as part of a population survey.
They are unique in the raptor world, not related to vultures who their behaviors resemble, and not related closely to eagles, who they physically resemble. They are most closely related to peregrine falcons.. who they look, and act, nothing like.

Anyways, I digress. Each year I'm refreshed with a hope for the future, because I can see this new generation. I know that few of them will survive past one, and even fewer past three, but at least, in this one minute, I see hope for our endangered species. The caracara will go on, and I will be there looking again next year, waiting for some more hope.

Jamie

Give Props to the Plants

2009-03-26T16:13:00.003-04:00

Have you ever noticed that people don't take as many pictures of wild plants as they do of wild animals?

Plants are important. They are our lifeline, literally. Plants make our medicines, our food, keep water from creating erosion, and just look pretty. Songs, poems, and whole books are devoted to them.

This is a Coral Bean, sometimes called Cherokee Bean plant found at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. They are great plants, but can be poisonous. Indigenous people have used them for everything under the sun.

Take a minute to ignore the roses and frolic in the wildflowers instead..

brought to you by Jamie.. the I'm not-a-wildlife photographer

Wonders of Nature in Colorado

2009-03-25T18:15:00.006-04:00

My husband and I are in Crested Butte Colorado for a little late season skiing.

We took a drive along a river that was recommended to us for the mountain views. I was gazing at the many intricate rock formations when I looked up and saw a patch of white that didn't look like snow.

It turned out to be a mountain goat. I've been told by everyone that I mentioned it to that it is very rare to see a mountain goat around here so this was truly our "wonder of nature" for the trip.

Killdeer

2009-03-24T11:08:00.001-04:00

Like deer in the headlights Killdeer are not.

Killdeer are a type of Plover, a bird class most often found on the beach. They have abondoned those beach roots and now inhabit areas like golf courses, farm fields, and soccer fields.

As photographic subjects, killdeer are very challenging. They are flighty, but ocassionally, like this day, you find one that isn't so sktitish. This one, interestingly allowed me to drive right past it. I don't know if Killdeer nest at the Viera Wetlands, but it's been suggested that it may have stuck around for that reason.

I didn't get to see a broken wing display, but I did get to watch it forage around.

For more information about Killdeer visit this site:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Killdeer.html#conservation

I am in the process of transitioning from .Jpg shooting to raw shooting so I haven't posted new photos on My Smugmug site. If you would like to see more of my local photos.. visit
my flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbdrake

Jamie Drake

Bald Eagle Reunion

2009-03-23T11:55:00.004-04:00

These photos were taken Friday morning at the Duda sod fields just west of the Click Ponds at Viera. Altogether six Bald Eagles came to feed on the already dead opossum. I was too far away for quality photos and TGFP (thank God for Photoshop) to enhance these. Possibly another "once in a lifetime" experiences. Even without a camera to record the Bald Eagle interaction, it would not deter from the exciting viewing of the action. It is interesting that the Eagles would not tolerate each other from feeding until they were through, but would tolerate the Vultures. These are just a few of forty or so. The rest of the photos can be viewed on my website:
Bald Eagle Reunion.

Blog entry and Photos by Bob Paty
Bob Paty Photography

The wonders really don't cease

2009-03-22T22:10:00.000-04:00

The American Kestral I mentioned in my previous post... A gorgeous bird, not frequently found on the coastal island of Cocoa Beach. :)

A blurry photo, but a photo none the less..

Jamie

Even the Squirrel is Confused

2009-03-18T13:09:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I'm sure you're tired of hearing about the ducks in my pool. But it's such a strange thing, and it continues to get stranger. Today they came back, again, during the middle of the day. I thought to myself that I am just going nuts. I find myself looking out the window, looking for them. They made quite a spectacle of themselves. The female quacked around calling and making ducky noises.

Then, while I'm hunched in a corner of my sliding glass doors, I notice it. This crazy event has not only baffled me, but also has baffled the squirrels in backyard. One came down, took a look at the ducks, left and then came back to look again. I almost was waiting for more squirrels to line up on the fence wanting to get a look as well.

So they stayed a while, and suddenly a kestrel flies overhead. I've never seen an American Kestrel in Cocoa Beach.

Get outside and look around your neighborhood, you never know what you'll find!

Jamie

Dolphin Bubbles

2009-03-18T11:37:00.004-04:00

Great video about dolphins at SeaWorld

Update

2009-03-17T08:44:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, she came back, and brought her other half!
Aren't they beautiful!

Mottled Ducks are the only duck species that stays in Florida Year round, without exception. They aren't found farther North, and are rarely found along the most extremem Southern states..

