next door to paradise » nature

Bird-brained

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:46:01 +0000

The dog, lying in the shade of the gardenia bush, thinks that the “lesser” in lesser mockingbird refers to diminished cognitive capacity, because nesting five feet off the ground and then constantly bitching at a dog seems a little brainless.

Light Pollution

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 01:51:00 +0000

It is a very clear, moonless night and I was in the back yard looking at the sky. I could see less than fifty stars and one planet. It reminded me of when I would look up as a child and marvel at the seemingly infinite cloud of stars that cut across the heavens. I can’t remember the last time I saw the Milky Way. I really miss it.

The Rat’s Nest

shabby dee — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:23:41 +0000

Note to self: When it gets very cold down here, open the hood of your vehicle and check to make sure that a rat hasn’t built a nest of dry vegetation on top of your engine.

Cooling Trend

shabby dee — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:18:31 +0000

Wonder of wonders. Cooler weather arrives in South Florida. This is the first time we’ve had the AC off and the windows open in six months.

Birds of “Winter”

shabby dee — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:30:40 +0000

One of the signs of seasonal change is upon us: the vultures, both turkey and black, have returned to the area. They are much more numerous here in the “winter.” Soon, one of my favorite birds, the shrike, will be making its appearance. Occasionally, there is a one little shrike standing on the roof of each home in the neighborhood.

Smells of Home

shabby dee — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:55:02 +0000

Sometimes in South Florida, there is something sweet and musky in the air, a little like old leather and frankincense. You can smell it more often in the evenings and after it rains. My guess is it’s the odor of mouldering palm fronds. It always brings back memories of nights in Jamaica.