Most American birdwatchers associate sandhill cranes with the Great Plains and Western U.S., having seen large flocks at staging areas, such as the Platte River in Nebraska or the San Luis Valley in Colorado, or at wintering grounds in California, New Mexico or Texas. But there is a large and growing eastern population of sandhill cranes, composed primarily of the greater sandhill crane subspecies.
These cranes breed in the vicinity of James Bay, Canada and around the Great Lakes, from Minnesota and Wisconsin to Michigan and northern Ohio. On their migrations to wintering areas from southern Georgia to central Florida, they use two primary staging areas: the Jasper-Pulaski State Fish & Wildlife Area, in northwest Indiana, and the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, just NNE of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Of course, migrant flocks may be seen in wetland areas and agricultural fields anywhere between their breeding and wintering areas and the cranes may shorten their travels if mild conditions persist and they encounter a plentiful food supply.
Non-migratory populations include the Florida sandhill cranes, found from the Okefenokee Swamp to the Everglades (with the greatest number on the Kissimmee Prairie, north of Lake Okeechobee) and the endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes, found on or near the Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR, along I-10 in southern Mississippi; the latter population currently numbers about 110 cranes. Another non-migratory population of sandhill cranes inhabits Cuba. All sandhill cranes, whether found in the eastern or western U.S., are threatened primarily by habitat loss, the result of marsh drainage, stream water diversion or agricultural development.
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Sabtu, 25 Februari 2012
Sabtu, 21 Januari 2012
Along the Myakka
The Myakka River, in southwest Florida, one of only two rivers designated "Wild & Scenic" by the Sunshine State, rises in northern Manatee County and flows southward for 60 miles to Charlotte Harbor. Along the way, it passes through the lakes and marshlands of Myakka River State Park, east of Sarasota, and encounters little human development for much of its course; indeed, Sarasota County has been especially committed to protecting its natural channel and three preserves offer access to southern portions of this ecosystem.
Having enjoyed a week along the Gulf Coast, we decided to head inland and explore the lower Myakka corridor. Jelks Preserve, about two miles south of I-75 on North River Road (via the North Port/Englewood Exit), provides an excellent overview of natural habitats along the river as well as scenic views of the Myakka itself; oak hammocks, festooned with Spanish moss, border slash pine flatwoods, marsh-lined ponds and scrub meadows. Armadillos were abundant along the sandy trails, black vultures and bald eagles soared overhead and American alligators, though unseen on our visit, haunt the shallow pools and wetlands. Myakka River State Forest, about 5 miles south of U.S. 41 via River Road, offers an extensive network of trail loops through these same habitats; it was there that we encountered a massive flock of wintering tree swallows, surely numbering in the thousands, and watched a trio of Florida sandhill cranes drift across the bright blue sky. Finally, Myakka Islands Point, a Sarasota County preserve west of North Port, provides access to pine flatwoods (dominated by slash pine, cabbage palm and saw palmetto) which overlook broad swaths of riverside marsh.
South of these preserves the Myakka becomes increasing brackish as it receives tidal inflow; in concert, the river leaves its meandering, tree-lined corridor and open marshlands stretch across its broad floodplain. Alligators that bask along the River's more northern shores avoid these salty waters but manatees, moving in from the bay, now inhabit the Myakka. As expected, wading birds are abundant across this vibrant tidal zone, roosting in tree islands that rise above the marsh.
Having enjoyed a week along the Gulf Coast, we decided to head inland and explore the lower Myakka corridor. Jelks Preserve, about two miles south of I-75 on North River Road (via the North Port/Englewood Exit), provides an excellent overview of natural habitats along the river as well as scenic views of the Myakka itself; oak hammocks, festooned with Spanish moss, border slash pine flatwoods, marsh-lined ponds and scrub meadows. Armadillos were abundant along the sandy trails, black vultures and bald eagles soared overhead and American alligators, though unseen on our visit, haunt the shallow pools and wetlands. Myakka River State Forest, about 5 miles south of U.S. 41 via River Road, offers an extensive network of trail loops through these same habitats; it was there that we encountered a massive flock of wintering tree swallows, surely numbering in the thousands, and watched a trio of Florida sandhill cranes drift across the bright blue sky. Finally, Myakka Islands Point, a Sarasota County preserve west of North Port, provides access to pine flatwoods (dominated by slash pine, cabbage palm and saw palmetto) which overlook broad swaths of riverside marsh.
