Just for fun - Palmetto Bay Bird Feeder Cam - common grackles - bullies at the feeder cam

Just for fun.  No politics - just watching birds with elbows - looking to dominate at the feeder cam.

Currently in bloom in our backyard oasis - our Callicarpa Americana, commonly called the American Beautyberry

We are often asked how we have come to enjoy so many native songbirds in our Palmetto Bay yard - the answer is proper planting.

What’s blooming today: our Callicarpa Americana, commonly called the American Beautyberry. Per Wikipedia- this is an open-habitat, native shrub of the Southern United States which is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and yards. American beautyberries produce large clusters of purple berries, which birds and deer eat, thus distributing the seeds.

I’m planning to take cuttings from this plant to add additional plants throughout our yard.

We are looking forward to the 2025 growing season including Eureka and Meyer Lemons, Pineapples and possibly joining this year: Valencia Oranges.

2025 is shaping up as a bummer crop year for our mango trees. - so far.  Our home was built on a former commercial mano grove - hence the subdivision name - Clinton Groves. We grow the Haden and Tommy Atkins varieties.  

But we are hopeful that 2025 will also be the year of our citrus trees! Our Eureka and Meyer Lemons appear to be set to produce in good numbers.

We added a Valencia Orange tree.  (blooms are pictured immediately below). It is heavy with blooms this year - so fingers are crossed that we will see some oranges this year. 

We even have a couple of Pineapples growing, but I assume those will be later in 2026.

Stay tuned.

Cardinal feeding time at the Palmetto Bay Bird Feeder Cam

Looking forward to a chill weekend - figuratively as well as literally.  

The bushes are full of cardinals who are taking turns feeding at the Palmetto Bay Bird Feeder Cam.  

The real attraction is not the food in the feeder.  We have planted our yard with native plants that provide significant natural food sources and nesting opportunities for our native songbirds. 

Red-whiskered Bulbul sighting. It has been a while

Spotted out front of the home. I apologize for not obtaining a photo, but these birds don't wait log and pose for photos. 

The story behind the Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) Information taken from the online audubon.org field guide (CLICK HERE to view more information)

When a few Red-whiskered Bulbuls escaped from an aviary in the Miami area in 1960, they found an environment perfectly suited to their needs. The climate was not too different from that of eastern India, where they had originated; and the suburb of Kendall, Florida, was heavily planted with exotic trees and shrubs, providing the bulbuls with abundant berries throughout the year. The birds quickly became established, but they have not spread much beyond Kendall. 

Yet another reason to plant food sources in order to attract and enjoy your own backyard oasis.

PRIOR RELATED POSTS:

June 24, 2021, Wildlife photography - pictures give reason to appreciate and therefore the drive to protect our local wildlife - Photos by Jennifer Santino-Finger that aid other local wildlife activists.

March 18, 2021, Videos of the Day. Slowing down to appreciate the little things. 2 videos

March 11, 2020, Just for fun - backyard wildlife entertainment. Squirrel lunchbox.

January 29, 2020, Video of the Day - the sounds of morning in Palmetto Bay. Birds are singing and squirrels are barking

March 22, 2019, Bees plan on working through the weekend. Our Dombeya Seminole plant is "abuzz". POD

June 20, 2015, Photos of the Day - Mainland Marsh Rabbit

April 19, 2015, Earth Week - the events have begun in Palmetto Bay! Join us. Photos of the day - Bird Watching Workshop

April 2, 2012, A must read: Miami Herald’s "The wildlife is in the backyard". I would suggest a friendly competition / coordination between the sister cities to surpass Broward County in creating more backyard retreats

Trail Cam - upstate NY 8-3-2021 - just what goes on at 3 AM in the Adirondack forest?

The weekender. Ever wonder what native animals are out wandering around the Adirondack forest in the early predawn hours?

Most don't. My daughter does.  I am interested as well. She set up her trail cam. Here is one video she sent me (I am hoping for more).

Racoons! Really? These little scavengers are out looking for unsecured food.

I have to admit. I was hoping for some bears. At least a video of the groundhog that she has been seeing around lately.

I will post any additional videos that merit posting.

Enjoy your weekend. Stay dry. This may be a very wet weekend here in South Florida.

Weekender - POD - Morning Glory awesomeness – Pictures of the day

Just for fun, enjoying some photos from my eldest daughter of her Morning Glories.

Our oldest daughter planted morning glories with the goal of attracting golden tortoise beetles to their yard. Planted morning glories specifically to attract golden tortoise beetles. It worked! And they responded by showing up! Her opinion? “They’re awesome.” See PRIOR RELATED POST of June 25, 2021, Weekender: The GOLDEN TORTOISE BEETLE: pest or fun outdoor curiosity? Pic and description

Enjoy the awesomeness.

Have a great weekend.

