florida nature: Florida Nature - Alligator Encounter
- 10/29/17 09:27 AM
Alligators in Florida....
it is true, most people do not care for them. Alligators are probably some of the most unloved and maybe even misunderstood animals that we share our beautiful State of Florida with.
Living in Florida, sooner or later you will encounter an alligator especially where there is fresh water like lakes, ponds, and rivers. You won't typically find alligators in saltwater so you can swim in the ocean without having to worry about them.
Alligators are definitely not the petting kind of animal so being a fearful of them is not a bad thing. Most of them are probably just as afraid of … (22 comments)
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florida nature: Summertime Joys of Waterfront Living in Hernando Beach Florida
- 06/26/15 09:32 AM
Summertime Joys of Waterfront Living in Hernando Beach, Florida
When you live by the water you get to see all sorts of things. Some things are an almost daily occurrence while others happen only once in a while. No matter what you see, it's always a little bit of a surprise.
In the summertime, we usually enjoy sitting by the water when it's still somewhat "cool" in the morning and when the day comes to an end in the evening.
One morning last week, while sitting there drinking my morning coffee, I heard a woodpecker drumming up a storm at one of the neighbor's … (16 comments)
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florida nature: The "Kids" are all Grown up!
- 06/19/15 10:33 AM
The "Kids" are all Grown up!
This is a sequel to the Mother's Day post that featured Mama Duck and her big family of ducklings.
Well, the kids are all grown up now! I couldn't believe the family seems still intact with none of the little ducklings having fallen prey to other birds. Mom did a great job keeping a watchful eye over them and she still does as they bounce around looking for bread crumbs!
Have a great weekend!
… (19 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Nature - Sabal Palm in Bloom
- 05/24/15 10:13 AM
Florida Nature - Sabal Palm in Bloom
The Sabal Palm is Florida's State tree and we have a beautiful specimen growing in our backyard.
It's been growing taller over the last few years and when I looked up at it the other day, I noticed it's flowering for the first time since we planted it!
As with other native or plants that are well adapted for the area, the Sabal Palm does not need much in way of fertilizing or watering. In fact, all we do is trim the old, dry palm fronds occasionally.
If you are looking to enhance your landscaping in … (26 comments)
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florida nature: Happy Mother's Day!
- 05/07/15 10:34 AM
Happy Mother's Day!
There must be a reason that Mother's Day is taking place in Spring when nature abounds with new mothers all around us!
This proud mom of no less than 10 ducklings came swimming along in one of the Hernando Beach canals the other day.
It's not easy to keep such a big family gathered around at all times - only eight of the duckling made it to the photo session.
And of course, as every mother knows, there is always one that's quite different... notice the little yellow duckling standing out from its brothers and sisters!
Happy Mother's Day!
… (15 comments)
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florida nature: Foto Friday: Beach Beauties
- 03/26/15 09:43 PM
Foto Friday: Beach Beauties
What is a day at the beach without watching the birds? Sea gulls in particular seem to be somewhat social and at the same time competitive with each other especially when it comes it food.
This group however was more occupied with getting all their feathers in place! Maybe they were getting ready for the weekend? Hope you will!
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florida nature: Meanwhile in Florida .... White as Freshly Fallen Snow
- 03/09/15 09:32 AM
Meanwhile in Florida... White as Freshly Fallen Snow
No, this is not about one of Florida's beautiful white sugary beaches or a cold front moving in with temperatures dipping below 60 F.
This is about the blooms on our small plum tree in our backyard. With warmer temperatures moving in, it has covered its branches with small fragrant white flowers that almost look as if the branches were covered in snow. The bees love it!
And luckily, this is probably the closest we will get to real snow!
Meanwhile in Florida... White as Freshly Fallen Snow
… (33 comments)
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florida nature: Bald Eagles at Jenkins Creek, Hernando Beach, Florida
- 02/16/15 08:13 AM
Bald Eagles at Jenkins Creek, Hernando Beach, Florida
You know Spring is in the air when birds are pairing up. It is always a privilege to see a Bald Eagle in the wild but yesterday I was particularly lucky when I spotted this pair sitting high up a tree at Jenkins Creek in Hernando Beach, Florida.
I had to zoom in with my camera quite a bit to get these shots. And I was not the only one who saw these two beautiful birds. The word got around among the fishermen and sightseers waiting to … (29 comments)
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florida nature: Friday Foto: A Florida Moment
- 02/06/15 09:58 AM
Friday Foto: A Florida Moment
Showing homes this week to a buyer who is looking for a Spring Hill home with land took me to some properties with beautiful grounds.
At one of these properties, I noticed a very large Camellia shrub, almost like a small tree, and that was covered in blooms. Surrounded by old pines and other trees, pine needles and small air plants had nestled among its branches, creating a natural arrangement around the flowers.
Camellias are just one of the beautiful flowers we get to enjoy even in January here in Florida. Hope you are enjoying … (22 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Fall Colors!
- 11/13/14 02:56 AM
Florida Fall Colors!
Florida Fall colors cannot compete with those vivid colors found in the northern states but contrary to what most people believe, depending on where you are in Florida, you may enjoy a little taste of Fall.
Think of Florida Fall colors as "vignette staging" by nature! You will find some beautiful colors in the maples and the cypress trees.
