Early September sauntering, 2021

A Glossy Ibis. Look at that color.

I delight in observing nesting birds. Nadia clued me on this one. Nestled in the middle of three orchid plants in a Carrotwood Tree sat a female Muscovy Duck. That was about 2 weeks ago.

She continues to sit. Sometimes she takes baths in the pond. 

A bluejay. One looking up. And quiet.

Not like a bunch calling which may mean a raptor or owl is nearby. Sure enough, a Barred Owl. I didn't have my camera. But you remember from these posts.

I'm aware that some don't like to think of snakes in Wildewood. But they are so important to the ecosystem. (For example, they help control the rodent population.) While weeding the butterfly garden I found a shed skin. I immediately gave it to my grandson who shared it at school.

The skin is probably from a non-venomous southern Black Racer snake, a garden friend I occasionally see - our neighborhood's fastest pest control. Besides vermin, Black Racers eat those invasive Cuban frogs according to specialists. Note the round eye, one indicator it's non-venomous.

Summer storms continue. I wonder how many of you, like me, love thunderstorms.

There is one particular bare branch behind Woodlawn. I check it when I walk. Almost always, there is a bird greeting the sunrise. This time it's a Mourning Dove. Did you know, like dogs, doves pant when it's hot? (Other interesting things about doves.)

While walking at dawn in Woodlawn, I took a photo of Pineneedle (the butterfly garden) from the the view of neighbors there.

Same view in 2015. The irrigation house was an eyesore. The HOA would be installing a new pump and filter. When the Board saw this photograph, they said yes to the Grounds Committee request to use plantings to hide the filter. It turned out well.

Pineneedle neighbors enjoy tending the garden and Woodlawn benefits. This reminds me to think of others.

There are 3 native to Florida small trees called Simpson Stoppers blooming right now in the pump/filter butterfly garden. The bees and butterflies love them.

A couple mornings ago, early, I circled behind Tidewater to check the pond. I saw this Wood Stork glide across the reflection of Springlakes. 

Later in the day, off to Anna Maria Island beach. A Royal Tern pair, one with lots to say, the other bowing to the news.

On my walk, I saw...

I sat by the pond edge listening to this male Cardinal's call. It looked like his whole body lifted into song, a loop of love over and over and over. I thought of a dear friend with a medical challenge who continues to heal. There are so many people who love her that join in a similar song of spring's hope and new beginnings. And even those who don't know all that there is to love about her, well, they sing with us, too.

On my walk home, I saw a Brown Thrasher.

A Tufted Titmouse demonstrating the art of hanging from Spanish Moss, then poking around for insects in a Sabal Palm.

A Palm Warbler so fast that I was certain I would not be able to show you. But then look here. That's one for giving up certainty. When I showed my birding pals this photo, they were uncertain if the warbler was a Palm or a Yellow-throated.

So, I sent a lucky-for-me second photo! Quick as a click, the expert said, "See that rusty crown?" I did, which means this is a Palm Warbler.

In case you need to be reminded its spring, here is a crow gathering nesting material.

A Red-Bellied Woodpecker on a precious dead trunk left for the purpose of habitat for woodpeckers' food and nesting. Some villages in Wildewood allow this in the wilder areas.

And a Peninsula Cooter Turtle saying hello to a Glossy Ibis.

Last photo. A double take for me. How is this possible? A Great Egret walking on top of a tall bush. Would you call this a miracle?

An early morning Glossy Ibis gathering (and BB Whistling Duck Family update)

Glossy Ibis

I continue to visit the pond to check on the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Family. Today, new friend Faith from Springlakes and I checked the pond at noon, later than I usually walk. We didn't see them. However, yesterday is a different story.

I found a group of birds hanging out!

I noticed Glossy Ibis, mostly juveniles. Oh, and one Common Gallinule (notice the bird with red on its bill in the above photograph).

Mallard  

Mottled Duck.

When the Whistling family paddled up, they "asked" that the other ducks leave. 

They did. All clear for the chicks to come ashore. 

And then mama stood with this cuddle of chicks who fell fast asleep.

Then this. They woke and stood in a strike-a-pose moment, looking in one direction. Snap. What a great photo. 

Energized, they ran in my direction. Even with my long range lens, it felt like the family was heading over to say hello.

But no. They were heading to jump in the pond.