Here’s a very cool thing – Ocean’s Reach on Sanibel Island has set up an osprey-cam! Mama Osprey laid three eggs just around Christmas. She’s been sitting on them ever since, but I just got to see the eggs – guess mama’s got to have a break sometime. Her mate is now hovering over them, watching the skies for her return. I can’t wait to see the hatchlings – this is going to be...
Carolina willow, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. This plant is also known as the coastal plain willow. Fun fact: fire will turn it from a tree to a shrub
Probing for his lunch, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. A male (full red cap) red belly woodpecker seeks a snack on the edge of the cypress forest
Horseshoe Marsh, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. The forest is trying to reclaim the marsh – who will win the battle?
Observation point – emerging from the swamp, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. We are progressing at a good clip now, and should have his hike completed soon
Lichens on the fence, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. No, the railing isn’t painted – that’t a pink lichen hat grows on wood surfaces. We are at the "south lake" part of the swamp.
Alligator flags still in bloom, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. These are a very pretty color and are probably providing cover for some baby alligators.
Sagittaria – aka duck potato, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. Native American women would feel with their toes at the base of these swamp plants to find and harvest the roots, thus saving their backs from a little wear and tear. Pretty clever, huh?
High water mark, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. You can see the coloration on the bottom of this cypress tree, which shows the high water mark. Currently we are at the beginning of dry season; not expecting significant rain until April or May