South of these preserves the Myakka becomes increasing brackish as it receives tidal inflow; in concert, the river leaves its meandering, tree-lined corridor and open marshlands stretch across its broad floodplain. Alligators that bask along the River's more northern shores avoid these salty waters but manatees, moving in from the bay, now inhabit the Myakka. As expected, wading birds are abundant across this vibrant tidal zone, roosting in tree islands that rise above the marsh.
Jumat, 20 Januari 2012
A Free Dolphin Show
Never a fan of Disney-esque human-wildlife bonding films and personally concerned about the new wave of ecotourism that baits wild creatures for close human encounters, I favor granting our wild neighbors their space, satisfied to observe them at a safe and non-threatening distance. But yesterday afternoon, as I sat on our seawall along Sarasota Bay, a dolphin chose to pay a visit.
Racing along the wall, he repeatedly turned his head to glance at me as he chased a school of fish. Catching one in his mouth, he tossed it into the air several times before ingesting the meal. At one point, he stretched out on the surface, looked in my direction and then sped toward the wall, performing a flip turn just before impact. The show continued for about ten minutes before he tired of the performance and swam off to the south. I have no doubt that his antics were a means of communication, perhaps an attempt to encourage my participation.
Most of all, this delightful experience reinforced my conviction that whales and dolphins are too intelligent to be held in captivity. No amount of tasty fish or audience appreciation can justify their loss of freedom.
Racing along the wall, he repeatedly turned his head to glance at me as he chased a school of fish. Catching one in his mouth, he tossed it into the air several times before ingesting the meal. At one point, he stretched out on the surface, looked in my direction and then sped toward the wall, performing a flip turn just before impact. The show continued for about ten minutes before he tired of the performance and swam off to the south. I have no doubt that his antics were a means of communication, perhaps an attempt to encourage my participation.
Most of all, this delightful experience reinforced my conviction that whales and dolphins are too intelligent to be held in captivity. No amount of tasty fish or audience appreciation can justify their loss of freedom.
Selasa, 17 Januari 2012
Lonesome Loon
Among the many seabirds that have graced Sarasota Bay this week has been a solitary common loon. Staying close to the seawall behind our condo, this winter resident has remained in the area for the past several days and does not appear to be joining his fellow loons at night.
Breeding across Alaska, Canada, New England and the Upper Great Lakes region, common loons winter primarily on coastal bays and estuaries of North America; some may spend the winter on large inland lakes and reservoirs. While they often gather in loose flocks to roost on the open water, wintering loons usually feed alone and are often solitary when encountered. Diving repeatedly to catch small fish, invertebrates and aquatic larvae, they are rapid and agile swimmers, propelling themselves with their webbed feet; our visitor has often stayed below the surface for a minute or more but common loons are capable of remaining underwater for 5 minutes. As I have noted this week, they seldom return to the surface with prey in their bill, preferring to consume their victims while still underwater.
Built for an aquatic lifestyle, common loons have solid bones to aid diving and their feet are placed far back on their streamlined body; indeed, they find it difficult to maneuver on land and come ashore only to nest. Converting from their striking summer plumage to a duller, two-tone outfit in winter, common loons molt their flight feathers in mid winter and are unable to fly for a month or so; this may explain why our lonesome loon has not moved on to join his fellow migrants. For now, we'll enjoy watching his aquatic skills but, unfortunately, will not be treated to his yodeling or eerie wail; those calls, reminiscent of northern lake country, are rarely delivered on the loon's wintering grounds.
Breeding across Alaska, Canada, New England and the Upper Great Lakes region, common loons winter primarily on coastal bays and estuaries of North America; some may spend the winter on large inland lakes and reservoirs. While they often gather in loose flocks to roost on the open water, wintering loons usually feed alone and are often solitary when encountered. Diving repeatedly to catch small fish, invertebrates and aquatic larvae, they are rapid and agile swimmers, propelling themselves with their webbed feet; our visitor has often stayed below the surface for a minute or more but common loons are capable of remaining underwater for 5 minutes. As I have noted this week, they seldom return to the surface with prey in their bill, preferring to consume their victims while still underwater.