Your friend and neighbor,

Eugene Flinn

Female Cardinal visits the restocked squirrel feeder - July 10, 2021

Disappointed cardinal - the squirrel feeder is bare.

Native rat snake seen along the Deering roadway. Beautiful. Saturday AM, 6/26/21

Native Rat Snake. Yes,  coaxed it out of the way of all the runner, walker and cycling traffic across from Deering on 72nd. Appeared very lumpy. Maybe had recently enjoyed a meal and was looking to heat up to digest it.

Weekender: The GOLDEN TORTOISE BEETLE: pest or fun outdoor curiosity? Pic and description.

This is definitely one situation where the phrase “to each his own…” applies. One person’s pest is a welcomed natural curiosity to another. Have you ever actually taking a hard look through your home and yard to see just how many creatures make up our local environment?

Our oldest daughter planted morning glories with the goal of attracting golden tortoise beetles to their yard. Planted morning glories specifically to attract golden tortoise beetles. It worked!And they responded by showing up! Her opinion? “They’re awesome.”

Photo Credit: Kat Flinn

WHAT ARE GOLDEN TORTOISE BEETLES?

Also known as goldbugs, or golden lady bugs, golden tortoise beetles are a common garden pest that chew through the leaves of various plants, especially morning glory vines and sweet potato vines. Despite their destructive nature, golden tortoise beetles are actually rather handsome bugs.

Pests? I have yet to hear someone bemoan damage to their morning glory vines or sweet potato vines. Let the little bugs nosh! The golden tortoise beetle is distributed widely in eastern North America, west to about Iowa and Texas. It is one of three species of tortoise beetle found in Florida.

FUN FACT: When disturbed, it turns a dull reddish-orange with black spots. When its dies, it's the same reddish orange. The golden tortoise beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata bicolor) is generally not viewed as a serious pest. (which, I am sure, is what makes these beetles so 'awesome')

Does anyone (knowingly and intentionally) host golden tortoise beetles at their home? Hopefully you don’t find them to be a menace that must be destroyed. Live and let live.

INTERESTING READ: Scientific American online: Glad you ditched the anal fork, Golden Tortoise Beetle, By Becky Crew on July 4, 2012

POD - Slowing down to appreciate the little things. Photos of bees enjoying their morning wild coffee in Palmetto Bay

Another post for the series: Remember and live by Rule #32 (Zombieland):

"Enjoy the Little Things”.

I wonder if the honey that is eventually produced will have the slight taste of coffee?

Sometimes you just have to stop and look at the blooms. Not all are as dramatic as the giant flowers such as Hibiscus or various orchids. They are no less important, and are quiet nice to view for those who slow down and "enjoy the little things"

CLICK HERE to read source material relating to Wild Coffee located in South Florida.

Videos of the Day. Slowing down to appreciate the little things. 2 videos

Native landscaping serves our native wildlife. Go too fast and you will miss the local 'wildlife' as they go about their life. The swale area between the south bound US1 and bus lanes is alive with small yellow butterflies feeding off native plants some call weeds.

(Video above: a short take)

Sometimes you need to slow down and view nature fighting to make a go of it in our suburban areas. Put down the phone and look for it. Of course here I used my phone (I was a passenger) to view and record this activity.

Remember and live by Rule #32 (Zombieland):

"Enjoy the Little Things”.

(Video below: a longer look)

Native Bee hive or MEGA wasp nest? Fell with the palm frond and broke up on the driveway. Any assistance on identification? Pictures provided.

Here are some photos of the nest that fell and broke upon impact with the driveway. I failed to notice it for the (obvious) long time that it spent up on the tree. 

Please feel free to help in identifying whether this was a native Bee hive or MEGA wasp nest. Sad if its a native bee hive. Good riddance if its a MEGA wasp nest.

Please feel free to email your identification to eugeneflinn@bellsouth.net

Thank you.

The mango trees would have (or perhaps did provide significant pollen for the bees. Mango flavored honey and more pollinators to assist in producing more mangoes - a true win/win!

Earth Day – Birding Palmetto Bay – and the Audubon birdathon – the is still time to watch and tally local birds.

Look out your window or step out into your yard – what birds can you see? Mocking Birds, various finches, Owls, Grackles, Humming Birds, Minor Birds, Woodpeckers, Ibis, Egrets, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Hawks, Doves, Pigeons, Vultures, Herons, and some exotics like Red-Whiskered Bulbuls, Macaw Parrots and several varieties of Parakeets have been seen in our yard. We even enjoyed a ‘wild’ Turkey who showed up at our original home in Palmetto Bay, lost and hanging out with the ducks on the street (and protected by all who lived on our street). What have you seen? Listen and look. But you have to travel to a suburban strip mall to see one of my simple personal favorites – the sparrow. The Red Wing Blackbirds do not seem to be nearly as common from when I was a youth.

