Fort DeSoto Park is a historical area in the south of Pinellas County FL, where a gun fort was built just after the Spanish-American War to defend the entrance to Tampa Bay. The park also serves as a wildlife refuge. Here are some photos from a recent afternoon at Fort DeSoto.
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. :)
The park has beaches, picnic areas and barbecue grills for visitors, as well as several nature trails.
A group of Brown Pelicans fishing in the Bay.
Double-Crested Cormorant.
The omnipresent Laughing Gull. Or, as I affectionately refer to them, the "Sky Rat".
Great Blue Heron perched on the fishing pier, hoping to steal something.
A Snowy Egret makes a successful raid on someone's bait bucket.
A family of Osprey nesting atop part of the Fort's ruins.
Because this species of Yucca has a hard sharp tip on its leaves, it is known as "Spanish Bayonet".
A Beach Morning Glory and a Beach Sunflower.
Sea Grapes.
Prickly Pear Cactus.
Sandpiper hunting along the beach.
White Ibis hunting in the surf.
Sea Oats.
And now it's your turn--what's up in your neck of the woods? :)