View allAll Photos Tagged SunshineState
Okay, flowers pretty much bloom here year round. Each flowering plant has it's favorite time of year. Lantana, the flower in this image will bloom year round but especially loves spring and fall. Gulf fritillaries, the butterfly in this image visits from early spring to late fall. I figure he's orange so it counts as an autumn image even though it looks like it could be a spring or summer image :)
Side note: Something weird and spring like... Lady B has started building a nest in the bluebird house. I know there is no way she is going to lay eggs at this time of year. So that's just weird. She and Mr. B have extra fancy colors at this time too.
Have a delightful day and happy snapping.
As you drive through Davenport, Florida, you cannot help but notice this City Hall . . . and you will stop.
Happy Valentine's Day Flicker Friends. May your day be filled with joy and the light be in your favor on this beautiful Valentine Thursday. Happy snapping.
The yellow-throated vireo (Vireo flavifrons) is a small American songbird. There were two of these that came to visit my yard the other day when I was out with the camera. They were rather fast and seemingly fearless. They were not bothered by me at all, even though it was our first encounter. Apparently, this bird is very rare for my area. A couple of birder pals stated that they are not supposed to be here at all. I don't know enough about birding to know if they should be here or not, just that they were here. Regardless, I was pleased to see them. I love my yard, there is always something new to research.
Today is gray day with a bit of rain on and off. I can not complain because we sure need the rain. One would think it would be a perfect day to do a little research on this cute little bird. However, I believe I am solar powered and my brain does not want to read anything on rainy, gray days. It is a good thing I live in the "sunshine" state.
I hope you are having a pleasant day. Happy snapping!
When a tiger or other rare visitors to the yard appear it is difficult to resist chasing them to get a photo. Truly I am guilty of doing just that, especially during the earlier days of each new butterfly season. However, after years of butterfly gardening, my advice to me and others is to resist the chase, if possible. One is more likely to get a decent photo if the butterfly is calm. Instead of chasing them, slowly approach the area where they are enjoying the nectar and try to get a few shots. Sure, they may leave upon approach but they are likely to return to that spot if they have not yet had their fill and you are simply standing around.
I find it’s rather difficult to resist chasing tigers, Palamedes, zebra swallowtails, red-spotted purples, and viceroys. They are the rarest visitors to my garden. Once I spotted this tiger from the window, I grabbed the camera and quickly went outside. However, my approach was slow and steady. She flew to another area but came back within a few seconds to the penta’s that she found to be the most delicious. Wish me luck following my own advice to resist chasing butterflies if one of the other above mentioned shows up.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy snapping.
Giant Swallowtail
The giants are playing in the yard on and off now and they left some eggs on the wild lime for me to care for. Currently, there are three in the pupal stage, four munching away on wild lime in protective custody and six eggs that should hatch tomorrow.
Yesterday there were three in the yard at one time. Two males were courting the same female. They were going back and forth between my yard and my surrounding neighbors yards. I watched for a while, hoping they would allow a photo or even a video to be taken. Then there was only one. He was frantically fluttering through the yard. My guess is that the female decided to get married to the other male and off the went on a honeymoon. I have a good feeling that she will be back in a day or two to deposit more eggs.
Note: The red spot just below the butterfly body in this image is a flower. The wings were slightly open in that area and the flowering maple flower was showing through. The two spots below that are part of the butterfly though.
I hope you have a sensational Sunday. Happy snapping.
This beauty is catching some morning rays from the sun. Butterflies love sunshine. Giant swallowtails are among the easiest to raise in protective custody (screened lanai or disposable roasting pans with lids). The tiny cats (larva) don't eat a lot in comparison to others. In my yard wild lime is the main food source but they do occasionally use the tiny orange tree.
I find that the caterpillars that eat the wild lime grow a bit faster and larger than those eating leaves from the orange tree (personal observation, not scientific). When I find them on the tree I take them to protective custody and switch their diet to wild lime.
LOL, when I make changes to my diet it's usually to try and lose weight, not gain it :) I should probably look into doing that right about now.
Have a terrific day, happy snapping and thanks for stopping by.
