Birds of the Day--Golfing

Blue Heron at Jupiter Dunes
Jupiter, FL
April 20, 2022

Yesterday was a golfing day for Chris and me. We try to play golf on Thursdays and having that plan seems to be working as we are golfing more than not. 

Florida golf courses generally have a lot of water. The water creates hazards from which it is unlikely that the errant golf ball will be recovered. I know this because my golf balls seem to have a built in homing device to find water. 

Blue Heron Takes Off with Turtle Watching
Jupiter Dunes, Jupiter, FL
April 20, 2023

The enjoyable thing about the water, however, is the wildlife. Yesterday, for instance, I saw many turtles both in the water and on the shore, a couple very interesting herons, thousands of tadpoles, and even a fish that jumped completely out of the water. The wildlife mercifully distracted me from one of my most miserable rounds of golf in a long time.

I managed a unique image yesterday on the 6th hole, after my ball had rolled down the side of the raised green and into the water. I was setting up for an image of a blue heron with a turtle just off shore. And then, just as I snapped the image, the heron took flight. The turtle remained visible, near the top of the image on the left.

It was a beautiful morning for golf and I was happy to be on the course playing and able to enjoy the wildlife. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Birthday Burger for Lily

Lily Waiting for Birthday Hamburger
Odenton, MD
April 8, 2023

 Celebrating dog birthdays is something our family enjoys. We do not celebrate them with the same level of excitement that people receive, but they are special moments for the furry four-footed members of the family.

The other day Lily, Nicole and Mike's dog, celebrated her 5th birthday! The special event was planned for lunch time. We were having burgers and one had Lily's name on it. It was better than a birthday cake and in an effort to keep the event sane, the burger was quartered and given to her in pieces. I have the video below, but it is important that fingers were definitely at risk as the birthday burger was provided to the dog of honor!

Lily is a great dog. She is a rescue and a foster fail. She is devoted to the family and a steady, if not loud and excitable force in the house. No one would ever consider entering this abode uninvited once they hear Lily on the other side of the door--and they would be wise to heed her bark!

Sadly, I forgot to turn my phone to horizontal. Ugh. I hate it when that happens.

Everyone survived without permanent injury.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

It Came from Outside

Lizard on the Screen
Tequesta, FL
March 2, 2023

 There it was, a large, although not iguana-large, lizard hanging on the motorized screen we recently had installed to keep vermin away from our patio area. The real question was, was it on the inside or the outside. 

In the image the lizard appears almost like a monster from a "grade b" movie coming up from a dark lagoon somewhere. 

But it was there and it was my job to investigate and determine if the lizard was violating the sanctity of our patio area or safely outside. As lizards go, it was larger than most, but not nearly as large as an iguana or some of the red-headed lizards I have seen recently while biking. 

The invader was, as it turned out, inside of the closed screen near the top. Interestingly, there was no panic on the part of the lizard, I think it had been in the patio for at least 24 hours and was running low on food and it was still cool, making it slower. I was able to open the screen about a foot and gently guide the invader out of the enclosure with a broom. The operation was completed without injuring either myself or the lizard. 

I am not sure how the lizard came to be in the enclosure. We had the screen fully up for a few minutes the day before and that is likely when the visitor may have decided to check out the place--I hope that is the answer because there are no other obvious routes of entry. 

Time will tell. But for now, case closed.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Flat Water

Flat Atlantic Ocean
Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2023

 Walking the beach in the morning when the weather is nice is like opening a gift. I never know what to expect until I am standing on the stairs atop the sand dunes. 

That is what makes heading to the beach for the morning walk so invigorating and far better than walking around the neighborhood where I am assaulted by the sounds of vehicles and landscape maintenance equipment.

Shore Bird Taking off from the Beach
Jupiter, FL
February 22, 2023

Yesterday was a prime example. The ocean was flat! That almost never happens. Even the waves coming to the beach were some of the smallest that I have seen. The waves have transitioned, in less than a week, from monsters crashing on the beach to become gentle and almost caressing. That is part of the daily enjoyment, discovering what will the ocean be like today?

