On Thursday, the 25th, I got an early start as the temperatures were going to be higher. Central Florida is transitioning into spring weather, with lows in the 60’s and highs in the lower 80’s. The skies were blue bird blue… with white puffy clouds developing in the afternoon.

Today I learned yet another plant, the shrubby perennial Amorpha fruticosa or False Indigo Bush. I had noticed the plant growing at Princess Place before but couldn’t find any identification hints. Today, I checked the small naturalist kiosk at North Peninsula SP, and there was a photo of the shrubby perennial, which can grow quite large.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amorpha_fruticosa

There was a ton of coral bean showing up, lending its pinky orange tones to the predominately green palette of the Coastal Strand.

Some young Magnolia Grandiflora were just coming into bloom and lending their delicious fragrance to the salty air. I grew up with just a tree in our front yard and would know it anywhere.

I’m not a butterfly expert, but this pretty one stayed still while I took its portrait.

After finishing the 2.25 mile Coastal Strand Trail at North Peninsula, I drove up A1A to Flagler Beach and parked at the Betty Steflik Preserve. I walked around the boardwalk and took just a couple of photos. There were birds but I couldn’t get any photographs of them. I know that Osprey nest in the area. Black buzzards were swooping high above in the light thermals. At No. Peninsula, I also saw a couple of woodpeckers, a Thrush, and heard some Cardinals singing in the brush. There were Florida Whites (butterflies) flitting around and some colorful caterpillars crawling on the ground.

After my walk, I stopped by a new restaurant, a little cafe called Hi Tulip. They serve breakfast and lunch only. It was a busy place, with good food, and pleasant staff.

Tomorrow… well, I’ll decide where I want to go. I’ve gotten in some good walks this week!

In joy!

Eliza

COMMENTS ON