Recently I was asked, "what is your favorite color"? That question seems to be a question we all get asked fairly often. The answer should be simple enough right? Red, blue, green, yellow etc. A person should not have to contemplate what their favorite color is. So I have to wonder why that question stumps me every time it is asked. How difficult can it really be to choose a favorite color?
Hmm, I'm still contemplating about my over all favorite but today I believe I will choose orange. I do love orange. Orange butterflies and flowers and reflections during sunsets and sunrises are rather beautiful. My Harley is Sedona Orange and I'm starting to see orange vehicles on the roads that I like a lot. Yes, I choose orange for today's favorite.
It's a good thing having a favorite color is not a requirement in life but I still have to ask... What is your favorite color? Is that an easy choice for you or does it change often depending on your mood and surroundings?
Hee hee, don't contemplate too much :) You have 5 seconds to answer.
Have a wonderful day and happy snapping.
As caterpillars and as butterflies, the zebra longwing is supposed to taste yucky to predators. However, the birds that visit my yard seem to have acquired a taste for them, especially the cardinals. Yesterday afternoon I saw Howard (male cardinal) bring his little boy to one of the corky stem vine locations and show him how to search for caterpillars. Howard is a very good father and the balance of nature is certainly at work.
Have a wonderful weekend and happy snapping.
We still have temperatures reaching the upper 80's however, butterfly season is slowing down now as usual.
This is Florida's state butterfly, Heliconius charithonia, the zebra longwing or zebra heliconian. When they are flying around the host plants (corky stem or passiflora biflora) it almost looks like they are floating. This one was enjoying a bit of nectar from the Heather blooms in the backyard when I noticed it in the spotlight of the sunshine.
Enjoy your day and happy snapping.
Made for the Award Tree Red & Blue Challenge www.flickr.com/groups/awardtree/discuss/72157721915931480/
Thank you for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day! ❤️❤️❤️
walking through my local shops today and i heard shrieks from all the little kids.then i saw thia amazing dinosaur coming towards me and i felt like a little kid again myself..
I've been trying to catch a snap of the goldfinches that have returned to the area. I am not sure if they are passing through or if they have plans to stick around for the season.
Normally I only see them pass through on their way north in the spring and don't recall seeing them in the fall. Yet, here they are. I have seen three of them in the yard at the same time on and off for the last couple of weeks. Anyway, since the goldfinches have been so shy, I took this shot while waiting and waiting and waiting for at least one goldfinch to cooperate. Hmmm, perhaps another day :)
The bluegills are really large now and they splash about practically jumping out of the water when being fed. This tropical lily has taken a beating lately as they jump and splash about to get the food. Poor lily, it seems to be sinking a little more each day.
I hope you have a splendid Monday and a wonderful week ahead. Happy snapping.
Yay, the pipevine swallowtails as well as spicebush, giant and goldrims are starting to show up on a more frequent basis. Perhaps I will get the opportunity to raise some of these beauties soon. Gulf fritillaries and zebra longwings are also showing up more frequently and I actually was able to get several zebra longwing eggs and a couple of gulf fritillary eggs to put in protective custody.
Raising these and others happens to be very different than raising monarchs. Queens are similar to monarchs, they eat milkweed and they have a strong grip with their feet. They also have very sticky silk. So monarchs and queens do very well with the system I use for them. There are some images of the monarch / queen system in the raising monarchs album.
Each of the above mentioned swallowtails / butterflies that I raise have very different needs when it comes to protective custody. Over the few years that I have raised them, I have learned just what they need to thrive in protective custody. They can start out in the disposable trays but they must be moved prior to pupating. Most of them can not hold on to the lid like the monarchs and queens.
I do no have any plans to go into detail about how I raise the any of others like this pipevine swallowtail. Actually, the monarch series is only part of what goes into raising them.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy snapping.
As I awaited the arrival of the bird show; I stood near Dove Creek with the camera on a tri-pod. I have been using the tri-pod more often these days. It took me forever to get used to that but I like it now.
The intent was to see about getting a video of some of my little visitors bathing in Boggy Creek, just across the pond.
