During a recent walk, I decided to focus my attention on all the little things around me--the life that mostly goes unnoticed by everyone as they walk by...
The Daily Bucket is a regular series from the Backyard Science group. Here we talk about Mother Nature in all her glory, especially the parts that live nearby. So let us know (as close as you are comfortable) where you are and what's going on around you. What's the weather like? Seen any interesting plants, bugs or critters? Are there birds at your feeders? Deer, foxes or peahens in your yard? Seen any cool rocks or geological features? Post your observations and notes here. And photos. We like lots of photos. :)
This male butterfly was chasing this female around--he'd approach and try to put the moves on her, but she'd flitter a few feet away. The poor little dude kept it up for about ten minutes, whereupon she flew off and abandoned him.
This butterfly appears to be the same species as the ones above, but with the faded colors and the beaten-up wings, it looks to be a venerable old fellow who survived a few bird attacks.
A youngling Alligator. Although adult Gators are the top predator in their habitat, baby Gators are a snack for everything from herons to large turtles. In turn, baby Gators eat bugs and small fish.
Baby Tilapia. These fish are invasives in Florida. They serve as food sources for herons, egrets, turtles and gators.
Decomposers like these shelf mushrooms break down forest-floor litter and recycle the nutrients.
Welcome to my parlor, said the spider to the fly......Spiders are very efficient predators on flying insects.
Florida has more aquatic turtle species than most other states. The young turtles eat fish and insects. As they get older, they become more vegetarian and eat aquatic plants.
Dragonflies rival spiders as predators of flying insects. The larval dragonflies are aquatic, and serve as fish food.
A bee on a Pickerel Weed. Pollinators play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
A butterfly on a flower.
A juniper seed.
A Lubber Grasshopper nymph. Although they are small, there are lots of them, which makes them very effective herbivores.