That's a Big One!

   Yesterday morning, Mark was on the pier catching mullet in the net.  It was amazing the number of fish he was catching in the short time he had been there.  Then...he spied the huge critter!  After giving me a call, he started taking photographs of one of the largest alligators in the area.  That thing was HUGE!  Just by estimating (next to pier posts), the gator easily seemed to be 11 or 12 feet in length! 

  Normally, the alligators keep their distance with only a couple of times finding one venturing close to the pier while we were there.  This big, ole gator just kept coming!  Soon it was right where Mark had been throwing the net!  (As you can see in one of the photographs, it was literally right against the pier!)  Wisely, Mark stopped throwing the net and kept HIS distance from the critter.  It was not long before our "friendly" critter had enough of this closeness and started moving on its way to the mouth of the Bayou.  It was then that Mark could breathe a bit easier and continue with his mulleting.

  It is not often that we get the chance to observe the gators of this size.  Most that visit are under 8 feet and...most have the good sense to stay a wee bit further away from the pier.  After talking it over, we decided that either the gator is the one messing with the crab pots or the constant splashing of the net got the best of its curiosity.  Whichever, the best move was just let the massive critter go on its happy way.  Just like with snakebites, more people get injured (or killed) by messing with the gators than if they are allowed to move along on their own.  If you are going to live on a Bayou or near any body of water, you have to respect the critters that are there.  It is their territory.  We are the intruders.  Mark's decision to not harass the alligator was the right way of dealing with it.  (Only twice has this huge gator been seen near our pier.  It usually stays far from here and only visits rarely.  Quite exciting to see it, however!)

Grasshopper Watch!

   Since the first of April, we have been battling the hoards of Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers.  Millions (yes, millions!) of these things hatch out in the spring.  Each "mound" of hatchlings finds about thirty of the brick red critters seeking sunshine as they dig their way out of the ground.  While they are in this stage, they are relatively easy to get rid of but give them a day and it is a different story.  They turn black with a red stripe and then are fast little buggers!  Like I said, each mound contains about thirty grasshoppers and those mounds are about two feet apart over this whole hillside which should give you the idea why I said millions.  We do what is called the "grasshopper stomp" which was far easier when there were three kids to help.  Now...I am old.  I try.  Thankfully, Mark has found that the cheapest bug spray works on them so he goes around spritzing the critters.  Two months (April and May) of little critters and now (July and August), we fight the three inch long, multicolored adults.  Those we missed months ago are coming "home" to mate and lay eggs.  They would not be so bad if they did not eat everything in sight...so we try to get rid of what we can.  We are constantly on "grasshopper watch", it seems.

  I did find a different grasshopper and allowed this one to live in peace.  I have no problem with the critters that are not trying to take over the world!  On one of the navel orange trees, there was a huge Obscure Bird Grasshopper.  This was a lovely female as she was a good three inches long.  (Males are much, much smaller.)  I was impressed with the gentleness of the critter as she stayed put on the same branch for several days and allowed me to photograph her without being alarmed.  Perhaps she knew that she was safe purely because she only nibbled the leaves and did not strip the entire tree!  

  Have you ever wondered what is behind that name?  Obscure Bird Grasshopper may not seem to be the most logical title to bestow upon an insect but, if you delve into the whys and wherefors of the reason, it is perfect.  First, the obscure part.  Most of the time, we tend to think of obscure as being another word for being kept out of sight or hidden.  Well, in Latin (remember all those hard to pronounce names given to plants and critters?...yeah...those), obscure can also mean dusky or dark.  This critter is pretty brown so the name fits.  Now for the bird part.  If you ever have the opportunity to literally "poke" one so it flies, you will see how the name applies.  The bug is impressive with its flight abilities and does resemble a small bird!  