Of course, what I intend and what my visitors are willing to do are not always in line. This little pine warbler caught my attention as he searched for lunch in Boggy Creek. He kept flying back and forth from the willow tree to the creek and back. Not to bathe but to catch some sort of little flying bug. I never did see exactly what this little guy was after or if he was successful. One of the palm warblers spotted him and the chase was on. Those palm warblers don't give the pine warblers much of a break.
During the bird show, no one came to bathe in Boggy Creek. However, the action was lively and entertaining.
The spring and fall seasons bring so much beauty to the yard. All of the year-round feathered friends hang out and the migrators visit throughout the day. Then you add the butterfly activity and its kind of magical.
Yesterday, in addition to monarchs, there were zebra longwings, sulfurs and a couple of gulf fritillaries. I have released three monarchs so far this year and there are three drying their wings at the moment. They will be released in a few hours. One must make sure the wings are dry and ready to fly. Dry wings give them the best chance to avoid predators.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and as always happy snapping.
Butterflies are everywhere and as you can see, more will soon be on the way.
I am still waiting for a zebra swallowtail female to visit and lay eggs on the pawpaw's. I have been seeing a male flitting through the yard for the past couple of days. He does not linger, he is desperately seeking a lady and has simply put my yard on his path as he makes his rounds. Same deal with the Palamedes. I have seen a male come and go quickly through the yard. Hopefully the ladies will arrive soon.
I have noticed with raising monarchs and others that males are usually the first to hatch. They start arriving a week or two before the females. This is just an observation, not a scientific one just a personal one.
I hope your day is extraordinary and beautiful! As for me, with so many outdoor distractions, I am going to have to close the blinds so I can be productive indoors . If I am a good girl, I can open them again in the afternoon, or simply go play outside. Happy snapping.
Orange you glad that it's butterfly season again? Okay, to be fair, I know it's not butterfly season everywhere but it sure is looking like it around here. Monarchs are doing fantastic on their own, there are several flitting about the yard each day.
It won't be long and there will be more joining the ones that are already here. I officially began raising them on March 2, 2021. That means that I have several in the pupae stage and a bunch more munching away in protective custody.
I also have Zebra Longwings (zebra heliconian) pupas. Goldrims (Polydamas Swallowtails) have been here to lay eggs as well. However, I have not collected any since I still have so many Pupas from last year waiting to emerge. I will raise a few goldrims towards the end of the season. They just hang out too long in the pupa stage and there is no more space for them at the moment.
Anyway, this beautiful boy was on the milkweed by the pond and I snapped his photo to place in the "Crazy Tuesday" group this week. The theme is "Orange". I think the ponds water made for a nice background to make this beauties color pop.
I hope you have a terrific Tuesday. Oh, it's going to be a glorious day. Happy snapping!
This lovely black swallowtail was raised in protective custody from egg to butterfly. Although they have several host plans in the carrot family, the one I grow for them is parsley. I hope to find some Queen Anne's Lace at some point because that is a more sustainable food source for the caterpillars.
I thought this beauty was ready to leave but when I took her out she just wanted to hang around. Of course, I always have to wait for them to take their first flight outside protective custody before I can continue on about my business. Wasps and birds will come and make a meal out of them in a hurry if they are just hanging around. I can't have that!
The previous image is the same butterfly with open wings.
I hope you have a splendid week. Happy Snapping.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is in Ormond Beach, Volusia County in central Florida. Exhibitions include artwork from regional Florida artists and national artists as well as an annual student exhibition, and programs for veterans. The art museum includes "spiritual oil paintings" by Malcolm Fraser and a botanical garden that is home to the 1885 Emmons Cottage.
The museum and gardens were founded as a memorial to veterans of World War I and World War II, and there is an American flag and monument to soldiers who served in World War I as well as a bronze plaque inside the Museum listing Ormond Beach residents who served in World War II, including an honor roll recognizing those who died in the war. There are also sculptures in the Memorial Gardens dedicated to American soldiers who fought in the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ormond_Memorial_Art_Museum_and_Gardens
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
The cardinals have not been bringing any little ones to the yard to feed. By now, I would think they should have a baby or two. I saw them gather nesting material weeks ago.
