Marilynne's Wetlands and Other Stuff - 2026

Marilynne

Marilynne

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This Sandhill Cranefly flew in from the left of us. Neither of us got the inflight shot. We walked behind it for a bit.
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It found a little muddy dirt and started preening itself with the mud.
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Marilynne

Marilynne

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Sandhill cranes preen with mud to protect their feathers from parasites and sun damage, while also potentially camouflaging themselves and regulating body temperature. This behavior is a vital part of their maintenance routine, ensuring their plumage remains in optimal condition for flight and survival.

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You can see the mud on its back. It dug quite a hole.
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Marilynne

Marilynne

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We had a special visitor this morning. The guards said it was sitting on the rail when then got there at 6am. It kept trying to mingle with the other Rock Pigeons, but they kept flying away.
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Marilynne

Marilynne

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This morning at Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge

We went to check on the Eastern Screech Owls. The parking lot was empty. We met some lady coming off the Cypress Boardwalk. She told us they fledged last night. We decided to walk the Marsh Trail and look for the Roseate Spoonbills.

Here are some things I saw along the way.

These are the fruits of a Passiflora vine.
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