  It is sad to have to make a decision of what lives and what does not but, purely for the sake of the gardens, the Eastern Lubbers have to go.  If there were only a few, they would be allowed to live in peace just as the Obscure Bird Grasshopper does.  I normally stick with my mantra of "Live and let live." but I depend on my gardens to stock the pantry shelves for our food.  A nibble here and there...no problem!  A complete destruction of the plots?....not happening.

Dead Fish Don't Swim Fast!

   Fishing is not only a pleasant pastime here on the Bayou, it is also a way to put a meal on the table.  Just today, I baked a nice redfish and made some garlic shrimp alfredo.  Paired with broccoli and crowder peas, things just don't get much better.  Both the fish and shrimp were fresh caught by Mark just yesterday making the meal, not only healthy, but also almost free!  It is times like this that I love living right where I do.

  Earlier, I had been cutting back the Boysenberry vines when I heard a loud screaming.  Three ospreys were busying themselves with catching mullet in the shallows of the Bayou.  One stayed put on a limb of a pine while the other two hunted.  This made it clear that the single one was the offspring that had just fledged.  The parent birds were trying to entice their youngster to try diving for a mullet but it was having no part of that exercise.  Instead, the young bird screamed for a free meal and, soon, mom evidently felt sorry for the lug of a kid and alit in the same tree with a large mullet.  She was not giving in too rapidly however as she made the kiddo work for its meal.  Just as the younger bird would attempt to grab the fish, she would fly to a nearby tree.  Kiddo followed and again tried to snatch the mullet.  Nope! she flew back to the original pine and waited.  After a moment, her offspring came begging.  This went on for several minutes before she actually "dropped" the mullet and the younger one had to fly down after it!  Easy catch!  Dead fish don't swim very fast!  The youngster had its prey and felt mighty proud of itself!  After a squeal of delight, it set to work devouring its breakfast.  In the meantime, Mom and Dad headed out to the Bay to catch their own meals leaving the kiddo on his own.

  The birds don't have the option that we do of stockpiling foodstuffs for when times are bleak.  Two of our freezers are filled to the brim with enough fish, shrimp and crabs to last through hard times.  Add that to the one freezer filled with vegetables and the thousand or so jars of fruit and veggies on the pantry shelves and we shall not go hungry.  The ospreys have to work daily for their meals so it is highly important that their offspring learn the tricks of the trade as soon as they fledge.  Then...they are on their own. It is a matter of survival...

A New Generation of Cooters...Hopefully!

  While out picking figs, I noticed a large "blob" down the hill near the wild persimmon trees.  This blob was doing a slow wobble back and forth which meant only one thing...this was a female turtle digging a hole with her hind legs.  I eased my way down the hillside to get a better look. Sure enough, a female Cooter turtle was in the process of creating the perfect nest for her eggs.  The soft mulch had been pulled aside and she was now digging in the sandy soil beneath.  She stopped for a moment to see if I was a predator.  I slowly edged around her a good thirty feet away so as to not unduly disturb her.  After making a wide circle around, I headed back to my chore and left her in peace.  As I picked figs, I had a good view of the turtle's choice spot.  Even though she hesitated for a few moments when she noticed me, she resumed her goal of egg-laying.  It was not long before she had completed the task at hand and turned to head back into the marsh.

  I am not certain that the name is correct but these have always been Cooter turtles to me.  Pop first mentioned the name when we had the turtles in the huge pond on the old farmplace.  The back of the Bayou is filled with such wonders as these turtles and they make their way up the hillside to lay eggs.  I am always impressed that any of the eggs ever hatch since so many predators are eager to dig the nests. Raccoons, fox, bobcats, rats and even crows will dine on the eggs given a chance.

  *Little known fact about Cooter turtles!  Are you aware that these turtles cannot swallow when out of the water?  They mostly eat aquatic plants but will catch insects and small fish when available.  Regardless of their meal, they have to go underwater to swallow it.  Now you know...sort of interesting at least to me.  