Built for an aquatic lifestyle, common loons have solid bones to aid diving and their feet are placed far back on their streamlined body; indeed, they find it difficult to maneuver on land and come ashore only to nest. Converting from their striking summer plumage to a duller, two-tone outfit in winter, common loons molt their flight feathers in mid winter and are unable to fly for a month or so; this may explain why our lonesome loon has not moved on to join his fellow migrants. For now, we'll enjoy watching his aquatic skills but, unfortunately, will not be treated to his yodeling or eerie wail; those calls, reminiscent of northern lake country, are rarely delivered on the loon's wintering grounds.
Minggu, 15 Januari 2012
From Snow to Surf
Once again, we have escaped the Midwestern winter for a week in South Florida. Leaving the cold, snowy landscape of Missouri yesterday afternoon, we arrived at our condo on Longboat Key at sunset, under clear but cool skies. This morning, with the temperature in the upper 30s F, we awoke to low tide on Sarasota Bay.
Despite the chilly temperature, a great variety of waterbirds had gathered in the shallows. Great egrets dominated the scene, joined by smaller flocks of white pelicans, double-crested cormorants, snowy egrets, little blue herons, white ibis, pied billed grebes and red-breasted mergansers. A lone wood stork, several great blue herons and a handful of yellow-crowned night herons foraged along the mangrove islands while brown pelicans and royal terns dove for their morning meal.
Once the January sun had tempered the morning chill, we headed to the Gulf side of the Key for a walk along Longboat's uncrowded beach. Due to little wind over the past few days, the Gulf was flat and placid and only a low, gentle surf lapped the shoreline. Laughing gulls, royal terns and sandwich terns basked on the modest dunes while squadrons of brown pelicans undulated across the calm, blue sea. Walking barefoot on the cool sand, our memories of recent frigid nights and windblown snow quickly faded in the warm, morning sun.
Despite the chilly temperature, a great variety of waterbirds had gathered in the shallows. Great egrets dominated the scene, joined by smaller flocks of white pelicans, double-crested cormorants, snowy egrets, little blue herons, white ibis, pied billed grebes and red-breasted mergansers. A lone wood stork, several great blue herons and a handful of yellow-crowned night herons foraged along the mangrove islands while brown pelicans and royal terns dove for their morning meal.
Once the January sun had tempered the morning chill, we headed to the Gulf side of the Key for a walk along Longboat's uncrowded beach. Due to little wind over the past few days, the Gulf was flat and placid and only a low, gentle surf lapped the shoreline. Laughing gulls, royal terns and sandwich terns basked on the modest dunes while squadrons of brown pelicans undulated across the calm, blue sea. Walking barefoot on the cool sand, our memories of recent frigid nights and windblown snow quickly faded in the warm, morning sun.
Kamis, 23 Juni 2011
Into Thick Air
Invited to a family wedding in South Florida, we returned to Longboat Key this week, leaving the hot weather of the Midwest for the equally hot but more humid air of the Subtropics. With lows in the mid 70s (F) and highs in the low 90s, summer is not the ideal time to visit this area.
While winter is the quiet season in more northern latitudes, it is summer that subdues the wildlife of South Florida, causing some species to disperse to the Northern Gulf and Mid Atlantic regions. On the beaches, shorebirds are limited to small groups of turnstones and willets, joined by the solitary great blue herons and yellow-crowned night herons that stalk the shore. Small flocks of royal terns and laughing gulls, extremely vocal for much of the year, now hunt in relative silence or lounge in docile groups on the baking sand. Brown pelicans, always rather mute, patrol the coast in silent squadrons, diving now and then to grab a meal.