The birds and wildlife on the beach change daily as well.  I continue working with my camera to capture birds in various stages of flight, as in this image from yesterday of a shore bird taking off as I approached. The flat water provided a nice backdrop.

Yes, it was another day in South Florida.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Hump Day and the Beach

Morning Pelican Fly-over
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
February 15, 2023

 Yesterday was a more normal South Florida day. The weather moderated a bit, the temperatures were warmer and the winds were calmer. The better weather meant that there were two visits to the beach and a shortened bike ride, 12 vs 15 miles.

Sanderling Gathering
Jupiter Island Beach, FL
February 15, 2023

At the beach, both in the morning and at Happy Hour, we were greeted by birds. The morning fly over of pelicans was very enjoyable while in the afternoon the sanderlings gathered at our feet. As we went to a less visited beach in the afternoon the sanderlings seemed to be less wary and more aggressive. Chris of course baited them with some crackers, bet even before that they came within two feet of us to see if there were and morsels of food being shared.  

At one point yesterday afternoon on Jupiter Island Beach, Chris and I were the only people on the over one-mile long expanse of beach. It is always enjoyable to have the entire beach to ourselves.

Although the winds were calmer and Chris and I decided to head out for a bike ride, the wind was still strong and we cut out one 3 mile loop. We still managed over 12 miles and enjoyed the beauty of the day. This morning the winds seem to have returned and the sky has a rainy gray appearance and so we will have to see what develops as the day progresses. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Pelicans in Texas

 

White Pelicans
Fulshear, TX
February 8, 2023

Here we are, west of Houston and nowhere near the ocean and we were shown a large flock of white pelicans wintering on a local lake. They were a sight to see paddling around mostly together. 

We watched them paddle around together for a while. I had hoped to get closer, but they kept moving away from us. 

Single White Pelican
Fulshear, TX
February 8, 2023

In doing some research, I found that the White Pelicans winter in the Houston area but migrate back north to the Dakotas and Canada for summer breeding. There are a number that likely got lazy and remain in the Houston area full time, but this group seems too well formed to be locals. They appear to be together waiting to return north. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Lurking in the Water

 

Looking South from Loxahatchee River Bridge
Tequesta, FL
January 30, 2023

The South Florida idyllic January weather returned yesterday and Chris and I made the most of the opportunity to get outside and enjoy life. After a series of days with high winds, clouds, and occasional rain the blue skies and calm winds were welcome. 

We biked our base circuit, just over 15 miles, to enjoy the day and the weather. The water on the Loxahatchee River was very still and provided an amazing reflection of the shore and sky as we rode across the bridge in Tequesta about 9 AM. 

Portuguese Man O War
Loxahatchee River
January 30, 2023

It being Monday, later during the day we met friends at our favorite watering hole for a few adult beverages. The beauty of the day continued as we watched the sunset explode over the Jupiter Lighthouse. But my eye was attracted to something sinister floating in the Loxahatchee River. Something that I find all too often on the beach, but rarely in the river. It was a larger than normally seen Portuguese Man O War floating just in the river near where we were sitting.

The Portuguese Man O War is the bane of swimmers and snorkelers as well as beach goers. Their tentacles deliver a nasty sting than can ruin a beautiful beach day. Most of the ones washed up on the beach are small with a sail of up to 3 inches, but this one had a sail of about 10 inches, meaning its tentacles had to be at least that long under the water.

It is sad that the seemingly placid sight of a Portuguese Man O War floating on the river can have nasty consequences.

But such was the day. And the evening was perfect ending with friends at the Square Grouper.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Weird Item on the Store Shelf

 

Went into the Jupiter Home Depot the other day looking for some bug spray for a houseplant we want to bring inside. It was hard to find. 

There are all kinds of sprays and concoctions for various types of pests, but houseplants did not seem to be a big consideration. 

One thing that Chris and I did discover made us laugh. I have seen a lot of "get rid of" potions before, but this is uniquely a South Florida problem. 

Fortunately, Chris and I do not have a problem with iguanas, but we know that nearer the river some places do have iguanas. It was funny the other day when the temperatures dipped below 50 degrees that the public service announcement was about watching for falling iguanas. They tend to stop moving as temperatures fall below 50 and can fall out of the trees. 

