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. :)
Some critters seen during a walk along Indian Rocks Beach, along the Gulf of Mexico.
Indian Rocks Beach is a typical tourist beach.
A bee on a Beach Sunflower.
Sea Oats.
Grasshopper resting on the sand dunes.
Bonaparte Gull. They are already changing into their winter plumage.
A roped-off sea turtle nest. This part of Florida is the breeding ground for Green Sea Turtles.
A Great Blue Heron who found himself some shade while the humans were swimming--and decided to check their stuff for anything interesting.
A large fish skeleton on the beach.
An Egret stalking a fish.
A seashell with a hole drilled into it by a predatory snail.
There were several species of sandpiper and plover running around, but this was one I don't recall seeing before. I think Peterson's is telling me it is a Ruddy Turnstone . . . ?
And now it's your turn--what's going on in your neck of the woods? :)