  Since I know exactly where this nest is, my aim is to keep watch.  If no predators raid the spot, perhaps the little ones will make it back down the hill to the marsh.  They will go from one predator-filled spot into another.  Hopefully, they will survive and another generation can be seen sun-basking on the marsh mats of the Bayou.

Metallic Dragonflies?

   It does not surprise me to see hundreds of dragonflies around the two small ponds.  What are ponds for if not to entice dragonflies to lay their eggs in the shallows?  Personally, I figure we need about ten thousand more of the critters.  Perhaps, then, there will be less mosquitoes.  Since the "powers that be" (those in charge of the cities around here) have decided that mosquito prevention programs are not necessary anymore, there has been a literal explosion of the pests.  It has basically been impossible to spend any time at all outside without being eaten alive.  They are just that bad.  The dragonflies have their work cut out for them, for sure!

  At daybreak, I meandered about the place (swatting mosquitoes).  As I neared Puddle Pond, a slight gleam of silvery blue caught my eye.  A lovely dragonfly was resting in the sunbeams that filtered through the ginger plants.  Wow!  It was lovely!  The rest of my time outdoors was spent photographing the insect. My mind kept whirling with ideas of how to replicate this marvelous creature in some artform. Mother Nature sure can turn out some beauties!

The Happy Couple

   For several years now, a Great Blue Heron has been coming to the pier for handouts.  The bird was a juvenile when it first appeared and I felt sorry for it.  It was skinny and was not the best at catching its own meals.  After naming him "Moe", I fed him almost every day.  The bird would actually wait for me on the end of the pier, take mullet from my hand and then follow me after the feeding.  Moe was a welcome diversion to many troubles at the time.  

  Feeding him did the trick!  Moe grew into a handsome adult who claimed his territory and could fish with the best of them.  He obviously needed a gentle nudge in the right direction and once that help was given, he flourished.  Last year, however, Moe disappeared.  I feared that he had met his end by the jaws of the alligator that lurks around the pier.  Well, critters come and critters go so life went on with me turning my attention elsewhere.  This spring, lo and behold, Moe returned!  It was as if time had never lapsed and we were back just as before.  It was good to see my old friend.

  Yesterday, Moe came to visit but brought a friend.  This was a young female who was dubbed "Mellie".  Ms. Mellie is a beauty!  I had the distinct feeling that Moe had brought Mellie by as an introduction.  Here she could get a free meal if needed and not have to worry about being harmed.  Our visit was brief.  Moe flew into the back of the Bayou with Mellie following close behind.  Hopefully, this is a sign that the two will be nesting nearby and will bring a few young'uns around soon.  We shall wait and see!

The Signature!

   Lately, we have been noticing a lot of holes being dug in the yard.  These usually appear overnight.  They are not large being only a few inches in diameter.  They are deep in comparison to that diameter as they are approximately ten inches deep.  We pondered what could be digging and why.  First thought was the armadillos digging after grubworms.   I had seen several armadillos and actually knew a pair had a den under an old boat near the marsh.  I figured those critters were helping keep our yard free of pesky grubs.  Mark had often said we need to put out the night-camera so we could catch them in action. I should have but never did.

  Today as we were on our late afternoon hike, we stumbled upon yet more holes.  These were freshly dug (as in last night fresh).  It surprised me to see that several of the holes had been dug in the gravel pathway.  Well...I guess grubworms are there, too, but that sure seemed to be some hard digging.   We continued back toward the canebrake following the holes.  The critters had been busy!  

  Suddenly, I realized that I was blaming the wrong critter!  These were not dug by armadillos, at all!  The critter left its signature by one hole!  A telltale footprint was all it took for me to know that the raccoons were digging the holes.   They were after much the same things as the armadillos would have been.  Coons will eat just about anything and are not above digging for grubs, earthworms, insects or even roots.  I figured that we fed the coons enough from what we put in the compost pile to keep them from digging but I suppose I was wrong.  That footprint gave it all away!