Iguanas are not just a nuisance, they can be dangerous when falling from trees.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Wonder of the Sea - Day 4, Sea Day

Brown Booby
Wonder of the Seas, North Atlantic
January 10, 2023

 Day 4 was an at sea day. 

I enjoy at sea days because there is less stress about what are we going to do or where we are going to go. Such was the truth yesterday.

I spent some time trying to image the brown boobys flying next to the ship. That was fun. They are beautiful seabirds who gracefully navigate the winds and surf. I managed a few good images. They were flying in formation with the ship and they were so close. It's was inspiring to watch them fly, dance, and dive into the ocean to gather breakfast. 

Chris and I managed a 2-mile walk around the ship, just for fun. Later I called my Dad and wished him a happy 95th Birthday. Thank goodness for Wifi calling!

Looking Down on a Brown Booby
North Atlantic Ocean
January 10, 2023

The day was punctuated by spending time in the hot tubs and learning the game Magic - The Gathering. I am truly a novice, but the game is very interesting and as complex as one deems it necessary to be. 

We closed out the night at a Karaoke Bar singing. Or attempting to sing. Adult beverages made the event seem even better than it was. 

-- Bob Doan, Wonder of the Sea, North Atlantic headed for Puerto Rico

Lizards Amongst Us

 

Northern Curly Tailed Lizard
Tequesta, FL
December 16, 2022

One thing that has taken some time to get used to are the lizards which are everywhere. They range from very small to sizable; however, we do not have any (many) of the large iguanas in our area. With cold weather in the 30s expected next week there will be falling lizard warnings issued. When a large iguana gets cold and falls form a tree it is dangerous to those below.

Small lizards routinely dart across the sidewalks and street in front of me as I bike. I have decided that I will let Darwin determine their fate under my wheels. That are just too many to try and avoid.

Most of the lizards are the common curly-tailed lizards. On occasion I do see one with a brightly colored head scurry in front of me, but they are gone from view in the flash of an eye. 

As the weather has turned cooler the lizards are looking for warm places to reside. One enterprising lizard is making its home in the cover for the smoker. The lizard can be quite startling, as when it actually jumped onto my leg on its way to open land just off the porch. I have to admit, it was the first time a lizard had actually jumped onto me in an effort to escape. Later in the day it was back in the folds of the cover where it seems to be taking refuge from the cold. 

I remember when I first started coming to South Florida a couple decades ago that the lizards were quite an attraction. Now they have become part of the environment and we hardly notice them. Riordin does a good job keeping them out of the garage. I think he believes that he is the great lizard hunter! It gives him something to do. What else is there for an indoors cat to fill its time?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Woolly Worms and Predictions

 

Woolly Worm
Odenton, MD
November 23, 2022

Again this year I was confronted with an all black Woolly Worm, the predictor of a long and difficult winter.  Based upon recent experience and considering the terrible pre-Thanksgiving weather across the Great Lakes, I am guessing that this woolly worm is making an accurate prediction. 

It is interesting how we turn to animals to attempt to predict the upcoming weather patterns. As if they have any better idea than we about what is to come. We want to know the future, but are still surprised when it actually arrives. As an aside, officially and scientifically, an all black woolly worm does not really mean anything except it is possibly a different species. What a bummer. 

The weather he the past few days has actually been very nice and mild. I walked dogs outside without a coat on Thanksgiving morning. The sun was warm and enjoyable. I don't think the woolly worm predicted that nice weather. But I did enjoy it. 

Here is hoping that you had a nice Thanksgiving!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

The Line-up

 

Pelican Line-up
Jupiter, FL
November 16, 2022

The other evening, Chris and I meandered off to our local watering hole, The Square Grouper, to enjoy the waning afternoon sun and a few adult beverages. It is a great place to meet, situated along the banks of the Loxahatchee River with a view of the Jupiter Inlet and Jupiter Lighthouse. 