This year, it seems that our trees are changing a little earlier than most years. Some years you won't see these colors until late in December or even early Januar. These photos were taking on … (23 comments)
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florida nature: Roadside Beauty
- 06/10/14 05:42 PM
Roadside Beauty
Wildflowers growing along our roadsides are as much a part of summer as going to the beach. Many communities intentionally leave patches that don't get mowed to give these flowers an opportunity to thrive. These white daisies are thriving in a moist spot even in the summer heat. An arrangement by nature's florist!
… (23 comments)
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florida nature: Friday Foto: Mister Bluebird - Sing me a Song...
- 05/16/14 07:38 AM
Friday Foto: Mister Bluebird - Sing me a Song...
This year, we are blessed with a number of Bluebirds who have discovered our neighborhood in Hernando Beach, Florida, and seemingly made it their home as well. Bluebirds are not just pretty, they are also very accomplished singers.
This one was sitting on the power lines in front of our house and I just loved the entertainment. Although the photo shows three birds, it's a collage of three photos of the same bird showing off from different angles.
Mister Bluebird - Sing me a Song... enjoy your Friday!
… (20 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Nature Video: A New Butterfly is Born!
- 05/09/14 07:02 AM
Florida Nature Video: A New Butterfly is Born!
This morning just as I was about to leave the house, I noticed something moving under the window sill. I just caught this brand new Gulf Fritillary Butterfly - also known as Passion Butterfly - emerging from its cocoon.
I have written about the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly before as I am observing them all the time in the passion vine that is growing in my front yard, obviously its favorite food. Click on the link and you can see a few photos of all the different life stages of the Gulf Fritillary butterfly.
… (19 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Nature: Baby Grackle
- 04/27/14 07:46 AM
Florida Nature: Baby Grackle
There is always something to see when you just look. Today, I spotted two Baby Grackles hopping around in the grass. I knew there was a nest just outside our bedroom window as I had been watching the parents go in and feed their noisy chicks. Now the little Grackles are out and about and are practicing how to use their wings.
I caught this little scene just as one of the adult Grackles came with a beakful of yummy food to feed the little one. I guess, you could call it a Sunday brunch for Grackles.
… (11 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Birdwatching - Palm Warbler on the Patio
- 03/06/14 10:09 AM
Florida Birdwatching - Palm Warbler on the Patio
Anyone who has followed my blog for a while knows I love birds and birdwatching.
Today, I noticed this little Palm Warbler on the patio jumping around in the Blueberry bushes that I am keeping there in big pots. The blueberries are currently in full bloom and this little bird kept sticking his beak into the blossoms. I wonder what he was looking for? Palm Warblers eat small insects and sometimes berries as well but there are no berries on the bushes yet.
Whatever it is that is attracting this little Palm Warbler, it was entertaining watching him and even … (21 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Nature - Catching a Ray of Sunshine
- 02/27/14 07:10 AM
Florida Nature - Catching a Ray of Sunshine
It's been a while since I posted any Florida critter photos and especially not of Florida snakes. When I walked out this morning, I noticed this little Black Racer snake comfortably perched on the Muhly grass in the front yard just catching a ray of sunshine.
Although fairly long, this particular snake is not a very big one, maybe the diameter of about a pen. He was sitting there long enough for me to snap a couple of photos before he decided to glide back into the grass and hide.
… (17 comments)
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florida nature: How Prickly is it?
- 02/09/14 02:27 AM
How Prickly is it?
While driving around, looking at property, I found this beautiful Prickly Pear Cactus growing along the water in Hernando Beach, Florida. It had bloomed a few weeks ago and is now covered with purple fruit.
In Mexico, these plants are also known as Nopales for their pads which are edible. When I lived in Southwest Texas, I pickled some nopales leaves and they were quite tasty with a bit of crunch to them. Be careful of the spines when processing the pads.
The fruit can also be eaten although I've never tried it personally. I … (21 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Nature - Winter Rose Camellia
- 02/06/14 10:08 PM
Florida Nature - Winter Rose Camellia
This beautiful flowering bush is a Camellia japonica, here in Florida often referred to as "winter rose" because here it is in full bloom in December and January when the rest of the country is covered by a blanket of snow and ice.
I took these photos while walking across the park-like grounds and taking photos at my new listing, a Spring Hill home for sale with over one acre of land. Look for the upcoming listing announcement for more information!
Meanwhile, if you are interested in homes for sale in Spring … (7 comments)
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florida nature: Top Ten Reasons for Living in Florida!
- 02/01/14 08:34 AM
Top Ten Reasons for Living in Florida!
Having lived in Florida since 1996 and having visited the State regularly since the late 80's, I've certainly seen some changes happening around here. Nevertheless, there are reasons for living in Florida that are timeless.
1. We are the Sunshine State! Most days, the sun will shine and cloudy days without any sunshine at all are very rare. No need to buy Vitamin D in a bottle.
2. Beaches. Wherever you live in Florida, it's never far to the beach, the ocean or the Gulf of Mexico! Florida has 1350 miles of coastline and … (31 comments)
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florida nature: Florida Nature - American Bald Eagle
- 01/12/14 03:18 AM
Florida Nature - American Bald Eagle
Yesterday, I looked out of the window and this American Bald Eagle caught my eye as he was sitting on top of a light pole looking around with his Eagle eyes.
I never get tired of watching the birds here in Hernando Beach and although we often see Eagles flying high above but not too often roosting in the more populated areas. I was glad he stayed long enough for me to shoot a few photos!
Hernando County is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and we are lucky to be able to observe a wide … (13 comments)
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Alligators in Florida....
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