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. :)
Pinellas County, Florida, which contains the city of St Petersburg, is the most densely populated area in the state. But even here, we have islands of green in our sea of cement. Last week I spent the day in Sawgrass Lake Wildlife Refuge, in the middle of St Pete. Here are some photos:
Sawgrass Lake Wildlife Refuge consists of the lake itself, an artificial canal that is maintained by the Water Management District, and a nearby upland oak/pine forest.
Due to previous decades of duck-hunting here, Sawgrass Lake now has elevated levels of lead as the bird shot dissolves into the water. So the state has begun a multi-year project to dredge the bottom of the lake and remove all the lead contamination.
I think this is Florida's version of the Water Lotus.
Hydrilla, an invasive aquarium plant, covers the nearby canal.
I don't know what kind of plant this is, but it sure looks nice. :)
Banners of Spanish Moss hang in the sun.
Dragonfly
A pair of Tilapia, non-native fish introduced here to raise as food and escaped into the wild.
Florida Red-Bellied Turtle munching on Hydrilla.
Florida Softshell Turtle
Young Alligator, about two years old, by the size of him.
Black Vulture circles overhead.
Little Blue Heron and a pair of White Ibis foraging.
Anywhere there are fish, there are Anhingas to eat them.
From the long beak and the long legs, I think Peterson's says this is a Limpkin---but I am entirely open to be corrected.
A Gopher Tortoise in her burrow, in the upland area a short distance from the canal.
And now it's your turn: let us know what's going on in your neck of the woods. :)