Away from the beach, white ibis monitor broods of growing youngsters, favoring shaded lawns, mangroves and the shallows of streams, ponds or backwater coves to escape the heat. Magnificent frigatebirds soar high overhead, avoiding the hot, thick air at the surface, ospreys retreat to the relative comfort of islands in the bay and, except for red-bellied woodpeckers and wandering flocks of parakeets, the songbirds are reclusive and quiescent. Thunderstorms, which form over the Gulf and build as they move onshore, offer temporary relief but the intense sunshine of South Florida soon converts their refreshing showers to a blanket of suffocating steam.
While winter is the quiet season in more northern latitudes, it is summer that subdues the wildlife of South Florida, causing some species to disperse to the Northern Gulf and Mid Atlantic regions. On the beaches, shorebirds are limited to small groups of turnstones and willets, joined by the solitary great blue herons and yellow-crowned night herons that stalk the shore. Small flocks of royal terns and laughing gulls, extremely vocal for much of the year, now hunt in relative silence or lounge in docile groups on the baking sand. Brown pelicans, always rather mute, patrol the coast in silent squadrons, diving now and then to grab a meal.
Away from the beach, white ibis monitor broods of growing youngsters, favoring shaded lawns, mangroves and the shallows of streams, ponds or backwater coves to escape the heat. Magnificent frigatebirds soar high overhead, avoiding the hot, thick air at the surface, ospreys retreat to the relative comfort of islands in the bay and, except for red-bellied woodpeckers and wandering flocks of parakeets, the songbirds are reclusive and quiescent. Thunderstorms, which form over the Gulf and build as they move onshore, offer temporary relief but the intense sunshine of South Florida soon converts their refreshing showers to a blanket of suffocating steam.
Rabu, 13 April 2011
April on the Beach
An April walk on Longboat Key's beaches offers many clues that change is in the air. Laughing gulls, now adorned in their black summer hoods, have abandoned their large, noisy flocks and rest in pairs on the sand or cuddle on channel markers. So too have royal terns selected their breeding partners and hunt in pairs above the gulf swells or placid bay waters.
Lanky willets, having wintered in small groups, now gather in large flocks, preparing to depart for the Northern Plains; a minority will remain in Florida throughout the year. Sanderlings, having spent the winter racing ahead of waves in harmonious flocks, are now testy, chasing one another across the beach; other migrants, including black-bellied plovers, ruddy turnstones, red knots and short-billed dowitchers are molting to their breeding plumage and will soon abandon their winter home. In contrast, flocks of least terns have arrived from wintering grounds in Central America and will now disperse to isolated beaches of the Gulf Coast and sand spits of the major Midwest rivers to raise their young.
Many humans who visit the Gulf Coast in mid April will enjoy the pleasant weather and sparsely populated beaches but will pay little attention to the appearance and behavior of their avian counterparts; to them, gulls are gulls, terns are gulls and every shorebird is a sandpiper. Those of us who enjoy the diversity and seasonal fluctuations of natural populations pity their lack of interest and are concerned that such apathy, while not malicious, is a significant threat to the conservation movement.
Lanky willets, having wintered in small groups, now gather in large flocks, preparing to depart for the Northern Plains; a minority will remain in Florida throughout the year. Sanderlings, having spent the winter racing ahead of waves in harmonious flocks, are now testy, chasing one another across the beach; other migrants, including black-bellied plovers, ruddy turnstones, red knots and short-billed dowitchers are molting to their breeding plumage and will soon abandon their winter home. In contrast, flocks of least terns have arrived from wintering grounds in Central America and will now disperse to isolated beaches of the Gulf Coast and sand spits of the major Midwest rivers to raise their young.
Many humans who visit the Gulf Coast in mid April will enjoy the pleasant weather and sparsely populated beaches but will pay little attention to the appearance and behavior of their avian counterparts; to them, gulls are gulls, terns are gulls and every shorebird is a sandpiper. Those of us who enjoy the diversity and seasonal fluctuations of natural populations pity their lack of interest and are concerned that such apathy, while not malicious, is a significant threat to the conservation movement.
Selasa, 12 April 2011
Ted Sperling Park
On our regular trips to Longboat Key, Florida, we have visited a large number of State Parks and nature preserves along that region of the Gulf Coast. But, having done so for 8 years now, we just recently discovered Ted Sperling Park, at the south end of Lido Key.