This was my first visit to Viera wetlands. I wish I would have stayed longer but was also interested in visiting Joe Overstreet Road, a place where birders say is a must visit. so I cut my Veria trip short due to the time I had available. I must say I wish I had not done that. Viera has a lot to offer in a very small area but I barely scratched the surface. Viera will be added to my future journeys to Florida's east coast. Hopefully my next visit will not require me to be there on a rainy, windy day. Each time I stepped out of the vehicle it felt as if I was going to get blown away (20 mile an hour wind gusts). This is one trip where I wish I had a tripod. It's difficult to stay steady and hold the camera steady with such strong winds and gusts. This GBH was having a difficult time holding steady too.
Due to rain and wind, at a glance, it looks like I did not get very many decent images from this trip. Maybe next time :)
I will miss these little beauties when they depart for the season. They are starting to get their fancy breeding colors. Therefore, I know it won't be long before they depart for cooler climates, in order to raise a family.
I hope you have been having a great week. Happy snapping.
Once upon a time I would visit my grandmother twice a week, every week for a couple of hours. When I would get up to leave she would say to me "You didn't stay very long, come back when you can stay longer." Well, that is how I feel about some of these butterflies.
The Palamedes is one that I will actually chase about the yard. They visit on occasion and they don't stay long enough if you ask me. This one was playing hide and seek. He would sip some nectar then fly over the fence to the neighbors yard and circle back to a different location in the yard. I would find him, try and get a shot or two and off he would go again.
Little bugger, kept his eye on me the whole time and stayed pretty much out of reach of the camera. Like the Tiger, I have never had the opportunity to raise any of these beauties. Perhaps one day that will change. For now, I shall just enjoy the visits and play the games. Well, I won't always play the games, sometimes the visits will have to be enjoyed in my head. Just knowing they are out there is a good feeling.
Have a terrific Tuesday and happy snapping.
The tufted titmice have also been very successful with nesting this year. They don't nest in my yard as far as I know but they visit often throughout the day. They are such little chatterboxes. It is rare for them to sneak into the yard but it does happen. However, most of the time they come chattering loudly and bring the bird show with them.
Welcome to the bird show, beautiful!!! This Great White Egret was wading in the shallows of the pond when I went out today. We surprised each other, he flew to a branch in oak three. I went to get the camera and he was back in the shallows when I returned. I kept my distance and only took a couple of shots, this is the best one I could get through all of the plants etc. I did get one full body ID shot but it's pretty bad so I won't post it. He did not like the camera but he did stay a few minutes before taking flight and dripping pond water on my head as he departed the yard. I am happy it was just pond water I'll take that over the alternative any day. I sure hope he comes again. I'll be happy to stock the pond just for him :)
Update for self... He returned on November 19th in the early morning. He left fairly quickly when he saw me.
The wrens have been pretty successful with their nesting this year. There certainly are a lot of them hanging out in the yard. I have counted 8 at a time.
Until I visited Zoo Miami in Miami Florida, I had never seen a pygmy hippo out of the water. Both the mom and baby were wondering around their habitat. So cool!
Again, I just want to shout out to Zoo Miami for being a terrific zoo. I barely touched the surface with my five hour visit. I really need to get back there.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy snapping.
Often called the “Magic City,” Miami is the world’s gateway to Latin America. It's an eclectic paradise alive with art deco architecture and an exciting fusion of South and Central American, Caribbean and American influences.
The city of Titusville is the only place on the planet where one can find rockets launching, sea turtles nesting and soothing sunrises giving way to inviting surf. This contradiction of high-tech wonders of the space program and the natural beauty of the area places Titusville in a class by itself. Titusville is the neighbor to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore.
Anglin's Flishing Pier is the longest pier in South Florida. It is open 24/7 for fishing & featuring a cafe & occasional live music.
The Pier first opened on November 24 1963. It has been, and still is today, an important part of the City, Lauderdale by the Sea offering tourists and fishermen a Great Time. In 2006 the pier suffered damage from Hurricane Wilma and at that time the pier was only open halfway and lost what had been done from the last storm that had damaged it the year before that.