Just A Friendly Spider!

   Oh, the things we find!  Son has been doing a huge cleanup of the yard this past week.  With most of the termite-damage reconstruction of the Little Bayou House completed, it was time to regain the yard.  This has gone on for too long.  I had started the cleanup and relandscaping back before falling ill but that all came to a standstill during my recuperation period.  When he finished rebuilding the pier, Son took over the cleanup.  He has done most of the "heavy" work but has no clue how I want to "pretty" up the place.  His idea of the perfect yard would have no gardens, no ponds, no fences and definitely no decorations of any kind.  A clean, clear lawn would suit him fine.  Me?  I need the mystery that outdoor "rooms" create.  Winding pathways, dark, shady nooks, babbling water features (snakes and frogs included) and funky gates.  All of those things are up to me.  He does, however, call me whenever he finds some odd critter during his work.  Today, a spider put a halt to the chores.

  Son called me as he was clearing a pile of lumber.  "Hey, there is a bug."  I knew to grab the camera because it had to be something out of the ordinary if he brought attention to it.  Sure enough, it was an odd looking critter.  When I told him it was a Long-jawed Spider, he shrugged and muttered something about it had long legs not a long jaw.  Well, he had a point but the spider's name would have to stay.

  Long-jawed Spiders are pretty neat critters.  They have figured out that nighttime provides for the best hunting and so they while away the daytime hours in hiding (like this one).  In the evening, the spider will crawl out of its nook and spin a large web usually over water.  They depend on the morphing of water bound larvae to adults as a food source.  Mosquitoes, mayflies and midges all lay eggs in water. When the larvae develop into adults and leave the water, they become ensnared in the spider's web.  Spider is happy....I am happy....a lot less bugs.  

  Since Son wanted to complete his chore, I gently moved our friendly spider to a spot closer to the little Puddle Pond.  She can have lots of hiding places and will be able to catch any flying critters tonight.  Happy hunting, Long-jawed Spider!  You are welcome to stay here!

Critter Of Many Names!

  Today was obviously Bug Day and I had no idea.  Son was outside doing a bit of cleanup after some construction work and I was inside baking him some cookies. I figured one good turn deserves another and I have yet to see a young man turn down a plate of cookies!  Just as I was about to pop another tray into the oven, I sensed he was at the backdoor.  Ok, so what was up with that.  Sure enough, I checked and he was standing there.  "Umm, I am too dirty to come inside but I wanted to show you something." he stated.  I knew this had to be good!  Son does not get excited over critters but he knows I do.  I put down the cookie sheet (unbaked) and grabbed the camera.  Something was up!

  Sure enough, he had found a four inch long Spit Tobacco! Or, in fact, two of the critters. (It is mating season for these insects.)  This is not the true name and is only one of many given to this critter.  Spit Tobaccos, Devil's Horse, Prairie Alligator, Witch's Horse, Devil's Darning Needle and Musk Mare are all names given to the Two Striped Walking Stick.  As you can tell by the common names, most folks do not think too kindly of this critter and rightly so.  When agitated, this walking stick has a weird defense.  It has glands that create some pretty foul gunk and it can actually spit it at a predator.  The "spray" is actually toxic and if the critter can aim and hit the eyes of its predator, the stuff can actually temporarily blind it not to mention how painful it is.  I have heard tell that the walking sticks have remarkable aim so be careful if you find one!

  Pop was the one who taught me about "Spit Tobaccos".  As a kid, I was curious about all critters (still am) and wanted to hold everything.  Pop was pretty good about letting me explore but when I was in danger, he would let me know.  "Best steer clear of that one.  It will spit tobacco juice in your eyes and it will really hurt."  For the longest time, I truly thought that the critter chewed tobacco and would spit at me.  Well, I was partly right.  They do spit..just not tobacco juice.  Funny thing, any sort of tobacco product disgusts me to this day.  Ain't no critter gonna spit at me!