Though relatively small, this Park offers a pleasant mix of barrier island ecosystems, including Sarasota Bay, a major inlet, tidewater lagoons and coastal woodlands; the latter are dominated by introduced Australian pines but also include sea grapes, Florida cedars, native palms, mangroves and a variety of sand tolerant shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Birders will find an excellent mix of coastal species; herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, ibis, anhingas and wood storks feed in the backwater shallows while pelicans, cormorants, terns, gulls, ospreys and red-breasted mergansers fish on the open waters of the bay.
Those of us from northern, deciduous latitudes are often disappointed by the relative lack of terrestrial birds in these subtropical habitats. Nevertheless, an abundance of insects and some fruiting plants attract mockingbirds, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, gray kingbirds, gray catbirds and a decent variety of migrant warblers. Florida anoles are everywhere and those visiting at dawn or dusk, might encounter raccoons as they patrol the Park's woodlands and shorelines.
Though relatively small, this Park offers a pleasant mix of barrier island ecosystems, including Sarasota Bay, a major inlet, tidewater lagoons and coastal woodlands; the latter are dominated by introduced Australian pines but also include sea grapes, Florida cedars, native palms, mangroves and a variety of sand tolerant shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Birders will find an excellent mix of coastal species; herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, ibis, anhingas and wood storks feed in the backwater shallows while pelicans, cormorants, terns, gulls, ospreys and red-breasted mergansers fish on the open waters of the bay.
Those of us from northern, deciduous latitudes are often disappointed by the relative lack of terrestrial birds in these subtropical habitats. Nevertheless, an abundance of insects and some fruiting plants attract mockingbirds, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, gray kingbirds, gray catbirds and a decent variety of migrant warblers. Florida anoles are everywhere and those visiting at dawn or dusk, might encounter raccoons as they patrol the Park's woodlands and shorelines.
Sabtu, 22 Januari 2011
Oscar Scherer State Park
Established in 1956 and expanded to 1381 acres in the 1980s, Oscar Scherer State Park, south of Sarasota, Florida, protects scrubby flatwoods, vital breeding habitat of the threatened Florida scrub jay. Dominated by scrub oaks, wax myrtle, cabbage palm and scattered groves of slash pine, this scenic preserve is accessed by fifteen miles of hiking trails and is maintained by prescribed burns; the flat, sandy terrain is drained by South Creek, which meanders southward and then westward, toward Dryman Bay.
A nature center introduces visitors to this unique ecosystem and to the varied wildlife that inhabit the Park. In addition to the Florida scrub jays, the latter include ospreys, bald eagles, gray fox, bobcats, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer; Big Lake, at the southeast edge of the Park, attracts a wide variety of water birds and migrant waterfowl.
The entrance to Oscar Scherer State Park is on the east side of U.S. 41, approximately six miles south of Sarasota. The Park is open every day of the year, from 8AM to sunset; an entrance fee is charged. The preserve is also crossed by the Legacy Trail, a rails-trails bikeway that opened in March, 2008; ten miles in length, this path connects Sarasota and Venice.
A nature center introduces visitors to this unique ecosystem and to the varied wildlife that inhabit the Park. In addition to the Florida scrub jays, the latter include ospreys, bald eagles, gray fox, bobcats, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer; Big Lake, at the southeast edge of the Park, attracts a wide variety of water birds and migrant waterfowl.
The entrance to Oscar Scherer State Park is on the east side of U.S. 41, approximately six miles south of Sarasota. The Park is open every day of the year, from 8AM to sunset; an entrance fee is charged. The preserve is also crossed by the Legacy Trail, a rails-trails bikeway that opened in March, 2008; ten miles in length, this path connects Sarasota and Venice.
Jumat, 21 Januari 2011
Cape Cod, Florida
For residents of South Florida, the months of winter and early spring offer relief from the heat, humidity and tropical storms that characterize this region. However, those escaping the frigid weather of a northern winter are hoping to find the intense sunshine and sultry conditions that they associate with Florida and are not thrilled to encounter cool, breezy weather; this week, while pleasant, has certainly been far from balmy.