The Pier, as of the Fall of 2006 is open and operating 24 hours a day.
The new owners our happy to keep this Fishing pier going and will be bringing in new ideas and innovative concepts to better offer a unique and pleasurable experience for both the Fisherman and Sightseer. They have ideas for creating ocean viewing windows through the decking of the pier while you stroll. This would give the patrons the chance to look down and through the pier to see the many different sub-tropical and tropical fish that live around the pier in their habitat and also being witness to some unbelievable catches of which so many are in Awe.
Credit for the data above is given to the following website:
This is my idea of a perfect garden spice :) A spicebush swallowtail. No, they are not for eating, unless you are a bird of course. They certainly are one of the reasons that so many birds visit. Anyway, for me they are simply for spicing up the variety of butterflies that visit adding life and beauty to the yard. The spicebush is a beautiful medium sized swallowtail that has a beautiful pattern on the underside and a beautiful spray painted look on the lower wings on the top side.
The host plants in the yard are one of the bay trees and of course the actual spice bush. Ugh! Slugs also like the spice bush. I don't use poison in my backyard so slugs and other pests can be a problem. However, over the years I have learned to use coffee grinds and ash from the smoker around plants that slugs and other pests are attracted to. Slugs and many other pests really don't like coffee or ash but many plants do. The coffee grinds and the ash stimulate the plants growth while deterring pests so it's a win, win.
Drinking one cup of coffee a day simply does not provide enough to cover everything that needs covered. But honestly, if I have any caffeine after the noon hour; When night falls I will not sleep at all. Meaning that more than one cup a day is not my friend because I like to sleep. On the other hand, I did hear but have not confirmed that Starbucks is now putting their coffee grinds aside for gardeners. I believe I will look into that and see if my local Starbucks is participating. I sure hope so because slugs are trying to take over my backyard. If Starbucks is not participating, I guess I'll buy some cheap coffee and sprinkle it around.
Enjoy your day, happy snapping and thanks for stopping by.
There is a reason why Florida was nicknamed the Sunshine State.
Florida is the fourth most-populated state in the country, and it's beaches draw thousands of tourists every year. Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, except for the southern part below Lake Okeechobee (which has a true tropical climate).
The Florida Keys (surrounded by water) have a more tropical climate, with less variability in temperatures compared to mainland Florida.
The state of Florida is the southernmost state on the continental United States, boasting both peninsula and panhandle landforms. Florida is renowned for its exceptionally sunny, but humid, tropical climate. Florida is also known by other state nicknames such as "Alligator State," "Orange State" and "Everglade State," the nickname "Sunshine State" was officially adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1970. The nickname appeals to "snowbird" tourists who, especially during cold winters in the northern climates, visit Florida for its spectacular weather and warm beaches. Tourism is the largest industry in the state and one of the top domestic and international destinations in the world.
I enjoy Florida, walking, cycling, deep sea fishing, photo shooting and seeing Florida Sun rises and sunsets.
This state is my future retirement home. :-)
This historic Treasure Coast home was turned into a visitors center in downtown Ft. Pierce. The structure was built in 1905.
In 1943 the House of Seven Gables was turned into a house of prostitution and was frequented by servicemen during WWII.
In 1987 it was sold at auction and used as a taxidermy studio. In 1997 the house was donated to the city of Fort Pierce and moved to its present location on June 31, 1998.
In 2000 the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce opened the house as a visitor's center providing information about things to do in the area and places to stay and eat at. The volunteers who work here answer visitors questions and also give free tours of the house. If you are in the area it is worth a stop especially since the A. E. Backus Museum and Gallery and Manatee Observation and Education Center are located on either side of the House of Seven Gables.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34233-d6521043-Rev...
www.cityoffortpierce.com/209/Seven-Gables-Visitors-Inform...
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
The pier has private access only and is visible and walk-able from nearby Jaycee Park. The pier is property of the Seaquay condominium of Vero Beach.
Credit for the data above is given to the following website:
verovine.com/find-the-vero-pier/
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.