April came and went. Beyond the absolute and wonderful experiences of entering the bizarre realm of natural Florida, we also had the pleasure of seeing humans that we love. A quick, but perfect visit to see friends in Gainesville; an all-too-brief three-day stretch watching our amazing nephew play rugby and seeking Florida avian specialties with my sister and her husband. And, finally, after fifteen years of trying and failing, we saw the Argentinian musical gem, Juana Molina, live at the Savannah Music Festival. By the month’s end, we accumulated 23 nights of camping across six states, and we had seen 426 species of birds on the year. We took in countless numbers of varying flora, including a dizzying arc of oaks, pines, elms, palms, ash and hickory trees, and an impressive array of reptiles: snakes, toads, turtles and tortoises. If a grade should be needed, or warranted, April, 2024 would receive an A+.
One of Florida’s specialty birds: Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Eyed Click Beetle (Genus Alaus). As with many creatures like owls and butterflies, the false eyes make predators think twice about snacking.
Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), Koreshan State Park, Florida.
One of many Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) flying the southern skies.
Watching the eclipse outside of a local library, Lutz, Florida.
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus). Their sharp, plaintive cries from the treetops has become an everyday expectation throughout the south.
Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Euphala, Alabama.
Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica)
Feeling young at heart and filled with joy. Juana Molina, Savannah, Georgia.
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) Fort Morgan, Alabama.
The year’s first sighting of the double brood cicadas! Riley’s 13-Year Cicada (Magicicada tredecim), Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, Crossett, Arkansas.
Organ-pipe Mud-dauber Wasp (Trypoxylon politum) houses under the railroad bridge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, Macon, GA.
Open Pond Recreation Area, Conecuh National Forest, Alabama.
Spring plenty at a rain-fed waterfall at Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas.
Since you're following the birds and all.... that must mean you're headed North?!? A little birdie told me Western WI is beautiful this time of year ;) So fun reading of your adventures.
Since you're following the birds and all.... that must mean you're headed North?!? A little birdie told me Western WI is beautiful this time of year ;) So fun reading of your adventures.