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. :)
A short while ago I was visiting the historic city of St Augustine FL, on the east coast of Florida, and took a walk along the beach at low tide. There were some limestone formations along the shore that trapped a few small tide pools, and I came across a few critters within--not as varied as a California tide pool, but much better than anything we get on the sandy shores of Tampa Bay. So here are some photos from my beach walk:
The Atlantic Coast.
A group of Turkey Vultures perched in a tree at the hotel.
Osprey perched in a nearby tree.
Rocks worn away by wave action.
A little crab. Not a Fiddler--I'm not sure what kind it is. Maybe a small Ghost Crab or Moon Crab.
Small tidal pools left in the rocks.
A small crab in a tidal pool. Maybe a Blue Crab.
Sea Lettuce on a rock.
A small anemone.
A couple of whelks.
Barnacles.
Baby Sergeant-Major fish.
A colorful Sea Star that we accidentally kicked up from the sand. We admired him for a minute or two, then put him back in the sand.
Another Sea Star in a tidal pool.
Sea Turtle in the surf.
And now it is your turn. Let us know what's going on in your neck of the woods. :)