Those who are fortunate enough to be able to travel internationally usually return home having had many new and vastly different experiences. The stark dissimilarities are especially noticeable when traveling in Asia’s far eastern locales. While the 21st century’s shared technologies have homogenized much of daily life, there are still some unique cultural practices and…Read more
In previous nesting seasons, I had accepted the reality that it is common for one egg in a clutch not to hatch. So, when all five eggs hatched I was overjoyed! The first chick hatched on April 14. As always, my responsibility to the bluebird parents and their brood was to watch out for predators,…Read more
Cooking shows are popular entertainment. Everyone from masters to aspiring chefs share their passion for specific culinary specialties and styles. In contemporary north Florida there are some colorful native insect residents which have a desire for specific plants. Monarch butterflies are one species, but another is the Gulf Fritillary. The object of its dining obsession…Read more
When Florida was first becoming known as a recreational playground, it was for its natural resources, especially water based. The pristine rivers were, and still are, especially popular with fishing and boating enthusiasts. Unlike many western states which are dependent on massive dams to provide water, hydroelectric energy and flood control, Florida’s waterways have a…Read more
After the exciting conclusion of the third brood of last year’s nesting season — where two juveniles from a previous brood returned for the fledging of their relatives — I was eagerly anticipating the start of 2021. The nest box was up by the first of January and for days I caught myself glancing at…Read more
The month of September is known as the gateway for a variety of events. Historically, it was the beginning of the public school year, but recent trends have made the starting date of classes dependent on a variety of factors. The beginning of college football is this month, with all its spectacle and gridiron rivalry…Read more
Trees are an important part of our landscapes. They add beauty, they improve the environment, they stabilize the soil and prevent erosion and they can play an important role in energy saving. However, they also may present a risk to the public’s health, safety and welfare. This story will address a number of issues that…Read more
Large families are always an interesting collection of individuals with curious and occasionally unique characteristics, but they still have a common connection running through all the relations. Getting members together reveals both the similarities and the differences. Holiday get togethers frequently highlight the vast variations. There is always the crazy uncle with the tacky jokes,…Read more
As fledging of the three chicks was quickly approaching, I was delighted when two juvenile bluebirds from the season’s first brood returned for the big event. I’ve read that sometimes juvenile bluebirds will return to “help” their parents with a subsequent brood. From my observations of this day, “help” apparently translates to “get in the…Read more
If we take time to think about and appreciate the things we have that make our urban lives more enjoyable, most of us will realize it is our wonderful trees. Well, that is, most of our trees. Like all mortal things, trees do not last forever. As trees age, they can do great damage. This…Read more
