Nature and Animals

Peace River Audubon (PRAS)

The wading bird that I see most frequently from my house, is the Little Blue Heron. It is constantly walking the pond shoreline looking for prey. However, identification can be tricky. The juvenile Little Blue starts out all white. It can easily be confused with the Snowy Egret, as both are white 24-inch-tall birds. A […]

Tight Lines…Big Snook and Small Tarpon on the Move

Big Snook caught by Jay Lev on threadfin bait near Boca Grande Pass Large snook, up to 40 inches, have been caught along the beaches of Boca Grande Pass. The larger fish have moved out from the mangroves, and into the 4 to 8 feet of water along the beaches of the pass. Most have […]

Gardener’s Wheelbarrow

Heat and humidity will continue with the arrival of August. We can expect rain and thunderstorms for about two thirds of the month. Everything is growing rampantly…ornamental plants, weeds, fungus and critters. Now is when you must do frequent checks to see how the garden is faring. It’s amazing what can happen, seemingly overnight. We’re […]

Is That a Poisonous Snake in My Yard?

EASTERN CORAL SNAKE Regardless of what some people say, Florida snakes are not aggressive, and unless they are cornered, most will flee when they see you. If you find a snake in your backyard, swimming pool, or garage, do not try to kill it – instead, try to identify it, and if it is non-venomous, […]

Gardener’s Wheelbarrow

Ready for thunderstorms in the lightning capital of the United States? July’s average of 23 storms tops any month of the year. Expect precipitation of 8 to 9 inches. The rainy season eases the BSM irrigation water’s salinity creating opportunities for new plantings. • Selecting Plants – Look around at what is doing well within […]

LEE COUNTY LEASH LAWS AND DOGGIE ETIQUETTE

It is a Lee County law, as well as a Burnt Store Marina rule, that all dogs are to be on leashes whenever outside residences. The open lot at the corner of Cape Cole and Matecumbe is not a dog park. The Commodore residents own the whole part that is landscaped. Please keep your dogs […]

Peace River Audubon Society (PRAS)

TURKEY VULTURE Vultures or Buzzards? Buzzards are not scavengers; they are raptors that don’t exist in North America, where its name is commonly misused. Vultures on the other hand, do exist here and are the “garbage men” of the natural world. They eat dead carcasses, cleaning up the environment, thereby preventing the spreading of diseases. […]

What in the World is That??!!

CASEWORM MOTH Have you looked out in your yard and spotted crusty little do-dads, hanging on your screens, and sometimes even hanging on your walls? Nasty! What are they, and where did they come from? The other evening, my neighbor and friend Debbie, was sitting outside with us, enjoying some libations. She pulled something off […]