The Helping Hand...uhh...Talon...Beak...

  Occasionally, something occurs on the Bayou that truly saddens me.  Recently, an osprey was seen acting rather strange.  The bird appeared to be exhausted from flying but with each attempt to land in the old pine, a struggle would ensue and the bird would take flight again.  My first thought that something was in the tree that was prohibiting the bird from landing.  Maybe a large snake was there as rat snakes are known to even be in the tops of the tall pines.  Since I had nothing better to do, I sat down and watched the osprey.  Again and again, it made the attempt to alight in the tree to gain some much needed rest but each attempt was aborted.  Fatigue is not a good thing when you are in flight.

  Soon, the osprey flew low overhead and I was able to view the full bird.  It became quite apparent what was ailing the poor bird.  Evidently, the bird had tried to catch a fish but that fish was its undoing.   Wrapped around the osprey's legs was a fishing line with cork still attached.  The bird could not use its legs!  My heart started breaking for the bird.  What was it going to do??  Ospreys depend on those strong legs and talons for more than just perching in a tree.  Without the use of its legs, an osprey cannot fish for food.  I sat fretting over the bird and trying to figure how it could be helped.

  It was not long before it became clear that my help was not needed.  The bird did a belly-flop on the shore on the other side my brother's pier. It screamed for its mate who quickly came and between the two of them, they managed to pull the line from the legs of the exhausted bird!  The tired bird took flight again and landed on her perch in the pine.  Soon her devoted mate brought her a nice size fish...WITHOUT a hook and line.  The love and care that the male osprey showed for his ladylove was amazing.  The resiliency and determination of both birds is something that should be inspirational to all humans.  I sure learn a lot from the critters around here and I am so thankful that, what could have been devastating, turned out to be truly incredible. I only wish the camera lens could have caught this feat but the distance was just too great. 

This One Tolerates Me...

  Yesterday, I made mention of my preference of critter friends over people friends, as I have so many times in the past.  It is just a "me" thing as I prefer peace and I often find that in the animals of the Bayou.  They are merely trying to survive and have no time for frivolous drama and pettiness.  I, also, stated that there are some critters here that plain do not wish to be buddy-buddy with me and I fully respect that.  

  One of those "not so close" critters is the osprey.  Ospreys have their standards of who is to be trusted and I am obviously not one on their list.  In fact, their list is rather short.  I am not sure they even like other ospreys.  That said, there are a couple around who do not mind my presence purely because they have grown accustomed to my daily hikes about the hillside.  I still consider them as my friends but I have not gained the honor of being "their" friend.  That is ok.  I can still watch and admire them from a distance.

  Early this afternoon, a beautiful osprey sat on the pier post as I was meandering down the board path.  I could hear its screams as soon as I opened the front door so it was only natural that I venture down that way.  The osprey was resting from a day of hunting.  Earlier, it flew over the house with a rather large fish but was back within a few moments.  I assume that either it "presented" its catch to its potential mate or lost the fish to an eagle.  (Eagles are notorious thieves!  They will wait until an osprey catches a fish, then steal it rather than work to catch their own!)  The ospreys do not nest until early April so I am hesitant to say the fish fed little ones but with the warm weather, anything is possible...not plausible nor probable but surely possible.

  This afternoon, the osprey stayed put until I was well on halfway down the pier.  The bird eyed me constantly as if in hopes that I would retreat back up the hillside.  Once it took flight, it made a huge loop and came back to the same post.   I stood watching then turned to let it rest in peace.  There was no need in disturbing this majestic bird.  I was happy just to catch a couple of photos from the distance.

It Is NOT Spring!

  Our winter has not been.  We are sitting at about 70 degrees here tonight and each day has been much the same.  We do have the occasional dip in the temperatures which puts us down into the 30s but those times have been far apart.  This unusually warm time has most of the critters around the Bayou in a state of confusion.  Birds are nesting, fur bearing critters are shedding their winter coats and snakes are out and about.  Today, I saw evidence of another bit of wannabe spring.  

