View allAll Photos Tagged SunshineState
What could be better than sunshine and nectar? At this time of year not much if you are a butterfly. I am glad that monarchs stay around here year round instead of making the long journey to Mexico. There are still plenty of other varieties hanging out as well. I have been seeing a lot of sulfurs, gulf fritillaries and zebra longwings. In addition there are tigers, giants, palamedes and gold rims flitting about. Although I have been keeping the camera handy during habitat enhancements I have not been grabbing as often as I should. Or perhaps I have been grabbing it too often. It seems that I have a lot of images to go through and my chips need cleared. My dad is visiting so habitat enhancements are on hold this week so I will be playing around on flickr while he plays with facebook on his Ipad.
This Florida park covers 611 acres (2.4 km²) of Volusia County. It was built around a natural sulfur spring, flowing at a rate of about 20 million US gallons (76,000 m3) a day and remains at 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round reaching a depth of 30 feet (9.1 m) at the spring boil.
Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States as of 2020. It is the seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968. Consolidation gave Jacksonville its great size and placed most of its metropolitan population within the city limits. As of 2019, Jacksonville's population was estimated to be 911,507, making it the 12th most populous city in the U.S., the most populous city in the Southeast, and the most populous city in the South outside of the state of Texas. The Jacksonville metropolitan area has a population of 1,523,615 and is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Florida.
Jacksonville is centered on the banks of the St. Johns River in the First Coast region of northeast Florida, about 25 miles (40 km) south of the Georgia state line and 328 miles (528 km) north of Miami. The Jacksonville Beaches communities are along the adjacent Atlantic coast. The area was originally inhabited by the Timucua people, and in 1564 was the site of the French colony of Fort Caroline, one of the earliest European settlements in what is now the continental United States. Under British rule, a settlement grew at the narrow point in the river where cattle crossed, known as Wacca Pilatka to the Seminole and the Cow Ford to the British. A platted town was established there in 1822, a year after the United States gained Florida from Spain; it was named after Andrew Jackson, the first military governor of the Florida Territory and seventh President of the United States.
Harbor improvements since the late 19th century have made Jacksonville a major military and civilian deep-water port. Its riverine location facilitates Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the U.S. Marine Corps Blount Island Command, and the Port of Jacksonville, Florida's third largest seaport. Jacksonville's military bases and the nearby Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay form the third largest military presence in the United States. Significant factors in the local economy include services such as banking, insurance, healthcare and logistics. As with much of Florida, tourism is important to the Jacksonville area, particularly tourism related to golf. People from Jacksonville are sometimes called "Jacksonvillians" or "Jaxsons" (also spelled "Jaxons").
Credit for the data above is given to the following website:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
This image was also taken at Viera Wetlands. I believe this guy did a decent job finding a location that was a bit less breezy than the GBH in yesterday's image. I was able to stay in the truck to photograph this beauty, he was right beside the driving berm.
Prior to this year, it was rare to see a catbird in the yard; unless it was through the window. You could hear them but they kept out of sight unless they were unaware I was out.
Felix and Kitty, that's their names. All catbirds in the yard are called Felix if I suspect they are boys and Kitty if I suspect they are girls. I have no idea how to tell if they are boys or girls so it's a random calling of the names.
Anyway, there are three at this time and they are not elusive at all. They run around like they own the place. Similar their cousin Dunbar (Northern Mockingbird), they think they own the feeding stations. Dunbar seems to have had enough of their brave attitude and hasn't been visiting as much.
It shouldn't be much longer before these beauties depart for cooler temperatures. I will miss them but the caterpillars that don't make it to protective custody will stand a better chance. Felix and Kitty, are just as good if not better than the wrens at cleaning the milkweed and host vines for other butterflies.
I hope you have a terrific day, happy snapping.
Slowly but steady, habitat enhancements are moving in the right direction. I am taking a break from it for a little while because I have company.
I have found that this is a good time to go through some of the photos I have been taking over the last few weeks. These are some of the most recent so I guess I will be uploading backwards.
It's been rather chilly for the past few days but the monarchs don't seem to mind as long as the sun is shinning. The temperatures are going to warm up again for the remainder of the week so we should be in the mid 70's instead of mid 60's.
Kleman Plaza is an underground garage located northwest of the Capitol. Entrances are located on Duval Street and Bronough Street. The Eastside Parking Garage is located on Calhoun Street, and the entrance is on Calhoun Street. Cost information for city-owned parking facilities can found on the City of Tallahassee's website.
