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.