  I opened the front door to be engulfed in a huge swarm of flying ants.  Ugh!  I immediately stepped back indoors, shut the doors tightly and raced to get the bug spray.  As much as I hate to use chemicals around the place, sometimes it is a necessity.  This was one of those times.  The ants were swarming on the east side of the house and were being wafted by the breeze right onto the french doors.  I do not need a swarm of ants inside the house!  My efforts killed a few but Mother Nature came to the rescue after a short while.

  Ants swarm during mating season and that should be anywhere from late spring until mid summer.  It should not be in January!  The ants supposedly need bright sunshine, little wind and warm temperatures.  They also prefer to swarm after several days of rain.  Well, that pretty much describes what has been happening around here lately.  That sunshine was a short lived thing, however.  Soon after I found the ants, a thunderstorm rolled through and then a heavy fog set in for the evening.  The ants may have been sorry that they were so hasty about swarming.  That rainstorm probably killed a good many of those wanting to start a new colony.  Way to go, Mother Nature!  Good job!  While we did not need more rain, that rainstorm was perfect timing!   

Sunrises and Critter Friends

  Dawn is one of my favorite times to be on the pier.   The serenity that comes after the darkness of night is refreshing, to say the least.  Watching the sun peep up over the pines on the opposite shore of the Bayou is nothing short of miraculous.  I can meditate a bit before facing the trials of the day.  

  Yesterday, Mark and I headed to the pier just in time to catch the sun trying to break through a heavy layer of clouds.  In the distance a rain shower gave relief from the bit of a dry spell.  We were hoping it would swing this way but it kept on its northward path.  While we were watching the eastern sky, a small bird swam out from the shore and kept a wary eye on us.  This was a pied-bill grebe.  These birds would rather dive than fly to get away from potential predators.  They do what is called a "crash dive" where they plummet themselves beneath the water and swim for a good distance before bobbing up again.  Pied-billed grebes are known to be able to trap water in their feathers to help with buoyancy.  This allows them to sink deeply and expose just a bit of their body as they scan the area for predators.  Sometimes, you will only see a small head above the water's surface.

  Pied-billed grebes are also known for eating a good many feathers.  They will actually feed feathers to their chicks. This is to create a block against harmful fish bones or spiky fins from reaching their intestines.  The feathers make a plug around the sharp items and the bird regurgitates it much like a cat does a hairball.  

  The little grebe made our morning even nicer.  Being near the wildlife on the Bayou is another part of what makes living here special. Getting to know the critters and their habits has become an interesting pastime.  My critter friends bring plenty of smiles.  Life is good.

Not Very Photogenic

  It is a well known fact that I tote my camera just about everywhere I go.  It has been said that I take far too many photographs.  It is also true that my subjects are usually critters.  Indeed!  Very few of my photographs involve people.  Why?  Well, since I am not a fan of being in photographs, I respect the feelings of others who may be the same way.  I have yet to find a photograph of myself that I like.  There is a term for not liking to be photographed.  Supposedly I am "camera conscious".  Who knew it even had a name??  Sometimes, critters can be highly photogenic but they, too, have their bad days or are just camera shy.  Occasionally, a photo of one of my bayou critter friends is so amusing that it needs to be shared simply to bring a smile.   Perhaps the critter would not agree, but they probably do not worry about such trivial things.  They are too busy surviving.  

  This afternoon, a young heron visited the pier.  At first glance, I assumed that my friend, Moe, was asking for a handout but this was not so.  The bird was much younger (as evident by the spotted belly) and much skinnier than Moe.  Well, skinny birds need to be fed so the net was called into action once again.  This time, I was throwing the thing as Mark was not there.  The bird was happy when I caught 6 nice mullet for his lunch.  Once I put down the net, I, of course, picked up the camera.  The bird was obliging and let me get a few nice photographs. 

  One photograph, however, did not do justice to the bird.  The poor thing looks emaciated, oddly shaped and slightly deranged!  The heron would probably cringe if it saw the photograph!  Sorry, my friend, but I just had to share with the world!  

Glad Help Was NOT Needed!

  It appears that I fret far too much over the well being of the critters of the Bayou.  Let one become ill or injured and I am in a tizzy.  That mothering instinct falls into play and if I can help in any way, I will.  The one-eyed screech owl was fed raw chicken.  The baby gray squirrels whose mother was killed by a hawk were bottle fed.  The great blue heron that had its foot torn off was given daily rations of mullet so he would not have to struggle to hunt.  In fact, I have fed more critters than I should have.  The help has ranged from those unborn by me rescuing skink eggs from hurricane flood waters (only to have them hatch in my hands) to comforting a dying baby squirrel that had been attacked by crows.  From the beginning to end...all critters need assistance now and again so I try to be that helping hand.

  This afternoon, I took a break from cutting firewood to admire the reflections on the Bay.  With overcast skies, there was just enough light to cast gorgeous reflections on the dead calm water.  While photographing the pines across the Bayou, a great egret caught my eye.  The bird was standing on the end of the pier and made no effort to move as I neared.  Oh, my!  The beautiful bird seemed to have only one leg!  That would never do!  I was just beginning to ponder if the alligator had gotten this bird like it had the heron.  Had the same ill fate befallen both birds?

  When I was a few feet from the bird, it lifted its wings and flew across the water.  Nope.  My fears were unfounded (thankfully!)  The bird had both legs but was only standing on one at the time.  The other leg was tucked up under its feathers.  This is supposedly done to conserve body heat so it makes sense.  As my friend flew westward, I whispered "thank you!"  I definitely did not need another critter to attend.

Just A Little Bird Friend

  As I have often stated, daybreak is probably my favorite time of the day.  It is then that I can sneak down to the pier to watch the sunrise in peace and do a bit of meditation before the hubbub of the day begins.  The old dog (Mr. PJ) and I sit in silence as the world around us begins to stir.  More oft than not, we find ourselves the audience of any number of spectacular critter visits.  These visits make our time on the pier even more special.

  The other morning, the tide was low making for a feeding frenzy for many shore critters.  Tiny shrimp were hovering in the shallows and some had even become trapped in small divots in the mud.  One fine critter to visit just a few feet from our sitting spot was a small rail. She was so busy in snatching up the tiny shrimp that she never noticed that a dog and human were so close.  Not that it mattered as neither the old dog nor I had any interest in harming the bird.  Even after Mr. PJ sneezed, she continued with her breakfast.  

  The rails often come out of the marsh to visit.  The birds have become special friends of ours and will even bring their little ones out to scamper the mudflats while we are watching.  Our nigh on daily sunrise trips to the pier have caused the rails (and many other critters) to lose their fear of us.  They seem to understand that our presence is not a threat.  This is just another positive part of sharing the Bayou with so many critter friends.

Fish Dancing

  The springtime Fish Dancing has begun!  A few days back, I wrote about an osprey that took noticed of the old dog and me as we relaxed on the pier.  This was a solitary bird that was simply soaring above us while it fished.  Today's ospreys were doing something far different.  The male was doing the "Fish Dance" to impress his ladylove.  The female perched in a tall pine tree on the edge of the marsh while her suitor did his best dance.  He would soar to great heights only to stop, hover, drop, hover and so on until he was just above her.  Then, he would flap his wings vigorously to gain altitude once again.  Most of the time, his legs were dangling beneath him unlike when he is actively hunting. 

  After several times of this undulating aerial dance, the male osprey's attention turned to hunting a mullet. The female osprey sat on her tree branch screaming encouragement to her beau. Once he had snagged a nice fish, he immediately flew to the pine tree, danced a bit more then presented his ladylove with the gift.  She accepted!  The marriage is official!

 Now that these two are a happy couple, they will begin to build a suitable nest and start their family.  The male will take over the fishing completely while the female lays and incubates the eggs.  He will bring her fish so she only has to make short flights to get water and bathe.  After the eggs hatch, she will still spend most of her time on or next to the nest while the male provides.  Rarely are the chicks left unattended especially with the nesting bald eagles in the area.  The eagles are not beyond raiding an osprey nest and stealing the young.

  I find it interesting to watch the critters of the Bayou.  After a bit, you begin to understand their actions and appreciate the individuals involved.  Just a few years back, we had one pair of ospreys nesting on the Bayou but, thankfully, we now have about a dozen pairs in the general area.  They are amazingly beautiful birds with quite the elaborate lifestyles!

A Better View of a Gorgeous Bird!

  I will be the first to admit that my eyesight is extremely poor.  While I used to be able to see things far across the Bayou and beyond, that range is sorely declining.  Even with prescription spectacles, things are blurry at best.  So, this afternoon while on the pier, I could not identify a large, black blob that was in the top of a dead black gum tree on the far side of the Bayou.  What in the world was that thing??  It seemed large, was very black (dark) and showed a good bit of movement.  I knew it was a critter of some sort but to be that far up in a tree was something else again.  My first thought was a bird...perhaps the bald eagle.  As far as I could see, there was nothing else to do but make my way along the marsh edge to get a closer view of the mystery critter.

  The old dog and I eased our way along the marsh until we reached the wild persimmon trees on the east side of the property.  Here, I could get a better view if I slipped between the palmetto clumps close to the water's edge.  Sure enough, the critter was much easier to identify from this vantage point.  Instead of an eagle, my friend was an osprey!  The confusion was caused by the bird preening itself which hid the white underparts.  With wings outspread and head tucked, the bird hunched over like some menacing vulture!  Once the bird saw me, it took as much interest in me as I did in it.  The osprey tried to get a better view of who was hiding in the palmettos.  Once it decided that I was not a threat, it perched upright in its majestic position and let out a loud screech!

  Satisfied that I had positively identified my critter, I eased my way back out of the palmettos and up the hillside.  That bad eyesight might not serve too well in spotting a cottonmouth that may be lurking down beneath those brambles!  It was best to get myself out of the midst of things unseen!

Goodbye, Hoodies!

  Hopefully, the critters are correct.  Recently, the critters of the Bayou have been declaring the "demise of winter" and are heralding in spring.  Birds are hunting for nesting sites, the squirrels are playing "chase" and my hoodies have flown.  The Hooded Mergansers are perhaps my favorites of the ducks that visit the Bayou during the winter months.  They fly in sometime during late November and hang around until they think it is warm enough to begin that long flight back to wherever their home may be.  I wish they would stay at least for a while longer.  I never tire of watching them.

  Yesterday, I noticed that there was quite the gathering of mergansers near the pier.  I knew this collecting could mean only one thing...migration flight was to begin again.  I watched as the males were already beginning their courtship displays.  The raising of the crest, the stretching of the neck and the calls all for the benefit of their ladylove.  Any number of males will perform for the favor of a female.  Since Hooded Mergansers are like most other ducks in the fact that they are seasonally monogamous, the courtship starts long before nesting.  The little female has to choose her mate from the many that attempt to catch her eye.  The males parade up in down in front of a female until she goes into a "prone" position on the water which means she has made her choice.  Then, the unlucky chaps move their parade to the next female.   But the gathering yesterday was not only for a mate choosing parade, it was to prepare for the homeward bound flight.

  I will miss my sweet hoodies.  Their absence will be far too long for my liking.  Hopefully, however their nesting business back home will be successful and dozens more hoodies will make the flight back to the Bayou with the onset of cooler weather next fall.  Love my hoodies!