Tag Archives: Birds

Lubber Grasshoppers Abound

Posted on by rhondacarrier

Backyard They aren’t gone. They aren’t even close to being gone. I hadn’t seen lubber grasshoppers in several days — because I was looking in all the wrong places. I kept an eye on the new citrus trees and the lilies but today I saw a flicker of movement near the Italian cypress trees. When I looked closer, it was full of lubber grasshoppers. I wouldn’t have thought the small, sparse leaves would provide enough nourishment but then I’m not a grasshopper, so what do I know.

I sprayed pesticide and mashed and squished as many as I could see and reach. Then, as I was coming back to the deck, I realized the ferns were hopping with lubbers also. More spraying, mashing, squishing.

Supposedly they are good for the environment because the birds love to eat them. I’m trying to help the butterflies and know that the birds love the oak and magnolia but do I need to provide grasshoppers too? I’ve drawn the line and decided that I don’t. I don’t want my citrus and other plants devoured. I’m sorry to take a link out of the food chain but what to do?

Of Robins and Privets

Posted on by rhondacarrier

Loudly chirping flocks of robins (Turdus migratorius) appear and disappear. When they are in the neighborhood, they prefer some trees to others, especially the small tree with the round purple fruit in my neighbor’s yard. I used the tree identification key on the University of Florida site to identify the tree. It is a Florida privet (Foresteria segregata). The description says it grows well in sandy alkaline soils; it doesn’t need water other than naturally occurring rain; it is recommended as a hedge since it responds well to pruning. Since one of my garden goals is to provide food and shelter for wildlife maybe I should add one to my side of the fence. I’d make the robins happy.

Robin in the privet

My Nameless Ducks

Posted on by rhondacarrier

I wander past the pond each day while walking my dog, Max. This morning was warm, sunny, and pleasant to be outside, so I paused to watch the sun come up over the tops of trees and to admire the ducks. I was surprised to note that two of the ducks were much darker than the last time I stopped. Judging by their colors, there is a darker-colored male and lighter-colored female. The tuft of feathers on the back of his head and the two feathers curled up on his tail should make it easy to identify him, but I have looked several times and can’t find him listed in any of my bird books. Although she doesn’t have the fluff of feathers on her head, she also has two tiny feathers that curl up near the end of her tail. Who is their companion is another mystery. His (her?) coloring hasn’t changed since last summer but he is always with the other two. Doesn’t he know that birds of a feather flock together? Where is his flock, or does he belong with the pair?


September Colors


Late January Colors

It probably doesn’t matter if I know their names. It is soothing to spend a few minutes watching them. I wonder if there will be a brood of small ducklings in the spring? I hope so.

Threesome