I think they are beautiful.

Jamie

Pelican Island Wildlife Festival

2009-03-16T14:51:00.003-04:00

Pelican Island is America's First National Wildlife refuge. It is located in Sebastian, Florida, and features none of the birds pictured to the left. Except maybe the vulture for rather dubious reasons. Every year they have a festival. I went to this year's festival which was held at Riverview Park in Sebastian, Florida. It was full of great stuff. Freebies, literature, hands on displays, artists, and of course festival food. They offered tours to the Island, but I was unable to go this time.

The Wildlife Centers love to bring their birds to these events. I wish that there had been slightly fewer people so that I could have photographed all the amazing Florida Wildlife that was showcased. They had everything from Peregrine Falcons to Black Indigo Snakes.

I decided to make this collage of the birds I saw. It includes a Turkey Vulture, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, and Burrowing Owl.
I plan to offer this as a freebie on my website, if you like it it'll be there for you to download within the next few days.

Jamie Drake
Http://savingflorida.smugmug.com

In My backyard

2009-03-16T13:57:00.001-04:00

I have the darndest things show up in my backyard. Usually in the pool. It normally is Diamondback Terrapins. I've also found Ring Necked Snakes, Corn Snakes, Extremely large spiders, Bufo Toads, and Cuban Tree Frogs. The area around the pool has squirrels, the occasional raccoon, and Five Lined legless lizards. That's just what I remember finding!

Over my time living here, I've ocassionally seen ducks on our cement pond out there, but yesterday was special. Not only was it a duck, but a mottled duck, and my dog, a tiny thing called a Pomeranian named Chewy was out there too... completely ignoring it. And the duck, she completely ignored him as he ran by. Some cosmic collision must have happened.. somewhere. It even watched me watching it, and waited patiently for me to get my camera.

Only in my backyard.

Jamie Drake

First male hummer of the season

2009-03-14T20:54:00.006-04:00

We saw our first male hummingbird of the season yesterday and today. He's a scraggly looking thing and has already had to start defending himself against the one or two females that have already been here for a few months.

My Black-Throated Green Warbler

2009-03-14T20:50:00.005-04:00

I just got a new camera a few days ago and the sun has not been cooperating with me very much. Plus, the user manual for the camera is 226 pages, so I have a lot of reading left to do.

But I got this quick shot of the black-throated green warbler that I have been chasing around the property.

I've been driving the members of the Space Coast Audubon group crazy while I was trying to ID it and I really appreciate all the help. That group has done so much to help encourage my love of birding!

Thanks to all of you!

The bees

2009-03-14T20:09:00.017-04:00

A few days ago, we were walking the path through the woods on our property and a noise overhead made me look up. It was just a squirrel high up in the tree-tops. But he was getting ready to jump from one branch to the other and when I looked to see where he was getting ready to jump, I saw this huge swarm of bees.It was huge and I'm sure it contained thousands of bees.

For the next few days, I walked the path and checked to see if they were still there. By the third day, they were gone. All that was left was these tiny bits of honeycomb they left on the trees.

Shores and Moons

2009-03-13T09:05:00.002-04:00

Over the last few days I've been trying a few photography things I rarely do.

On Wednesday night, we here in central Florida experienced an exceptionally large full moon. Photographing things in the night sky seems like an easy proposition, but in reality it takes a little work. I finally got an exposure I could live with, although the moon had changed significantly by this time. I learned that each month the full moon has a name (I love Farmer's Almanac!) and this month's is the Worm moon.

Secondly, I made a trip to the beach. I am so not a beach person. I have fair skin, I burn in ten minutes, and the sand really worries me when it comes to my camera. However, I do it because I love the beach feeling. I like how the birds react with the waves, how they fish and frolic in the suds, and watching the other little lifeforms mostly get eaten.

I take pictures of gulls, skimmers and terns. One day I will meet my holy grail of shorebird photography, the American Oystercatcher. After I do, I will promptly move on to a new, even less obtainable, species.. Oh well, that's me. Happy Photographing!

The birds pictured here are (I think) Ring Billed Gulls. They both lack the signature yellow eye ring which means that they haven't achieved breeding status quite yet.

Let me know if I'm wrong. It happens sometimes.

