Grasshoppers are common insects. Often seen and heard during thewarmer months here in the U.S., they are symbolic of summer and outdoor activities. In Florida the Eastern Lubber (Romalea microptera) is our most observed species. They are large (3 inches), brightly colored, flightless and slow moving. Lubber’s distribution is in the “U.S Subtropics,” as you […]
Tag: steven scott
Palmedes Swallowtail
Spring butterflies are starting to appear in SW Florida. This Palmedes Swallowtail (Paplilo palmedes) was seen patroling the woodline on the Seaboard Grade in the Babcock-Webb WMA in Punta Gorda on March 5, 2013. The Swamp Bay and Red Bay are it’s host plant, but this one was seen basking on Saw Palmetto.
Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is North America’s only raptor that nests underground. There are local and spotty populations here in SW Florida, with habitat loss being the greatest threat to these small owls. Nine inches tall, with a wingspan of 21 inches, Burrowing Owls are diurnal, and can be spotted sitting atop or near […]
Pelican Portrait plus
Daughter Chrissy home for a visit took some nice photos round about SW Florida. The portrait of a Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is my favorite. Brown Pelican link Here’s a Cooter Turtle basking in the sun along a small creek along the Myakka River near Sarasota. Cooters are confusing to ID, but I think this […]
Painted Lady
The Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) is said to be the most widespread butterfly in the world – found in both North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa – in both temperate and tropical environments. Butterflies and Moths of North America. This is a guest post from wife, Olivia, who shot these photos in Maine […]
Anhinga feast in Venice, Florida
Florida’s ubiquitous “water bird,” the Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) is a consumate fisherman. On a recent visit to Venice Beach, I stopped at Maxine Barritt Park to watch some of these interesting birds feeding on small fish. Maxine Barritt Park is a new and unique multi-use facility located right on the beach. The fresh water impoundment […]
Semipalmated Plover, North America’s Chidori
Many years ago when I was stationed in Japan I heard a koto musician play a piece called “Chidori,” which means plover in Japanese. The story behind this haunting music is of a Samurai walkinghis guardpost on a castle wall….at dawn he sees a lone plover on the shore and feels a kinship with the […]