Vermilion Flycatcher in Tucson

This brilliant red bird was busy feeding its chicks while I observed in Tucson, Arizona. I had never seen the Vermilion Flycatcher before in my life, since its habitat is primarily Mexico and reaching over the U.S. border to portions of southern Arizona. The adult male exhibits this brilliant red color on the body, with gray and white wings.

Vermillion Flycatcher feeding two of its young in Tucson, AZ, May 2023.

Vermillion Flycatcher seen in profile with its young on a nearby branch, Tucson, AZ in May 2023.

Male Vermilion Flycatcher takes flight from a high branch in Tucson, AZ in May 2023.

Great Egrets, Hatched and Hungry

“I’m hungry, Mama!” seems to be the universal cry of the baby. Just look at those big yellow beaks on the young American Egrets in the nest. I just love their scruffy appearance as the new feathers develop. They are neither elegant or silent yet — characteristic of the adults.

Young American Egrets call out from their nest in Venice, Florida, 2023.

Family of three American Egrets (Great Egrets). Baby egret spreads its developing wings, while the parent guards the nest. Venice Florida, 2023.

These baby egrets have not fledged yet and depend on the parents to deliver food. They seem to be getting restless as they wait for their feathers to develop. It is exciting to witness the dynamics of nesting season in Southwest Florida.

Threats of Invasive Species

Iguanas are not native to Southwest Florida, and they are definitely the “bad guys.” They climb the trees, as you see here, and invade nests of native birds like Anhinga, Heron, Egret and Osprey and eat the eggs — reducing the population of these beautiful native birds.

This large iguana, resting in a tree on a Naples golf course, has thrived by invading the nests of native birds and preying upon the eggs. It is one of several invasive species that are considered pests in Florida. This one might measure 3 feet or one meter in length.

Other invasive species that disrupt the ecosystem in Florida include the Burmese python and a certain species of frog that is toxic to dogs. Communities as well as National Parks work toward reducing their numbers. For their own safety, dogs need to be leashed to prevent them from chasing and biting one of these toxic frogs.

Friends of the environment in Florida talk about reducing water usage, fertilizer usage and run-off, excessive development. The use of native plants fosters native habitats which encourage growth of native species. Audubon certified golf courses actively work toward these goals and make members aware of how we can protect and preserve our natural environment.

River of Grass

The “Everglades” means ever flowing river of grass. It is a massive shallow river of grassy swamp that drains fresh-water Lake Okeechobee in a wide path southward. Its depth varies from the wet season to the dry season, and it creates a fertile habitat for thousands of species of reptile, fish, insects, birds and plants.

December is just the beginning of the dry season, but there is still enough water (with the help of from Hurricane Irma in September) — to provide reflecting pools like this.

December water levels turn the Shark River Valley into a reflecting pool on a sunny day.