 

There are more varieties around the canals, at Deering, along our coastal areas. We’ve had nesting Bald Eagles, Egyptian Geese, Pelicans, Anhingas, white geese, and several varieties of ducks.

The Audubon birdathon started on Earth Day (April 22) and will run through April 29. Bird-watchers can upload their observations on an online form and Audubon will create a tally for the whole state. Young birders can win prizes for their entries. Again, this is a family-friendly activity.

Interesting in joining the count? Read the Miami Herald article - Birding in the time of COVID-19: It can be done from an apartment window, April 25, 2020, by Adriana Brasileiro

Also see prior blog articles relating to our local Palmetto Bay environment, including:

August 11, 2019, POD - more Everglades nature calling Palmetto Bay home - look at what is also found in these photos; with what the Anhinga is sharing the canal bank

February 9, 2019, POD - Pelicans greeting park goers in Palmetto Bay - at Deering Point.

April 19, 2015, Earth Week - the events have begun in Palmetto Bay! Join us. Photos of the day - Bird Watching Workshop

November 14, 2012, Great bird and butterfly plants for a small yard - Home & Garden - Miami Herald.com

October 22, 2011, Is Bird Watching the new hit? No need to travel far for Miami -Dade County Residents

Photos of the day - nature's art - color in the yard to try to lighten the mood.

Nature is doing its best to try to lighten the COVID-19 stay at home doldrums.

 Note the Bougainvillea providing a show in red (left rear background of photo) 

Just for fun - backyard wildlife entertainment. Squirrel lunchbox.

The video is from December 2013. It is a not so serious day. Sometimes you have to appreciate the antics of the local wildlife trying to make a go of it in our backyards. We still have the squirrels and they still have the squirrel lunchbox. The squirrels are far too often too distracting, making it tough to work from home.

Prior related post: May 20, 2012, Update on the backyard feeder. I am testing the accuracy (or promise) of one of the greatest product consumer reviews of all time. 

Why I bike - local nature, environment and other eclectic sights seen via cycling South Miami-Dade County. Presidents Day 2020 excursion

From the "Why I bike" series. Presidents Day weekend 2020 was yet another great weekend to be active outside and view our South Miami-Dade County communities.

Above - seen along the Biscayne Trail - an abandoned bike carelessly thrown into the canal adjacent to SW 87th Avenue - south of SW 216th Street.

Above left & right: The infamous bike pose- #BAAW - where it crosses over the Deering Estate Flow-Way -along the Old Cutler Trail that runs from SW 87th Avenue Traffic Circle in Cutler Bay, through Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest - ending at the Cocoplum Traffic Circle in Coral Gables. 

Looking over the bridge, looking West (back toward Old Cutler Road) at some of the water flowing properly (as best as possible) back through the Deering wetlands into Biscayne Bay. The photos were taken attempting to book end parts of the Deering Estate Flow-Way - This is a (CERP) project that I am proud to have been involved in advocating for. This was a South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) project (CLICK HERE for more). 

The Deering Estate project is part of a larger master plan to restore Biscayne Bay, known as the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project. This plan is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which is helping to restore the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of fresh water in the South Florida ecosystem.

Take your family out there sometime when the water is running. The otters seem to like it, but good luck spotting them.

And of course, Deering Point (17350 Old Cutler Road  Miami, FL 33157) is located adjacent to the C-100 Canal at the southern point of the Deering Estate property. It’s almost like being in the Florida Keys as there is free public access to Biscayne Bay for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, watching a sunrise, and fishing. 

Below – families enjoying kayaking and a beautiful flat water day. (photo credits - all photos on this page were taken by me on the 2/17/2020 Presidents Day Ride)

The Ride route:

Prior related post in the "Why I Bike" series: June 30, 2019, Why I bike - local nature seen via cycling South Miami-Dade County. Bears, tortoises, fish and Iguanas - also known as Palmetto Bay resident Mike Estevez and team run across a wild bear (and thankfully, it got away - eluding capture)

Video of the Day - the sounds of morning in Palmetto Bay. Birds are singing and squirrels are barking

Most people don't recognize the sound of a barking squirrel - or the sound of an owl in their backyard. Good morning Palmetto Bay - It’s morning and the morning air is filled with the sounds of songbirds - and squirrels barking out their morning announcements. I think the squirrels are getting impatient waiting on the 2020 mango crop.

POD Christmas Day in Acton, MA - Photos by Mark Merwitzer.

Christmas Day in Acton (MA) -  Photos by Mark Merwitzer.

The community Owl, keeping an eye on a family gathering in Acton Massachusetts.

Acton Massachusetts according to Wikipedia:  Acton is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, approximately twenty-one miles west-northwest of Boston along Route 2 west of Concord and about ten miles southwest of Lowell. The population was 21,929 at the 2010 census.

Acton sounds similar to Palmetto Bay Florida in size, but much colder.

Thank you Mark Merwitzer for the photos.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY HANUKKAH