Day 89: March 29th – The Mélange

Another beautiful sunny, warm and calm day

       People not involved with the pastime of “birding” assume the entire day of a field trip is all about looking at birds…..period.  Those of us who pursue this avocation know it is much more.  It is truly a new experience each and every time we venture out.  The main goal?  To see birds.  But above and beyond the seeing of birds is the experience of learning about birds, about seeing behavior, changes in plumage from season to season, about seeing the changes in the cast of characteristics as new birds move into an area and others move out.

       In the process of “seeing”, we find so many other elements of the natural world that are of interest.  Today is a perfect example.  Spending the day with a dozen other “birders” brings us together with a group of people of diverse backgrounds and interests.  And so, we learn from one another so much more than just the names and appearances of birds.  Today our excursion included

The Habitat in which we bird is often different each day or within each day.  Today, we birded along rivers, wetlands, forests, and fields.  Each presents us with a new mix of flora and fauna. 

Bulow Plantation

Lizards:  We found four species of species of lizards including the “Whiptail”, the Broad-headed skink, the Cuban anole, and the Five-lined skink.

Broad-headed skink

Whiptail

Plants:  We gathered in front of a live oak which has been dated as being over 2000 years old.  We were told about the “tread softly”, a pretty white flower which can inflict a painful rash on those who come into contact with the stems.

      Or “Lizard-tails”, a perennial plant found in moist boggy areas of the forest.

Butterflies – like the Viola’s wood nymph found on the path we took today.

And of course – the birds such as this fine Red-shouldered hawk perched in a tall live oak over our heads. 

       The fact that we are all from different backgrounds means that it seems some one of our number knows about and can teach us about each organism we come across.  So, is birding just “for the birds”…… Look at these photos and you make the call.