The seasonally cool weather has had a silencing effect on the nighttime chorus of insects, amphibians and most other animals. The frogs and cicadas have taken shelter in anticipation of the imminently arriving warmer months. With the exception of the barred owls, even much of the avian population is silently waiting out the dark hours….Read more
Looks, as the old saying goes, can be deceiving. It is a cautionary pronouncement from experience in springs past, usually painful and expensive, to serve as a warning to those who follow and hopefully to avoid similar complications if the advice is heard. In most situations a threat in nature can be easily identified and…Read more
The old saying identifies the lion as the king of the jungle, feared and respected by all. Every creature which lives in or enters its realm, be it jungle or savanna, must respect the hierarchy of the order. Legend has it the regal creature can be generous with vassals or savagely brutal. The reason or…Read more
There are certain sounds which cannot be ignored. They convey an immediate message which calls the listener to be alert and prepared. These noises, even in the panhandle, are uniquely distinct and are not likely to be confused with other audio messages. One of these acoustic alarms is buzzing, especially in close proximity. While there…Read more
Having a distinctive and easily identifiable physical feature can often prove to be a beneficial resource. This visible trait makes it easy for the viewer who encounters the notable subject to quickly know and make the necessary accommodations. The distinguishing trademarks in humans can include from unusual height, striking eye color, or even a dignified…Read more
The warmer weather’s approach has many residents of the panhandle believing the winter of 2021/22 is soon to be finished, and it might be. The nightly ruckus of toads and frogs staking out their territory becomes louder each evening, and even mosquitos have returned in small numbers. Unseen in most cases, but just as active…Read more
Life can be lonely at the top, but there are certain advantages. Command of the heights is an entrenched doctrine of every military unit on the globe. The value of this convention lies in the simple fact that controlling the high ground allows gravity to do some of the work of hitting targets fast and…Read more
The lengthening days and less intense cold fronts, signifiers of spring’s approach, are speeding up the activity level of many plants, animals and fungi. Home landscape chores will soon shift from raking leaves and pine straw to mowing and edging. During this current period of mostly moderate temperatures, the installation of new ornamental plants and…Read more
The botanical pause of winter is monotonous in its consistency. Each day, with very few exceptions, is just like the one before it, with plants in suspended animation. February brings the first inkling of the burst of activity coming to panhandle Florida which will soon arrive with vigorous growth and riotous color. One herald for…Read more
Classic mystery novels usually open with a set of unexplained occurrences that pique the curiosity of the protagonist. The clues frequently, but not always, lead to a malicious event that leaves only the disconnected evidence available for identifying the perpetrator. Add unidentifiable noises at night while the alleged offender is on the prowl, and the…Read more