Walking Lido Beach this morning, we were enveloped in thick, cool fog; only the beach, the crashing waves and the first line of dunes were visible and all was silent except for the roar of the surf and the occasional shriek of a gull. If it were not for a mixed flock of royal and sandwich terns, resting on the beach, we could easily have been at Cape Cod on a summer morning; indeed, the Theme from Summer of 42 popped into my head as we strolled along.
Such weather is certainly not unusual for South Florida at this time of year. As experienced naturalists know, one cannot fully appreciate an ecosystem without visiting it during all seasons; a subtropical latitude does not guarantee the hot, humid weather that many snowbirds seek.
Walking Lido Beach this morning, we were enveloped in thick, cool fog; only the beach, the crashing waves and the first line of dunes were visible and all was silent except for the roar of the surf and the occasional shriek of a gull. If it were not for a mixed flock of royal and sandwich terns, resting on the beach, we could easily have been at Cape Cod on a summer morning; indeed, the Theme from Summer of 42 popped into my head as we strolled along.
Such weather is certainly not unusual for South Florida at this time of year. As experienced naturalists know, one cannot fully appreciate an ecosystem without visiting it during all seasons; a subtropical latitude does not guarantee the hot, humid weather that many snowbirds seek.
Kamis, 20 Januari 2011
Reddish Egrets
Mention egrets and most Americans will think of the white wading birds that are so common across our Southeastern States. Experienced birders know that these great, snowy and cattle egrets also migrate to northern regions of our country during the warmer months, following the shorelines or major inland rivers.
But one egret is neither white nor inclined to leave the Gulf Coast. The reddish egret (which actually does include a white race) is far less common than its cousins and is confined to Florida, the Gulf Coast and southern California. The plumage of its head and neck is a dark salmon color while its body and legs are bluish gray; in contrast to other egrets, it has a pink bill, tipped with black, and sports a shaggy crest of plumes atop its head.
Best found on tidal flats of coastal bays, reddish egrets are often first noticed due to their active feeding style, dancing about to snare small fish and invertebrates while holding their wings in an uplifted position. For some reason, I have seen more reddish egrets on this trip to Longboat Key than on past visits; pure luck, I would guess.
But one egret is neither white nor inclined to leave the Gulf Coast. The reddish egret (which actually does include a white race) is far less common than its cousins and is confined to Florida, the Gulf Coast and southern California. The plumage of its head and neck is a dark salmon color while its body and legs are bluish gray; in contrast to other egrets, it has a pink bill, tipped with black, and sports a shaggy crest of plumes atop its head.
Best found on tidal flats of coastal bays, reddish egrets are often first noticed due to their active feeding style, dancing about to snare small fish and invertebrates while holding their wings in an uplifted position. For some reason, I have seen more reddish egrets on this trip to Longboat Key than on past visits; pure luck, I would guess.
Rabu, 19 Januari 2011
Shifting Sand
Barrier islands, perhaps the most transient landforms on Earth, are created, molded and destroyed by waves and ocean currents. Attracted to their scenic bays and seascapes, man has ignored the natural history of these islands, designing homes and buildings that, theoretically, are able to withstand tropical storms and hurricanes. But, while these structures might remain anchored in the bedrock of the continental shelf, the sand, roads and foliage that surround them may be swept out to sea.
Greer's Beach, on the north end of Longboat Key, has attracted naturalists, photographers and sun-bathers for decades. Its fabulous variety of shells reflects the divesity of its offshore marine life which, in turn, attracts a fascinating variety of birds, sea turtles and dolphins. Long a protected site for nesting colonies of least terns and black skimmers, this beach is regularly assaulted by storms and is especially vulnerable to changing currents since Longboat Pass is just to its north.
Significant loss of beach width has occured in recent years and the Longboat City Council is struggling with the restoration choices that they face, all of which are very expensive and none of which is likely to offer a permanent solution to the natural process of beach erosion. We humans like to think that, equipped with modern technology, we are able to control nature; but, when it comes to living on barrier islands, such conviction is pure folly.
