Bird Nerd & Words

My mind classifies hammocks as low, earthy, dense with the smell of fresh rain or dried grasses. This particular hammock though sticks in my mind with a smell akin to my grandfather's workshop: sappy Pine. The freshness from the hot Florida heat slightly crisps the outer bark of looming Pines to release this fragrant note. Crunch beneath my feet reinforce the presence of scattered cones along the path and nettles that have dropped for months on end. Blackroot have sprouted from recent patches of burn highlighted by the celestial swaths of sun gleaming through the trees.  Previous trips led me towards the left off towards the edge of spanning pasture and grasses with random Oak stands making home to Blue Gray Gnatcatchers, White Eyed Vireo, and Eastern Phoebe. This particular day the sun was high above the clouds with piercing accuracy. I fled towards the right in refuge of more mossy dense Oak hammocks. Small vegetation corralled twin Oaks, their branches arched towards

My day off in celebration of the 4th of July warranted a visit to the George Le Strange Nature Preserve in St. Lucie County. George Le Strange was an avid outdoors enthusiast, fisherman, and resident of St. Lucie County for whom the property is named. A trail traverses a thriving expanse of ecotones meandering along the Ten Mile Creek giving a rare glimpse at the ancient Florida water table. Giant Oak and Hickory reach towards each other creating canopies hiding sunken swamps primed with pure unadulterated life. Opposite the river a large man made lake, an old sand mine, poses a backdrop for painted skies at sunset. Below I include the brochure provided by the county and include my own commentary expounding on the factual and poetic journey throughout the preserve. A larger pathway at the boat ramp merges into a loose stoned pathway. Surrounding Pine trees riddled with woodpeckers sound their kwir kwir calls. An expansive view of the lake starts the journey. Approach

"My Gaga's Lignum Vitae Tree in bloom, Long Key, FL" Midnight crawling, whiskey on my breath;Simonton intersects Duval to wait on a cab. Rhythms mingle, passing each soulful drunken bar while my eyes linger. Flung back, a 15 me sees the fabrics factory, a white boat of a Cadillac, and cassette tapes for crusin. A woman: 80’s tortoise sunglasses, freckled skin, a grin; hair windswept, an auburn caramel; Shorts fitted an hourglass figure; Blouse adorned in island vibes; Sandals, never flip flops. My Gaga, affectionately, a grandmother portraying charm I’ve chased all my life. Remembering; religiously she brought us meandering down here. Leaving my Papa parked in the pews of the Episcopal church on Truman, he’d migrate to the top of the LaConcha. What a perch to feel free upon with depth, salt air. Retrieval meant Cuban coffee at the laundromat. Seeing now, a wink, a smile, nodding approval of our shopping spree. Combing racks

In memory of my late grandfather, these simple words I have to say. " On the bow of the boat I am free, On the bow of the boat I can breathe, On the bow of the boat I will see. And on the bow of the boat, I be. " -An homage to you, my biggest fan. Written by Julia Wiggins

"Yuk Yuk Yuk Yuk Yuk" permeates my lawn as I hear the staccato thuds of pounding beaks upon the electrical poles outside my house. The sounds repeat and I delight in knowing three crowned gems are here to rattle my cage today. Pileated Woodpeckers are one of the largest, if not the largest woodpecker to North America. I have found this species frequent more deciduous, older pines forests. Their cavities carved out by a larger than life bill create homes for their young of which they rear in the spring. According to Cornell literature, their supply of food is sourced from local carpenter ants. Though when wood beetles, worms. and other insects present themselves the woodpeckers are opportunistic feeders. Distinguishing woodpecker holes can become quite an art form, a useful ID tool for bird nerds a like. Just as their pecking resonate tone against granular surface will produce a profound ID, the oblong shape left in dead pines will serve as evidence to their presen

Chase ahead regardless your decided outcome.        Take pieces of each memory, molding your approach to people and good conversation.        Let life lay simplicity at your feet, revel in good times, fight through the bad.                                       If anything, find peace in your                                       reflections Written by Julia Wiggins.