Not the Usual Suspects.
This time of year we have a regular cast of characters in the yard. We call them the “Usual Suspects” - Blue Jays, Cardinals, Read-bellied Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Ground Doves and, unfortunately, Grackles. Over the past couple of weeks they have been joined by several White-winged Doves. According to Cornell Lab “Originally a bird of desert thickets, the White-winged Dove has become a common sight in cities and towns across the southern U.S.” We are used to seeing them a little further south in the state. But, now they have become regular visitors to our feeders. They are easily distinguished by their larger size (vs. Mourning Doves), striking blue eye rings and, well, white wings.
White Winged Dove, Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Another unusual suspect also visited us this week. Although this looks like a snake, it isn’t one. It is an Eastern Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis). He was warming himself on the edge of the road in front of the house when we went out for our evening dog walk. The next day I found him in the back garden. These legless lizards differ from snakes in that they have moveable eyelids and external ear openings. They eat insects and other small pests, so I am happy to have him (or her).
Eastern Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis), Port Saint Lucie, Florida
A few more of my favorites from this week around the ‘hood. I especially like the snail portrait. If you look closely, you can see its eye. You can click on an image below to view it full screen.