Visitor parking in the Capitol area is limited to either metered street spaces or designated lots. The City of Tallahassee manages two parking garages (Kleman Plaza and Eastside Parking Garage) and one surface lot (near Duval and Gaines). The Department of Management Services (DMS) manages two lots (Lot E and Lot 4). Spaces for visitors with disabilities are located on the west side of the House Office Building in the north side loading zone. There are more spaces located in the parking lot south of the Knott Building. If you're parking outside these lots in a non-metered spot, please ensure that the spot is marked for visitor parking. Cars parked in employee spaces will be towed.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
en.parkopedia.com/parking/underground/kleman_plaza_garage...
www.parkme.com/lot/94143/kleman-plaza-parking-garage-tall...
www.floridacapitol.myflorida.com/visitors/parking
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
These little guys are so funny. When the micro sprinklers come on they like to get a shower. They will jump on a birdbath or a plant and shower away. The wrens don't bathe in the shallow birdbaths, instead they jump all around the edges of it as the sprinkler water rains down on them. They do enjoy a drink from the birdbath though. This birdbath is currently placed just outside the living room window so yes, the image was taken through that window.
Unfortunately something did get to the eggs that the wrens put in the flowerpot outside the window. I believe they started a new nest in a location I call Orchid Cove. That's little nook next to the front entry that houses, you guessed it, orchids :) Perhaps they will have better luck there.
I hope your day is full of beauty and joy. Happy snapping.
Facts:
Overview:
Lost bascule bridge over Intracoastal Waterway on FL 704 in West Palm Beach
Location:
West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida
Status:
Replaced by a new bridge
History:
Built 1929; reconstructed 1959; replaced 2005
Design:
Bascule
Dimensions:
Length of largest span: 113.9 ft.
Total length: 1,237.9 ft.
Deck width: 27.9 ft.
Also called:
Intracoastal Waterway Bridge
Approximate latitude, longitude:
+26.70602, -80.04645 (decimal degrees)
26°42'22" N, 80°02'47" W (degrees°minutes'seconds")
Approximate UTM coordinates:
17/594853/2954229 (zone/easting/northing)
Quadrangle map:
Palm Beach
Inventory numbers:
FDOT 930505 (Florida Dept. of Transportation bridge number)
FDOT 930022 (Florida Dept. of Transportation bridge number)
BH 12466 (Bridgehunter.com ID)
Inspection: (as of 04/1998)
Deck condition rating: Satisfactory (6 out of 9)
Superstructure condition rating: Satisfactory (6 out of 9)
Substructure condition rating: Critical (2 out of 9)
Appraisal: Structurally deficient
Sufficiency rating: 15.7 (out of 100)
Average daily traffic: (as of 1996)
11,000
Credit for the data above is given to the following website:
bridgehunter.com/fl/palm-beach/930505/</Palm_Beach,_Florida</a
After a period of time, seeming like an eternity, I am home once again. The cliché, there's no place like home certainly seems appropriate to me at this time.
Although my backyard has become extremely overgrown and needs lots and lots of attention; There is no place I'd rather be. I shall tend to the details in time and enjoy every minute of it.
Yesterday I went out to tend to a few little things but was mesmerized by all of the sights and sounds. Therefore, I lost a lot of time just enjoying the butterflies and birds. There are so many fledglings out there right now, it's just amazing. The butterfly population is not quite the norm, but I can fix that. Needless to say, most of yesterday's tasks still await.
The one task I did complete was collecting bunches and bunches of monarch caterpillars and putting them in protective custody. Today I shall see if there are any other caterpillars or eggs to collect.
One of these days I am going to have to give the backyard a proper name. I name everything, yet when people ask what I call my backyard I answer "the backyard". LOL!
I do hope life has been treating you well. Happy snapping!
Butterfly count August 11, 2021
*Monarchs 7
*Queen 1
*Pipevine 3
*Goldrim 2
*Giants 2
*Palamedes 1
*Spicebush 1
*Zebra longwing 5
*Gulf Fritillary 1
*Sulfurs X (there were several but they were coming and going so quickly it was impossible to count.) In addition, I could not tell if they were cloudless or orange barred. I'd say both because that's the norm.
I was hoping to see a viceroy or a red-spotted purple because the willow tree has a lot of evidence that there have been caterpillars. No dice though and I didn't find a single caterpillar either.
I always love seeing tigers too but there were 0 yesterday.
In St. Augustine, woke up early summer morning for a dramatic sunrise. No clouds though, I wanted that contrast look between sun and clouds. Maybe I'll keep trying. This actual spot was St. John's county Pier.