Greer's Beach, on the north end of Longboat Key, has attracted naturalists, photographers and sun-bathers for decades. Its fabulous variety of shells reflects the divesity of its offshore marine life which, in turn, attracts a fascinating variety of birds, sea turtles and dolphins. Long a protected site for nesting colonies of least terns and black skimmers, this beach is regularly assaulted by storms and is especially vulnerable to changing currents since Longboat Pass is just to its north.
Significant loss of beach width has occured in recent years and the Longboat City Council is struggling with the restoration choices that they face, all of which are very expensive and none of which is likely to offer a permanent solution to the natural process of beach erosion. We humans like to think that, equipped with modern technology, we are able to control nature; but, when it comes to living on barrier islands, such conviction is pure folly.
Selasa, 18 Januari 2011
A Day on the Bay
Awakening to the yodel of a common loon, I looked out to find Sarasota Bay shrouded in fog. The loon drifted on its surface, just off shore, and the distant silhouettes of herons and egrets, standing in the Bay, let me know that low tide was at hand. By mid morning, the fog began to lift and small flocks of ibis, wood storks and snowy egrets moved between the mangove islands. A lone dolphin plied the boat channel, a flotilla of white pelicans gathered in a nearby cove and, out on the calm waters, double-crested cormorants and red-breasted mergansers dove for their breakfast.
Clear, sunny skies illuminated the Bay by mid afternoon, drawing brown pelicans, belted kingfishers, ospreys and royal terns to the scene, circling above the water before diving to snare their prey. Along the sea wall, great blue and green-backed herons patrolled for insects, lizards and small fish while, near the entrance to our harbor, a large school of striped sheepheads drifted through the clear, sunlit water.
This evening, as a full moon rose above Sarasota Bay, squadrons of laughing gulls, white ibis, snowy egrets and royal terns headed for their nightly roosts. All was silent except for the intermittent splash of restless fish, seemingly glad to have survived another day amidst their numerous avian predators.
Clear, sunny skies illuminated the Bay by mid afternoon, drawing brown pelicans, belted kingfishers, ospreys and royal terns to the scene, circling above the water before diving to snare their prey. Along the sea wall, great blue and green-backed herons patrolled for insects, lizards and small fish while, near the entrance to our harbor, a large school of striped sheepheads drifted through the clear, sunlit water.
This evening, as a full moon rose above Sarasota Bay, squadrons of laughing gulls, white ibis, snowy egrets and royal terns headed for their nightly roosts. All was silent except for the intermittent splash of restless fish, seemingly glad to have survived another day amidst their numerous avian predators.
Senin, 17 Januari 2011
Fast Track to Spring
Ah, the joys of modern travel. One can depart the cold, gray, Midwestern winter and, within two hours, arrive in the mild, fragrant clime of South Florida. Thus was our experience today as we traded the snowy hills and fields of Missouri for the lush, subtropical landscape of Longboat Key, a barrier island off Sarasota.
Having climbed above the barren woods of St. Louis, we landed amidst the greenery of Greater Tampa, surrounded by pines, palms, live oaks and fig trees. While noisy flocks of Canada geese had plied the chilly morning fog of the Missouri River Valley, lines of brown pelicans now drifted through the balmy haze of Florida's coastal bays. Red tails that perched in the leafless trees along I-70 were replaced by ospreys here, resting on channel markers or rising from the open waters, juggling fish in their talons.
Our rendevous with spring will last but a week, since work and other duties beckon from the Heartland. We'll do our best to forget those obligations for now and turn our attention to the beaches, bays and mangrove islands of this fabulous coastal ecosystem. Details to follow.
Having climbed above the barren woods of St. Louis, we landed amidst the greenery of Greater Tampa, surrounded by pines, palms, live oaks and fig trees. While noisy flocks of Canada geese had plied the chilly morning fog of the Missouri River Valley, lines of brown pelicans now drifted through the balmy haze of Florida's coastal bays. Red tails that perched in the leafless trees along I-70 were replaced by ospreys here, resting on channel markers or rising from the open waters, juggling fish in their talons.
Our rendevous with spring will last but a week, since work and other duties beckon from the Heartland. We'll do our best to forget those obligations for now and turn our attention to the beaches, bays and mangrove islands of this fabulous coastal ecosystem. Details to follow.
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