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 snakies in your yard? Seen any cool rocks or geological features? Post your observations and notes here. And photos. We like photos. :)
A couple weeks ago, St Petersburg re-did its entire bus system. Most of the bus numbers changed, and all of the routes were altered: some were split into two, many routes are now different, and the timetables were all changed. So now it feels as if I just moved here—I can’t find my way around, and most of the places I regularly go are longer and more complicated to get to.
But one place at least is now easier. Lake Seminole Park is a nice place to walk around and it always has lots of local birdies to see. It used to be a long trip involving two separate buses and a long wait in between. Now, I can catch the bus right near my house and it’s just a straight half-hour trip right to the park.
So, some shots from a walk at Lake Seminole. (It was nice to get out in the warm again after the freezing-ass cold.)
Lake Seminole
Typical Florida upland habitat—pine/oak forest with palmetto/fern understory
Alligator sunning himself
A couple of Coots
Osprey. Max zoom.
White Peacock Butterfly who made it through the cold
Moorhen keeps an eye on me
The “No swimming” signs are ignored by the Anhingas
And now it is your turn: where are you taking your walks?
We are always looking for new people to produce Daily Buckets, where we practice "backyard science" by reporting and recording what we have seen in the natural world around us (and no matter where you are--even in the middle of the city--there is nature around you). You don't need any science degrees or training or in-depth experience to be a backyard scientist, and you don't need any expensive camera equipment or photo-editing software to do Daily Buckets. All you need is a pair of eyes and ears, a phone with a camera, and a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm.