I am bit surprised to see the palm warblers and bluebirds back in the yard so soon. Normally when they leave for the season, after raising their young, they don't return until spring. I love it when the daily bird shows have such a full cast of entertainers. This little beauty was completely ignoring me whilst showing off those brilliant tail feathers and enjoying a bath in the sunniest spot of Boggy Creek (Boggy Creek is the stream created specifically for the birds to use, located in the ponds bog.)
The Elvis (red-shouldered hawk) population is doing well in the area. I often see three or four as they fly by together. It's starting to look like Las Vegas around here. Just kidding of course, these Elvis' don't wear sequins.
It's always nice when Elvis stops in. Over the years, I have come to trust Elvis a lot more than I used to. He is sticking to the rules and eating frogs and lizards. Of course, I believe he would eat a bird if given the chance but I have not witnessed such an event. So he shall get the benefit of the doubt.
Elvis was looking all around and seemed pretty intent on getting a snack. The clicking of my camera didn't seem to distract him at all. He actually focused in on a snack, swooped down and came back with a frog. I continued to watch him but let him eat in peace without the clicking of the camera.
With any luck, this Elvis may become as friendly as the one that used to visit on a regular basis. Personality is the only way I know that Elvis doesn't visit anymore. He was so friendly I often had to back up to get images because he would come so close to me when I was out.
Have a Happy Easter and happy snapping.
The Roosevelt Bridge is a major highway segmental bridge across the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida. Carrying U.S. Route 1 (Federal Highway; unsigned State Road 5), it was built to supersede the old Roosevelt Bridge, which had twin parallel drawbridges, one for northbound traffic (opened in 1934, 27.203228°N 80.259612°W) and the other for southbound (opened in 1964, 27.202475°N 80.259762°W).
The new bridge, completed in 1996, is raised and much longer than the older twin drawbridges. The southbound span of the old bridge is still functional for road and boat traffic and now carries two-way road traffic for what is now known as Dixie Highway, County Road 707. The new high-level Roosevelt Bridge is approximately one mile long and is made of two three-lane sections running parallel to each other. The northbound bridge was completed first, and housed two lanes of both north and south-bound traffic until the second bridge was finished.
Data originated from this website:
In this image you can see the bodies of the giant swallowtails joined together. In the previous image you also see the bodies joined together but from the underside.
Yesterday I collected eight eggs and one tiny giant caterpillar to raise indoors. That gives me four caterpillars munching away on wild lime indoors. I also have fourteen pupae waiting to eclose and I have released five gorgeous giants so far this year. I will check for eggs daily and raise as many as I can. It looks like it will be a good year for Giant Swallowtails around here.
No worries, I am not ignoring the monarchs they are doing well and I have several in protective custody.
I am also raising spicebush swallowtails, goldrims, gulf fritillaries, zebra longwings, black swallowtails and sulfurs. If I could ever find an egg for the Tiger, Palamedes or Zebra Swallowtail, you better believe I would raise them too. The host plants for all of those are out there, I have just never been fortunate enough to discover an egg or tiny caterpillar. All of those butterflies do visit so maybe one day :)
Have a fantastic day and happy snapping.
Court yard fountain of Columbia restaurant, original residence of Juan Diego Carbajal family; settlers from Spain. Original building built in 1586. Now a classic spanish restaurant
This 19 story hotel's downtown location intensifies its attraction. Spectacular views of the St. Johns River, Main Street Bridge, or the Jacksonville skyline are available in there rooms. Guess access amenities perfectly suited to their needs—business or leisure, the hotel has you covered. An unforgettable experience is in store when you experience, first-hand, their authentic hospitality, exemplary on-site amenities, attentive service and much more. Expect great things in Jacksonville when you stay at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, the best hotel in the city for convenient, comfortable accommodations.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
www.hotelmanagement.net/design/jn-a-hvs-design-renovate-h...
jacksonville.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/our-hotel.html
www.emporis.com/buildings/118948/hyatt-regency-jacksonvil...
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.
This is the lovely giant swallowtail from the first image in this set, only she and her husband are on their honeymoon. This image shows the underside of the colorful wings and the bodies together as they consummate their marriage and more butterflies.
If all butterflies would cooperate for a photo shoot this well that would be awesome! I was able to get a few shots from this angle and from the other side showing the top of the wings. The top wing shot is the next one over.
Rain or shine, have a beautiful day and happy snapping.
Lady B is getting serious about nest building now. She was taking nesting material in and out of the nest box for days. A couple of days ago, she cleaned the box out completely, right down to the last piece of moss. I thought she changed her mind on moving in. However, today she has been working tirelessly decorating the nest box and it's coming along fabulously.
