Tag: birds

Gardening in December

Carol 10 Comments

We’re getting close to the official first day of winter on December 21st. We’re all decorating, baking, and planning for the two big holidays, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Then cold, dark January comes with low temperatures and for many locations, dreary gray skies. For many of us it means we’re going to end up spending most of our time snuggled up indoors cozy under a blanket. For those of you in more northern climates, you’ve already had snow and are in the winter season no matter what the calendar says. Now we’re in the huge Christmas rush. In another month, the holidays are over and the New Year is upon us.  Are you making resolutions for 2022? How about adding gardening to your list?

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Egret in the Garden

Carol 23 Comments

Sometimes we only have moments to try to capture special views of nature. First I’d like to share the instance of an egret in my friend’s garden. Egrets in Florida usually come in pairs or groups and forage the yard for food. At a slight movement by a human, away they fly. This time the bird just watched and didn’t leave. Time to attempt to capture a photo or two.

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Ducks in a Row

Carol 20 Comments

Muscovy ducks are unusual Florida residents. They hiss instead of quack, they fly clumsily, and they somehow flourish in Florida’s urban environment. Native to Central and South America, they have lived in Florida for many years and can be found near lakes and canals statewide.  These birds were illegally released primarily by private individuals for ornamental purposes or as pets. Muscovy ducks can be extremely prolific and local populations can increase dramatically in a short time. As a result, controversies frequently arise between residents who enjoy the birds and residents who consider them a nuisance. When you have a large number of ducklings multiple times a year, a duck mother is kept busy herding.

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Roost in The Wetlands

Carol 24 Comments

Today’s photos are taken very close to my home.   I hesitated to share them as I don’t have the equipment to zoom in and really do close-ups of the birds. Some of you may remember my bird photos are when the birds walk up to me. There is a strip mall on U.S. 19 (a major road running north and south on the west coast of Florida) where I often shop. The post office is there as well as Dollar Tree, a bookstore, a candle shop, Ross for Less, several restaurants and even Bealls.  Easter morning I needed to get out of the house for a while and took a drive. Most of the mall stores were closed but I went anyway.  There is a small street on the side of the mall that many of us use to avoid U. S. 19.  Along that small stretch of road is a fenced pocket of wetland where birds roost.

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