As we were sitting there an interesting sight happened on the next pier down river. A large group of pelicans landed and formed what appeared to be a police style line-up along the pier. I'm not sure which of the pelicans was the aggrieved party, but they remained for a long while also enjoying the waning afternoon sun. 

Zebra Butterfly
Tequesta, FL
November 18, 2022

Following this, yesterday as Chris and I were walking Finnegan we rounded a corner and were confronted by a group (do butterflies flock?) of Zebra butterflies. I am not sure what number constitutes a flock. And as I researched it, there is not just one name for a group of butterflies, there are many. I like kaleidoscope, but according to the article I found, What's A Group of Butterflies Called, "Other names include flight, swarm, army, wing, rabble, flock, roost, and bivouac."

I don't want to rub it in, but I am surely enjoying November in Florida. Yesterday the high was only in the 70s and it seemed cool. I rode 16 miles on my bike and thoroughly enjoyed both the weather and the ride.  I will miss the warm weather next week as we sojourn to Maryland for Thanksgiving. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Party Crashers

Party Crashers
Carlin Park Beach, FL
September 12, 2022

 

There we were. 

On the beach, enjoying a great Happy Hour with friends. There were a multitude of appetizers and some adult beverages along with spirited conversation while reveling in a glorious beach evening.

And then the party crashers arrived.

The birds. 

Almost like a scene out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Birds of multiple species: seagulls, terns, sanderlings, and Fish Crows. They gathered around us in hopes of enjoying a morsel being dropped or provided for their enjoyment. 

We actually enjoy having the birds join us, but sometimes there are too many of them flying around. It was fun to identify the different species, but some of them get a bit too close at times. 

I enjoy the wildlife, they provide comic relief.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Hour and Manatees

It was off the the beach last evening for Happy Hour. It had been a successful day and a respite before we begin accessing and unpacking the PODS. I managed to find gas for $3.359/gl and both of the vehicles which made the drive from Maryland were filled and prepped for the travel ahead associated with retrieving our belongings from the PODS. We have been driving our Florida car, the Camry, which had a full tank of gas and was ready to get out of the garage after four-and-a-half months of storage. 

Manatee off Jupiter Island
Jupiter Island, FL
September 6, 2022

As we walked down to the ocean's edge, I noticed large brown shapes moving in the water about 100 yards offshore. There were groups of large brown objects, about 20 of them. They were moving with and against the waves. There were no fins and so I determined they were not sharks or dolphins. It finally came to me, manatees. We watched them off the shore for a while until they moved off. It was amazing how they were spread out but also moving in small groups. It was truly an aggregation of manatees. 

Some excitement to end the day before we headed home to make dinner. It had been years since we had seen manatees off Jupiter Island.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Moving - Watching the Action

Riordin in the Empty Cupboard
Elkridge, MD
August 27, 2022

 Pets are very sensitive to the activities around the house. They get anxious when they see suitcases coming out of closets and being filled with clothes. They are even more anxious now, I believe, trying to understand why the house is empty and all of the places and things they were accustomed to are now gone.

The house is very empty, it echos.

Yet, there is a lot of activity and people coming and going. The activity and people also indicate to the furry friends that we live with that something is happening out of the ordinary. That has made the three of them, Riordin, Finnegan, and Makayla anxious. 

Riordin took the opportunity the climb into an empty cupboard yesterday and keep tabs on the activity. Riordin is generally not far from me. Like now, as I write this, he curled up right next to me on the futon. One of the last remaining pieces of furniture in the house. He will likely freak out on Tuesday as the futon departs along with the last remaining coffee table, end tables, and lamps which have been designated for disposal. At that point the living room will be empty.

The time remaining in the house is growing short, but the transition from a home to  house is effectively complete. 

And the pets are just hoping they don't get left behind. They stay close and remind us of their presence continuously. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Downsizing--Cat in a Bag

Riordin in the Wrapping Materials
Elkridge, MD
August 23, 2022

 Packing reached a fevered pitch yesterday. The PODS departs this morning for Florida and hopefully we are less than a week behind in making the trek south. The PODS is packed, although not fully, because we are not taking any furniture, save some lamps and a couple small tables. The PODS is full of mostly possessions and treasures intended to replace like possessions already in place in Florida. I expect that I will be actively on Facebook Marketplace once I arrive. 