This image was taken through the living room window. I've been trying to give Lady B plenty of space. She scolds me when I go out to fill the feeders, so I figure the camera is pretty much a no, no for the yard. Although, I did sneak it out with me for a few minutes while replenishing the mealworms and peanuts. Mr. C. (Northern Cardinal) was happy to see the peanuts arrive.
It's probably a good time to purchase stock in mealworms. With all the extra warblers that have started visiting I'm going through a bag a week.
Have a wonderful day and happy snapping.
A freeloading Great Egret waiting for a free meal of fish at SeaWorld Orlando in the City of Orlando Orange County Florida U.S.A.
These beauties are here on and off, fall - spring. They normally stay high in the trees when I am out. This one was brave and came to the bog while I was enjoying an afternoon bird show yesterday. I believe he is a yellow warbler but am not at all sure about that. Any assistance with the ID would be appreciated. I have never seen one visit any of the feeding stations other than to take a peek and leave. One station is for fruit, nuts and various seeds, another safflower seeds only another nuts only. There are millet and niger stations as well and of course dehydrated meal worm stations. I take it this one likes super fresh insects like caterpillars etc.
I hope you are having a wonderful week :)
Boynton Beach is a city in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. The population was 68,217 at the 2010 census. In 2019, the city had an estimated population of 78,679 according to the University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research. Boynton Beach is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to an estimated 6,012,331 people at the 2015 census.
In 1894, two years before Henry Morrison Flagler built his railroad, a former American Civil War major named Nathan Boynton first set eyes on the area that now bears his name. Boynton hailed from Port Huron, Michigan. He was so impressed by the natural beauty of the year-round sunshine and pristine beaches, he built the famous Boynton Hotel, where he also spent winters with his family. The first settlers, whom Boynton had brought along from Michigan, soon realized that many fruits and vegetables thrived in the fertile climate. Pineapples, tomatoes, mangoes, and citrus fruit were packed in crates and shipped by the ton on the newly built Florida East Coast Railroad to satisfy the appetites of hungry Americans across the country. Major Boynton died on May 27, 1911 in Port Huron, but the hotel lasted until 1925.
Boynton Beach was founded on September 26, 1898 when Byrd Spilman Dewey and her husband Fred S. Dewey filed the original plat in the Dade County courthouse for the Town of Boynton. The town was incorporated in 1920 as the Town of Boynton. The name "Boynton Beach" was first used by a community that broke off from the Town of Boynton in 1931. In 1939, that community changed its name to "Ocean Ridge" while The Town of Boynton took the name "Boynton Beach" in 1941.
In 1926, the Seaboard Air Line Railway entered what was then simply Boynton, spurring land development a mile inland near the Seaboard station, including the town's first planned subdivision, Lake Boynton Estates. As land became more valuable, areas along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Federal Highway in Boynton also saw housing developments. To the west, many dairies were founded so that the Boynton area became the main milk supplier for Palm Beach County. By the 1970s, the dairies were no longer profitable and these lands too were converted to housing developments.
Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park is located just north of the original Boynton Hotel site. In 1921, the Town of Boynton acquired the beach site from Lewis S. Howe by eminent domain for park and recreation purposes. The beach casino was built in 1928 and featured a large dining hall, locker rooms and showers and residents used the casino for parties and social gatherings. The casino was demolished in 1967 and the property remained part of the beach park.
From the 1920s to today, Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park has been popular with residents and visitors alike. In the mid-1990s, the park underwent a major renovation during which the boardwalk was rebuilt out of recycled plastic. Boynton Beach's Oceanfront Park was voted the best family beach in Palm Beach County by The Palm Beach Post in 2001. In 2011 the boardwalk was renovated again, replacing the plastic with ipe (pronounced ee-pay) wood (commonly known as Brazilian walnut). In 2012 improvements were made to the buildings along the boardwalk, including total refurbishment of the restrooms.
Hurricane Wilma struck Boynton Beach on October 24, 2005, causing widespread damage to homes and businesses. In 2006, the city government authorized the demolition of the historic Seaboard rail station, which had survived intact in private hands since passenger service to the station halted in 1971.
Credit for the data above is given to the following website:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boynton_Beach,_Florida
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
Osprey
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the Sea Hawk, Fish Eagle or Fish Hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large Raptor, reaching more than 24 inches in length and a 71 inches wingspan. It is brown on the upper parts and predominantly greyish on the head and under parts, with a black eye patch and wings. In 1994, the osprey was declared the provincial bird of Nova Scotia, Canada.
For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Osprey/overview