To see more of my local photography visit SavingFlorida on Smugmug

Jamie Drake

Anna's hummingbird

2009-03-11T16:43:00.020-04:00

In California we have hummingbirds year round. They are very active, full of personality, and always a joy to see. They often "guard" feeders, so you have to place multiple feeders around your yard for multiple hummingbirds to enjoy. Attached is a picture of an Anna's hummingbird.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Sea otter pair

2009-03-11T16:43:00.019-04:00

This picture shows a mother and juvenile sea otter floating together sleeping at Moss Landing, California.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Elephant seal side view

2009-03-11T16:42:00.041-04:00

This picture shows a side view of an alpha male elephant seal (he weighs 2 tons). You can see his "elephant" nose. You may also notice his battle scars from fighting for the girls. The parent elephant seals go months without eating during breeding season.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Sea otters

2009-03-11T16:42:00.040-04:00

This picture shows a sea otter at Moss Landing, California. Sea otters dive to the sea bottom to get food. Once they surface, they float on their backs and eat.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Elephant seal bull looking at us

2009-03-11T16:42:00.039-04:00

Here is a picture of a male elephant seal looking at us as we walked on a ranger-led tour at Ano Nuevo, California.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Elephant seal pups playing

2009-03-11T16:42:00.037-04:00

Here are two young elephant seal pups. Their mothers have returned to the sea, and they have been left on the beach to play and learn how to swim. They are called "weaners". As they grow, their mother's milk becomes thicker and thicker, until finally it is the thickness of mayonnaise! These two weaners were playing in the water when we took the picture.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Elephant seal pup on sand

2009-03-11T16:42:00.034-04:00

Here is an elephant seal pup looking at us as we walked by on a ranger-led tour at Ano Nuevo, California.

Posted by Pam Winegar in California

Viera Wetlands

2009-03-09T20:58:00.020-04:00

Today, the Viera Wetlands was minus it's usual array of raptors and captors but shined with a variety of wetlands specialties that makes this area possibly the most diverse birding spot in Brevard County.

I have posted three pictures. A Sora Rail, an American Bittern, and a Wren I haven't positively identified yet.

There were also least bittern, common yellowthroats, ring-necked ducks, mottled ducks, and a variety of turtles and gators to be seen.

To see my recent photos from the wetlands and other local areas check
out my site: http://savingflorida.smugmug.com/

Photos and blog entry by Jamie Drake

I love Northern Parulas

2009-03-08T19:18:00.012-04:00

The first time I heard Northern Parulas in my yard, I was just mesmerized by the sound. such a sweet, twittering little melody. Almost as if they are talking to themselves in a non-stop stream of bird-like chatter.

After hours of tracking, I finally found the colorful little bird flitting around high in the trees.

Since that day, a Northern Parula always brings a smile to my face.

The trees on our yards just seemed to be filled with the tiny 4 inch Parulas yesterday and I had so much fun following them around taking photos.

It was a great way to spend a few hours of a wonderful sunny day!

Our Bloggers - Pam Winegar ~ Nature is California

2009-02-11T16:49:00.000-05:00

Pam and Richard Winegar recently moved to the San Francisco Bay Area after living in Brevard for 9 years. They believe in enjoying nature wherever they go, so are thoroughly enjoying the special delights that California offers. From time to time they will share some insights into the diverse nature community found there.

Family of Cooper's Hawks

2008-07-13T19:04:00.005-04:00

The big thing in the backyard right now is a family of Cooper's hawks. Looks like two or three babies and at least one of the adults still hanging around. It is really a lot of fun watching them chase each other through the trees or try to chase the squirrels.

Ruby throated hummingbird sighting

2008-06-24T17:34:00.001-04:00

I just caught a glimpse of a RTH. I hadn't seen her in some time.

I was beginning to think that maybe she had nested on our property, so I've been spending time wandering through the woods looking for a nest.

The other day I calculated that our property is over a million square inches, just in its length and width. That doesn't take into consideration the height of the many tall trees. Still the futility of the search did not deter me. What a wonder it would be to find a hummingbird nest! It would be well worth the effort.

So today when I saw her, I headed back out to our woods. I heard a northern parula. I saw a black snake, a beautiful corn snake and a rabbit. A family of three hawks was jumping around and calling to each other in the oaks. But no hummingbird.

The heat and the mosquitoes and the afternoon rains have been keeping me inside. But today, it only took me a few moments to realize how much I've been missing by not getting out. There are so many things out there just as beautiful as a flightly little hummer.

That quick glimpse of her today was enough. She served her purpose. She lured me outside and made me look around and, as usual, made me realize that as long as I keep looking, the wonders will never cease.

Betsy S. Franz

MMm.. Taste just like chicken

2008-04-17T18:06:00.003-04:00

I'm kind of glad this was a frog instead of a bird, since I had just filled the bird feeders.