As we were packing and wrapping the last of the items, Riordin, our cat, decided to crawl into a bag of wrapping material and cocoon himself inside. He wound up napping there most of the afternoon. He loves to nap in warm places and so this was not too out of the ordinary for him. We kept a close watch on him to ensure that is head remained outside of the plastic bag.

At least he found a place to hide out during the flurry of activity. 

Smart cat!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

P.S. Within a week, I expect that I my daily posts will be from Tequesta! Time in Maryland is drawing short. 

Caught in the Act

Makayla Caught in the Act
Elkridge, MD
August 22, 2022

 Keeshonden (the plural form of Keeshond) are known for being intelligent and devious. Makayla is no exception. She loves to clean-up Finnegan's left-overs, even though she knows she is not supposed to indulge. 

Yesterday, she got caught. Makayla has begun crawling into Finnegan cage to gain access to the left-overs, which sometimes are an entire meal. I usually do not notice it until she has to turn around in the confined space and the commotion alerts me to the crime.  Sadly, I pay the price for her indulgence in the form of, well to be polite, less than formed stools. I hate it when they are messy.

But, back to the story. 

I caught her coming out of Finnegan's cage after licking up the left-overs. She had that deer-in-the-headlights look on her face when she saw me. She fully knew that I was not happy, but she also knew she had won the battle of wills. She will do it again, of that I am sure. Finnegan's food is tempting. It is the cookie jar of dog food for her. And I will catch her with her paws in the cookie jar.

BTW, for those of you who know Makayla, she received a hair cut for the summer. That has made her much more mobile and devious!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rex--Soccer Star

 

Last Saturday, between our own packing and PODS loading and then heading over to help Patrick and Jen unpack their newly moved-in house, Chris and I were fortunate to take Rex, their American Bull Terrier, for a couple of walks to get him out of the house and away from the action. (I think I did OK with this long, but not run-on sentence).

Their new community at Tanyard Shores has a dog park. What a great idea! Building communities with dog parks. 

When we arrived at the park, it was clear that Rex had been there before. He immediately sought and found the purple ball and then the game was on. 

As can be seen, Rex has pretty good face-work with the ball. 

The only problem is that the ball is rough and it caused him to bleed a bit around his nose. I laughed at his antics until Chris and I realized that he was hurting himself and we had to separate the enthusiastic dog from the ball. That was an event, but we managed. 

It was a much needed "break in the action" for the three of us.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Hanging Around

 

European Garden Spider
Elkridge, MD
August 10, 2022

Walking through the garden yesterday morning, I came across a brave spider dangling from a tree branch trying to build what might have been the biggest web ever constructed. 

I stood for a few minutes watching the industrious spider. I learned something, this spider was able to wind-up its silk for apparent reuse. I didn't know that was possible.

This morning, I returned to where the spider was working and it was still there. A large web has, in fact, been constructed. 

I guess hunting is good and the hunter is not being hunted. I actually like spiders and appreciate the work they do to reduce the insect population. I don't appreciate their herbs in my face or hair, but that is a relatively minor issue. 

I wish I could just hang around, but there are too many things to do.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

On the Walk

 

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly
Elkridge, MD
July 15, 2022

Chris and I walk almost every morning. The principle purpose is to get Finnegan ready for the day, but the secondary purpose is to ensure that we get at least 30 minutes of continuous motion.

The route is not usually exciting, but it has its moments. 

For instance, yesterday a Red Spotted Purple butterfly was flying around a tree we walk past. I don't see many of these. When I checked the field guide, I initially confused it with a female Black Swallowtail, but as I checked closer I realized that it was not a swallowtail at all. I was lucky that the butterfly actually posed for a picture!

This route takes us past four condemned townhomes that were destroyed by fire on July 1st. They are boarded up and we have not seen must activity, yet. It is believed that a propane grill started the fire which spread to the adjoining units. It was very sad. We saw the activity as we returned home from Sint Maarten at about 1:30 AM on July 2nd. 

I guess it is all in the neighborhood.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD