Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tulip Snail
In the shallow water at Island Park.
These beautiful, banded snails are usually covered with sludge,
possibly as a camouflage tactic.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Perennial Grasswort
These red flowers thrive on the salt flats of Robinson Preserve
(NW tip of Bradenton on Tampa Bay).
The grasswort is a creeping plant with the flowers on erect stems.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Eagle and osprey nests
Eagle nests are usually larger than osprey nests and are built down lower on steadier branches.
The following link tells it all:
Check out: http://www.dvrconline.org/builder.html
Eagle nest
Osprey nest
Photos by John Sarkozy
Photos by John Sarkozy
Saturday, September 24, 2011
National Estuaries Day at Ken Thompson Park
Starring Karen Fraley
and cute kids and "hands-on" tulip snails
and more cute kids playing disc golf
and preparing mangrove seedlings
and lots of exhibits
and small reef balls
and lots more. We'll try to post a few more photos later.
Science Projects
Manta Ray Toss ??
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tampa Bay from Robinson Preserve
Somewhere in this photo, way, way out in the Bay or Gulf, there may be a crocodile ! One has been spotted in Tampa Bay area. (None are in Robinson Preserve)
Crocodiles are salt water creatures, whereas, alligators live in fresh water. Occasionally, an alligator may get "flushed" down a river to the ocean.
The Sunshine State Parkway is on the upper right.
Rare American crocodile found in St. Petersburg
- Sarasota Herald Tribune
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Manatees
John Sarkozy took these photos with a
telephoto lens at the Apollo Beach Power Plant Manatee Viewing Center.
See:
http://www.tampaelectric.com/manatee/
It's difficult to tell which manatee is the best looking, so all photos are posted.
These gentle creatures come up close to boats and may have there backs scraped by boat propellers. If you are kayaking near a pod, remember how large they are and try not to frighten them. As always, do not feed wild animals.
Monday, September 19, 2011
National Estuaries Day Celebration
National Estuaries Day Celebration Set for September 24 at Ken Thompson Park;
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team to Perform
SARASOTA, FL – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and Around the Bend Nature Tours are hosting a National Estuaries Day celebration Saturday, September 24 at Ken Thompson Park near Mote Marine Laboratory. The theme of the free community event is Enjoy Sarasota Bay. Highlights include fun learning activities and exhibits for adults and children from 9am to 2pm and a performance by the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team.
Visitors can also pick up a discount ticket at the event for admission to the popular Mote Aquarium. Around the Bend Nature Tours will provide dip nets to give visitors an up close encounter with aquatic life as well as guided tours on the boardwalk through the mangrove forest. Brad Tanner, the SBEP Bay Wise kayak tour guide and a staff member at Mote Marine, will provide a series of Paddling 101 courses for visitors interested in learning more about recreational paddling. Visitors can bring their own kayak and some extra kayaks will be available.
Bryan Moore, a professional disc golf player sponsored by Team Discraft, will provide free lessons and a putting clinic. Local artist Patti Cross and her daughter Amber will be available for face painting. A group of high school students with Mote’s High School Intern Program will present an aquatic version of bean bag toss.
Exhibitors include Mote Marine Laboratory, Island Style Water Sports, MarineMax, Sarasota Audubon, Florida Underwater Sports, Manatee County Natural Resources Department, Friends of Tampa Bay Wildlife, Florida Native Plant Society, Save our Seabirds, Sarasota County Extension, Mote Marine High School Intern Program, and Stow-it Fishing Line Bins. The SBEP Bay Guardian volunteers will also be on hand early in the morning to clean up the area as part of National Coastal Cleanup Day.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wild Morning Glory on beach
The vines run all over the beach, so this plant is also called "railroad vine".
(We'll have to check the color of this flower. Usually, the morning glory is more piink than bluish.)
Photo by John Sarkozy
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Casperson Ramp Construction
New ramps and seats and walks at Caspersen Beach make a visit enjoyable for all.
Friday, September 9, 2011
St. Marks Lighthouse
One of Florida's oldest lighthouses....the following link tells it all:
Photo by John Sarkozy
Casperson Beach Improvements
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Ibis with a dirty head
This ibis has been sticking his long beak in the mud at Ken Thompson Park. He was looking for snails and whatever else lurks there. We're not sure why the head is gray. It's probably because the mud is under a foot or so of dirty water.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Carnival Cruise Liner on Tampa Bay
This photo of either the Carnival Inspiration or Paradise
was taken from Apollo Beach Nature Park on Tampa Bay
Don't call them boats.
The huge ships create a wake like none you've seen before
....short waves coming just a couple of feet apart.
Be careful when kayaking near them. Meet the waves head on.
Sarasota City Pier (Sarasota History Alive)
Part I:
http://www.sarasotahistoryalive.com/index.php?cid=417653&src=directory&view=video&srctype=detail&refno=710&category=This%20Week&curlid=209
Part II:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SarasotaHistory#p/u/18/CKKjr0vTTW0
http://www.sarasotahistoryalive.com/index.php?cid=417653&src=directory&view=video&srctype=detail&refno=710&category=This%20Week&curlid=209
Part II:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SarasotaHistory#p/u/18/CKKjr0vTTW0
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Gumbo Limbo
Called the "TOURIST TREE". Here's why....
Look at that "sunburn" and peeling skin.
This tree is fairly salt-tolerant and wind-tolerant and
is recommended
as a good, hurricane-resistant species.
Gumbo limbo ranges from Cape Canaveral to
southern Florida, including
the Keys.
Photo by John Sarkozy
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Yes, we have scorpions at Palmer Point
Palmer Point Beach
Palmer Point Beach begins at the southern tip of Siesta Key
Palmer Point Beach begins at the southern tip of Siesta Key
and continues onto the north end of Casey Key.
Photo by John Sarkozy
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Bay Preserve at Osprey
Bay Preserve is a wonderful place to visit. The property is on Sarasota Bay in Osprey, FL. The easiest way to enter is at Spanish Pointe Park. Just follow the road in and continue straight to the bay.
Walk out the dock to the Honore T. Wansler Wildlife Observation Platform. Enjoy the view of Sarasota Bay.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Monarch butterfly during Fall migration
settles on wild rosemary. We're guessing that this photo was taken in the Florida Panhandle in a coastal shrub habitat. That is the normal location for wild rosemary in Florida.
photo by John Sarkozy
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