Often mistaken as buzzards, Turkey Vultures are scavengers. You will most likely see Black Vultures not too far behind, especially if there is carrion. These are one of my favorite birds that I truly… More
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Bluestripe Ribbon Snake
Ribbons snakes are non-venomous, however just like every living creature they still bite, even with a cute face like that! I see a lot of these snakes killed as a result of being run over by vehicles.
I was very fortunate for this one spending some time with me to take some photos as well as recording some video. What a great model!
These snakes are only found in Florida within prairies, hammocks, marshes, and pinelands habitats.
Links:
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-snakes/list/thamnophis-sauritus-nitae/
Osmia Chalybea
Osmia Chalybea- Mason Bee… or as I call it, a blue metallic mason bee. These are bigger than the little sweat bees you see.
What trip watching these bees burrow up and down gathering up pollen! This is the best opportunity to get your macro lens out and shoot as many photos as you can!
Identifying bees can be confusing. Each classification has its own unique characteristic, behaviors, and locations in the country.
There is a close relative, Blue Orchard Bee but not located here in Florida. (Link: https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Osmia+lignaria&mobile=close&wep=0)
Links:
https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Osmia+chalybea&guide=1&flags=col2:&res=640
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Osmia_chalybea
https://bugguide.net/node/view/103986
https://bugguide.net/node/view/261275
Striped Mud Turtle
This is the time of year where every creature, little or small, is moving. So it is important to watch where you are going especially in areas where you can drive through. Caught this one crossing the limestone road.
This turtle doesn’t grow very big.. maybe 3-5 inches and can easily be mistaken for a pinecone. So again, it’s important to look ahead when you are driving in places like Chassahowitzka WMA.
From the above photo, you can see the three stripes along the back of its shell. This one looks like it has been here for a while. Let’s hope this turtle can live for many more years.
Links:
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/freshwater-turtles/striped-mud-turtle/