This photo needs a caption

2008-04-16T19:35:00.004-04:00

It was too late at night for a good photo, but this struck me as funny. It would be a good shot for one of those caption contests. What do you think?

Very cool butterfly video

2008-04-12T08:15:00.002-04:00

From the book "Florida's Fabulous Butterflies"
Males (zebra longwings) can detect the scent of a female within her pupa before she emerges, and a number of males may congregate. The males will literally fight with each other for the opportunity of mating with the female as soon as she breaks the pupal skin. The fastest, strongest male will prevail. This behavior has been called "pupal rape", since the female may be too weak immediately after emerging to effectively resist. In some cases the males can gain entry to the pupall case and then do not even wait for the female to emerge. They mate with her inside the case. After mating, the successful male applies a chemical which acts as a repellant to other males. This helps ensure that the offspring will carry only the genes of the first male.

Gessh! And they look so sweet and innocent!

Birds in the pond

2007-05-11T09:27:00.000-04:00

Last year, we put in a small garden pond for the visiting birds. This morning, there was a large variety of small warblers flying through the mist of the small fountain. I got this photo of two of them waiting their turn for the shower.

Hide and seek

2006-07-30T19:38:00.000-04:00

More from today

2006-07-27T21:42:00.000-04:00

Hawk in birdbath

And adolescent cardinal

Wonders Never Cease

2006-07-27T10:39:00.000-04:00

It's been far too long since I posted my wildlife sightings. It's hard to sit down and post my sightings when it is much more fun to go outside and experience them.
We have had a series of bird families on our property lately. First, the titmouse house that we put up was used almost immediately. To my knowledge, only one baby survived. But even one survivor seemed like a real triumph with all the birds of prey and other obstacles that he must have faced.

Soon after that I saw a family of Carolina wrens. I have no idea how many babies they had but they would fly around the property in a large group chriping and chasing each other!
After that, there were two families of cardinals, one right after the other. Both families are still here, vying for their turns at the feeders.

There is also another family of Cooper's hawks. I don't believe that these actually nested on our property, but they do their hunting here. One of them often flies down and sits on the bird feeder and bird bath. Hence, any baby birds that make it to adulthood are a real thrill.
We have found a baby gopher tortoise also. It must be one that survived from last year, since it is at least 3 inches long. And in the last week we have caught a few glimpses of a visiting hummingbird.
I have recently seen quite a few blue-gray gnatcatchers and just recently realized that they must have nested here, too. I have seen the babies cheeping and shaking their wings when they are near their parents. Something that my up-close view of all of these baby birds has shown me is sort of like the bird's version of a child crying when it is hungry.
I got these photos of the female and male yesterday.

Oh yeah. I have recently published a little journal that provides a place for YOU to keep track of all of the wonders that you discover in nature. I hope you enjoy it!

Wonders Never Cease

Hawks and Hummingbirds

2005-09-22T22:01:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile since I posted here, which is a shame, because I've had a lot of birds and other wildlife in my yard. But since two of my favorites, a hawk and a hummingbird visited me today, just had to share these photos.
The day was VERY overcast and gloomy but with my new camera, was still able to get these shots.
Love my habitat and my camera!!

Incredible morning so far!!

2005-07-14T08:42:00.000-04:00

I was just out taking my morning walk around the yard and was treated to a wonderful visit by the hummingbird. I saw him on the firebush as I came around the corner of the house so I stood quietly and watched to see what plants he went to. He visited the dotted horsemint, the honeysuckle, the butterfly bush, the red pentas, the jatropha, the shrimp plant, the red salvia, the pineapple sage and probably others. Then he went and hovered in front of my office window again and sat down in the snowbush outside the window for a few minutes. He came so close to where I was standing I could hear the buzz of his wings and hear his happy chirping (from all the hummingbird plants I've planted since his last year's visit?). I even saw him eat a few small bugs out of the air. First time I had seen that, although I have read that they do that. What an incredible way to start the day. I wonder how long he has been back that I just haven't noticed because I have been too wrapped up in my own life to go look!

Saw a hummingbird today!!

2005-07-13T18:29:00.000-04:00

I was thrilled to just see a hummingbird outside my window. The little guy flew right up and hovered there just like he was making sure that I knew he was back and I better get the feeders out. Which I immediately did. I'm thrilled. Last year was the first year that we had regular hummingbirds. They left in about April and I wasn't sure they would come back this year but it looked like the little fellow that was just here seemed to know right where the feeder usually hangs. It was a little surprising to see him so late in the evening, too. It was already after 6pm. But both the firebush and the honeysuckle are blooming like crazy right now, so he might have been out there for awhile without me noticing.

