The eclipse is in there. Anna Maria Island, FL.
Today is August 27, 2017. Almost a week ago, we were awed by the eclipse experience. This week another awe. Rain.
A tropical low continues to spin downpours our way, approaching from the southwest. The pond is high and we expect 3 - 6 inches. This is nothing compared to the 5 FEET of rain our Texas neighbors are dealing with. The extent of the Hurricane and now tropical storm Harvey is not known. Oh, my heart.
Wildlife, Inc. tells us that storms make feeding hard for birds, and then they get weak. I wonder where the birds take cover. Like this Pileated woodpecker I photographed last week.
I saw this Red-bellied woodpecker on a Sabal palm in the front of our Units. And then I took a photo of it in its hiding place, perhaps a nest. Can you see the beak?
Despite the downpours, look! A Monarch chrysalis in the Pump/filter Butterfly garden. And, a bloom on the native Red Hibiscus that is very fussy about location—this plant prefers to be near a pond and wet soil.
A mature Red-shouldered hawk is here most days. Wonder how to find him? He calls vociferously! His favorite perch is atop the Norwegian Pine tree.
Here is a juvenile Red-shouldered hawk. That look? A bluejay is dive-bombing it.
