Blog 330: One in a Million: Vernon the Vermilion
Vernon
Meet Vernon the Vermilion, a very red flycatcher that is supposed to be nowhere close to Florida. Because he is one handsome dude, is in a very accessible location, and is one big ham, Vernon has become a refuge celebrity. Wearing his most brilliant outfit, he waits, considers, almost stalks anyone coming his way. Flying close enough for an iPhone to deliver a brilliant image, he flutters and stutters, eliciting clicking shutters and mutters. Gotta love him. Here is a photo of the Dude, plus one Jan took of me waiting for Vernon, who was checking out the Jeep’s rear window.
The Return of Pinky
After Hurricane Michael made his appearance at the Florida panhandle last year, along with heavy winds and heavy water, a new stranger in town showed up at the Saint Marks NWR. Appropriately named “Pinky,” this Flamingo blew in and remained for several months. The refuge staff and visitors enjoyed his stay, but considered it a fluke, a one-time event, a one off. So, what a great, exciting, fun happening when she* made a rematch. Here is a far away, but nice pic of a beautiful gal.
* There is no way to determine (without sharp instruments, a keen eye, and biological tools) the sex of this beautiful bird. However, with a name of Pinky, I think the bird ought to be considered a female.
Magnificent Frigate Bird
A while back on the refuge we were visited by a storm called Nester. While driving on the refuge just following that blow, I spotted eight magnificent frigate birds, a very rare occurrence in this part of the planet. I pulled over, opened the door, and grabbed my camera, but not before they altered course and quickly headed to sea before I could lock focus…bummer. But as they say, the worm can turn. Weeks later, Jan and I had driven Lighthouse Road, and although enjoying the trip, we had seen nothing unusual. As we pulled into the lighthouse parking lot, we were greeted by Chantal, a volunteer friend who asked, “Seen anything unusual?” Just as I replied “no,” I saw a pair of the magnificent birds coming in from the bay. Clutching my camera from my lap, I leapt out of the car and was able to at least catch one of them in the frame. Not a showcase shot by any means, but proof that I got ‘em! Luck is a fragile thing.
Tours
We have been fortunate to go on several wildlife tours led by Matt and Cyndi, great tour leaders, fellow volunteers, and good friends. Here is a shot of Matt contemplating how to best explain the sex difference of juvenile Eastern willets in poor lighting at a considerable distance.
Monarch Tagging
Our friend and colleague, David, has been studying and documenting Monarch butterflies for decades. Religiously, he (along with volunteers) shows up on Saturday pre-dawns to net, tag, and document Monarch butterflies to support ongoing research. One Saturday morning while walking Jackson we met up with David who demonstrated his protocol and his signature release of tagged butterflies—releasing them upon the noses of those who helped! Here you see Jan after being tagged by a tagged Monarch (within a few seconds, this male Monarch flew off).
Jackson the Birding Bird Dog
Those of you who have met Jackson, our five-year old Australian Kelpie, know that along with being sophisticated and extremely good looking, he is a student of nature. Inspired by our refuge setting, he has decided to further his skills to become a top-notch birder. One must appreciate his dedication and hard work.
Finally, here are a series of photos of the refuge taken on tours, hikes, and early morning walks.
Old Trucks
Meet Nellie
See you next time!
Meet Vernon the Vermilion, a very red flycatcher that is supposed to be nowhere close to Florida. Because he is one handsome dude, is in a very accessible location, and is one big ham, Vernon has become a refuge celebrity. Wearing his most brilliant outfit, he waits, considers, almost stalks anyone coming his way. Flying close enough for an iPhone to deliver a brilliant image, he flutters and stutters, eliciting clicking shutters and mutters. Gotta love him. Here is a photo of the Dude, plus one Jan took of me waiting for Vernon, who was checking out the Jeep’s rear window.
)
)
The Return of Pinky
After Hurricane Michael made his appearance at the Florida panhandle last year, along with heavy winds and heavy water, a new stranger in town showed up at the Saint Marks NWR. Appropriately named “Pinky,” this Flamingo blew in and remained for several months. The refuge staff and visitors enjoyed his stay, but considered it a fluke, a one-time event, a one off. So, what a great, exciting, fun happening when she* made a rematch. Here is a far away, but nice pic of a beautiful gal.
)
* There is no way to determine (without sharp instruments, a keen eye, and biological tools) the sex of this beautiful bird. However, with a name of Pinky, I think the bird ought to be considered a female.
Magnificent Frigate Bird
A while back on the refuge we were visited by a storm called Nester. While driving on the refuge just following that blow, I spotted eight magnificent frigate birds, a very rare occurrence in this part of the planet. I pulled over, opened the door, and grabbed my camera, but not before they altered course and quickly headed to sea before I could lock focus…bummer. But as they say, the worm can turn. Weeks later, Jan and I had driven Lighthouse Road, and although enjoying the trip, we had seen nothing unusual. As we pulled into the lighthouse parking lot, we were greeted by Chantal, a volunteer friend who asked, “Seen anything unusual?” Just as I replied “no,” I saw a pair of the magnificent birds coming in from the bay. Clutching my camera from my lap, I leapt out of the car and was able to at least catch one of them in the frame. Not a showcase shot by any means, but proof that I got ‘em! Luck is a fragile thing.
)
Tours
We have been fortunate to go on several wildlife tours led by Matt and Cyndi, great tour leaders, fellow volunteers, and good friends. Here is a shot of Matt contemplating how to best explain the sex difference of juvenile Eastern willets in poor lighting at a considerable distance.
)
Monarch Tagging
Our friend and colleague, David, has been studying and documenting Monarch butterflies for decades. Religiously, he (along with volunteers) shows up on Saturday pre-dawns to net, tag, and document Monarch butterflies to support ongoing research. One Saturday morning while walking Jackson we met up with David who demonstrated his protocol and his signature release of tagged butterflies—releasing them upon the noses of those who helped! Here you see Jan after being tagged by a tagged Monarch (within a few seconds, this male Monarch flew off).
)
Jackson the Birding Bird Dog
Those of you who have met Jackson, our five-year old Australian Kelpie, know that along with being sophisticated and extremely good looking, he is a student of nature. Inspired by our refuge setting, he has decided to further his skills to become a top-notch birder. One must appreciate his dedication and hard work.
)
Finally, here are a series of photos of the refuge taken on tours, hikes, and early morning walks.
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Old Trucks
Meet Nellie
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See you next time!