The hawks are still around -- some of them anyway. I don't hear them nearly as much as I did but there is still always at least one around.

Also had a bunch of black swallowtail all over our dill and fennel and now they are starting to hatch. I think they are the most beautiful local butterfly, so I'm thrilled to have them here, too.

More than just hawks

2005-06-19T14:36:00.000-04:00

I've been so fascinated with the hawks lately, that I haven't posted any other wildlife sightings, but the yard is still full of typical Florida wildlife. I had the screen door propped open yesterday so I could get some good closeups of the hawks and I had to close it twice -- once to keep a gopher tortoise from going in , and once to keep a black snake out. I had to locate the baby gopher tortoise (Harold) and stick him in a plastic box while I mowed the lawn. And there is a veritable harem of female cardinals. It's gotten to the point that I have too many hawk pictures to post. This guy is sitting at the picnic table waiting for a squirrel to come by for a picnic!

I am sure that the baby hawks are doing their own hunting now. I can see them in the trees dining on their "catch of the day" from time to time, but even with the binoculars, I can't tell what they are eating. This morning it looked like it was raining feathers under one of the big oaks but by the time I went out to look, the wind had blown most of them away. I haven't noticed any red or blue feathers so I don't think they are getting the cardinals or the jays.

My neighbor across the street apparently has some chickens again. The hawks were over there "visiting" the chickens last evening but I don't think they did much more than annoy them. The baby hawks are big but I still don't see how they could tackle a full grown chicken.

All Four Babies

2005-06-16T11:49:00.000-04:00

Yes, he's really eating birdseed

2005-06-16T11:30:00.000-04:00

There are plenty of birds and squirrels on our property. Maybe he's a vegetarian.

Camping out with the hawks

2005-06-15T17:49:00.000-04:00

I don't know how much longer all four hawks will continue to play and hunt together. They spent most of the day today out in the backyard in the trees, on the woodpile, even on the picnic table and benches.

I got this great idea that I would setup my tent to use as a photography blind so that I could be out there with them and take some pictures. Someone warned me that the tent might scare them away. It hasn't. Here is a picture from this evening. Yes, that's the tent under that hawk.

Every day's a new adventure

2005-06-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

Just looked out my window and saw this hawk on the ground. Not sure what he was doing, but since he was directly under my row of bird feeders, I assume he was waiting for an un-wary visitor. It seems odd to think that he could attack from that position, but perhaps it is possible.

Hawks - More amazing than Cirque du Soleil

2005-06-10T09:06:00.000-04:00

I might as well forget about getting any work done today. The hawks are putting on an incredible show! Having six Cooper's Hawks on our property is an incredible, amazing experience. I just glimpsed out the window and saw a tail hanging over the eaves. One of them was right outside my window. A little too overcast for a good (quick) picture but this shows how big the babies are now.

Hawk babies at home in the woods

2005-06-07T14:04:00.000-04:00

The four baby Cooper's Hawks have been out of the nest for a couple of days. I can see all four of them right now from my desk. They are in a big oak tree about 100 feet from this window and I can hear them whistling back and forth to each other. As usual, I'm just mesmerized by the amazing wildlife that I get to see everyday.

Here is a picture of two of them. Could be two babies or one baby and an adult.

I don't want to get too carried away taking pictures because I don't want to get papa hawk mad again.

Forget the Rain - Time to leave the nest!

2005-06-04T10:02:00.000-04:00

Fifth day of rain. Very difficult to get photos, but the four hawk babies are learning to fly today. Very exciting to see these young fledglings learn to soar!

Lot's of Hawk Talk out there

2005-06-03T13:51:00.000-04:00

It's been raining for days so I haven't spent a lot of time outside checking on the wildlife. The hawks are making quite a bit of noise now. If the babies haven't left their nest yet, I know they will soon. Saw one of the adults dining up in a tree today but couldn't tell what he was eating. I imagine with all this rain, food might be a little scarce.

Baby hawk

2005-05-29T17:58:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of the baby hawk from today. They are getting quite big now.

Hawks Protecting Babies

2005-05-29T13:16:00.000-04:00

We have had hawks nesting on our property before, but this year we have Cooper's Hawks and they are very aggressive. There is a nest of 3 or 4 babies in a pine tree on the front property. Many times, when I am outside, the adult hawks will actually swoop down at me to scare me away, although I am really not that close to the babies.

I spoke to a licensed falconer today and he just advised me to try to avoid the area of the nest for the next week or so, and the hawks will probably move on.