Merritt Island NWR
Blog 340: Lots of Critters
‘Fess Up When You Mess Up
I have a problem, a good one. Many people receiving my blog are very smart and act as my quality control. And, believe it or not, I have made a few naming errors in the last few weeks. So, to atone for my sins:
Blog 339: What I called saltwater voles were actually cotton rats. Even though they are rats they sure are cute.
Blog 338: What I called painted turtles were actually Florida cooter turtles.
Blog 337: What I called a white-face ibis was actually a glossy ibis in breeding plumage.
Thanks to all of you who brought up my errors, and thanks to those of you who noticed but were too kind to say so!
The best way to avoid this in the future is for me to ask the experts whenever in doubt. For example, when identifying dragonflies, I ask my expert, Rita, who keeps me on the right track. Thanks, Rita.
Now back to this blog:
Merritt Island NWR
We had the chance to visit Merritt Island NWR and once again took the Blackpoint Wildlife Drive. Lucky to see a variety of birds (and several alligators). Here is a greater yellow legs, a roseate spoonbill, a pair of baby little green herons, and a great Southern white on hairy beggarticks.
Magnolia Park
Sorry to say that the Apopka Lake Wildlife Drive is still closed, but Magnolia Park remains open. Here is a tri-color heron in flight and a fluffy snowy egret.
The park is also the home of at least a half-dozen peacocks and peahens, and the “boys” were out in splendor.
Barred Owl
Jan was sitting in the passenger seat as we drove through a neighborhood in Apopka. She looked up to see this barred owl looking at her less than ten feet away. The owl stayed put and posed, and Jan got this great shot with her iPhone.
SMNWR
Her are a few photos taken from the refuge: a clapper rail, red-breasted merganser, soft-shelled turtle, yellow-crowned night heron, young eagle, Jack’s gator, and a monarch on fewflower milkweed. I also got a photo of a Mississippi kite. It was good enough to help ID, but not decent enough quality to post.
See you next time.
I have a problem, a good one. Many people receiving my blog are very smart and act as my quality control. And, believe it or not, I have made a few naming errors in the last few weeks. So, to atone for my sins:
Blog 339: What I called saltwater voles were actually cotton rats. Even though they are rats they sure are cute.
Blog 338: What I called painted turtles were actually Florida cooter turtles.
Blog 337: What I called a white-face ibis was actually a glossy ibis in breeding plumage.
Thanks to all of you who brought up my errors, and thanks to those of you who noticed but were too kind to say so!
The best way to avoid this in the future is for me to ask the experts whenever in doubt. For example, when identifying dragonflies, I ask my expert, Rita, who keeps me on the right track. Thanks, Rita.
Now back to this blog:
Merritt Island NWR
We had the chance to visit Merritt Island NWR and once again took the Blackpoint Wildlife Drive. Lucky to see a variety of birds (and several alligators). Here is a greater yellow legs, a roseate spoonbill, a pair of baby little green herons, and a great Southern white on hairy beggarticks.
Magnolia Park
Sorry to say that the Apopka Lake Wildlife Drive is still closed, but Magnolia Park remains open. Here is a tri-color heron in flight and a fluffy snowy egret.
The park is also the home of at least a half-dozen peacocks and peahens, and the “boys” were out in splendor.
Barred Owl
Jan was sitting in the passenger seat as we drove through a neighborhood in Apopka. She looked up to see this barred owl looking at her less than ten feet away. The owl stayed put and posed, and Jan got this great shot with her iPhone.
SMNWR
Her are a few photos taken from the refuge: a clapper rail, red-breasted merganser, soft-shelled turtle, yellow-crowned night heron, young eagle, Jack’s gator, and a monarch on fewflower milkweed. I also got a photo of a Mississippi kite. It was good enough to help ID, but not decent enough quality to post.
See you next time.