An oxymoron it seems; but someone chose its name, Dingy-flowered Star Orchid (Epidendrum amphistomum). Orchids are never “dingy”. But this is this dear Orchid’s name.
The Dingy-flowered Star Orchid is considered an endangered native of Florida.
Tiny Orchid blooms have visitors. This flower has no nectar but it’s aroma attracts moths (not shown here) for pollination. Copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
Overall view of the Dingy-flowered Star Orchid. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Male Peacock feathers. Copyright 2019 Pamela Breitberg
Hello! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Handsome pose, as it hopes to attract the attention of a female passerby. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
When the male Peacock makes his mate-seeking call it is piercingly loud and awfully tuned. His call does not match his beauty Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Another eye-catching spring blooming tree is the African Tulip Tree (Spathadea campanulata). The bright red/orange tulip shape blooms appear in clusters up to 80ft. high above the place one usually admire Tulips.
“Flame of the Forest” is another name for the African Tulip Tree. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Natural bouquets of Tulips; a little difficult to collect. Best observed uncut. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The rims of the petals are fringed appearing more orange than the rest of the bloom. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Eventually, like all blooms the petals rest of the Earth. Here petals are accompanied by a Blue Dasher Dragonfly. It was a fun surprise evident only upon reviewing my saved images. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
On my stretch break in-between painting sessions Thursday I walked around the main pond at Bonnet House, camera in-hand as always. Hugh, their widower Swan was in the grass grooming himself. Then the story began; see the turtle sticking his head out of the water. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Rising out of the water comes this Turtle, seeming to have his eye on Hugh, named for Hugh Taylor Birch, the father of the original owner of the Bonnet House. The home and property were a wedding gift to his daughter, Helen, and her new husband. Fredrick Clay Bartlett. Copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
Hugh stopped grooming for a moment to watch the turtle waddle out of the water and towards him. I was unsure if they were friends or foe. Hugh was widowed when his wife, Helen,the female swan died a few years ago. Before her death they had numberous successful hatches; who were relocated because Swans are very territorial. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Neighbors for certain. Friend or foe, not so certain. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Physical contact made. No fight or warning seemed to happen so I am assuming they are friends or at least tolerant neighbors. At any rate it’s a very assertive turtle; his out head never retreated inside his shell. Watching this interaction was as much fun for me as painting. I’m a nature lover first and foremost. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Another striking find during a walk at Flamingo Gardens. I wanted to touch them and see how hard or soft, how light or heavy they felt. Too high in the tree to answer the question. Look at the Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) tree. God (or whatever higher being your recognize) never ceases to amaze and humble me with his designs and creations.
The Tamarind tree are filled with pods caring multiple fruit which is edible and medicinal. The fruit is sweetest when the pods are dark brown. Each Tamarind tree yeilds over 350 pounds of fruit per year. CLICK the image to learn more. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Tamarind is a native of Aftrica; but enjoyed in many tropical parts of the world. I look forward to trying to view it when in flower, though the flowers are less striking in presence. I look forward to buying some Tamarind jam for my breakfast toast. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
I’ll share their name (kind) and parents in the next post. But these CUTE little babies were enjoying their freedom in the Rookery rich with Duckweed. We were enjoying watching them while exploring Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida.
Slowly, steadily, enjoying a first outing by themselves. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
New siblings swimming close together, being a little unsure,through the Duckweed. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Engaging, dynamic art in one of 70 Wynwood District art galleries in Miami. I focused on some patrons. Couldn’t resist capturing this striking scene of energetic art above these bored individuals. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
I highly recommend a visit to Wynwood District including Wynwood Walls whenever you visit Miami, Florida.
Fallen log richly, generously, supporting new plant lives. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Cypress Swamp Dome, thin as itis. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Outside the AhTahThiKi Museum on the Seminole Reservation in Florida is a mile-long boardwalk through a Cypress Swamp Dome. Prior to engineered draining of the Everglades in the 1930s this land was wet enough to canoe the wet prairie land, swamp. Seminoles canoed for hunting. This means of provision is no longer available, cattle farming is now the main product of the land. The floor is wet seven to ten months of the year, which is then the growing season for the Cypress trees. The Dome appears sparse allowing enough sunlight to sustain its lush fern ground cover.
Fern rich floor. Copyright 2018 Pamela Bretberg
Looking to the heavens. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Images copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
I am adding a new category to my blog this year to acknowledge a change in lifestyle, called retirement. Nature will always be my primary focus in this blog, it is a large part of what keeps me excited about life and living. Travel has entered my life, so I will occasionally share images and insights from my experiences outside of nature.
Recently music was the travel theme going from Memphis to New Orleans. Did not make it to the Gibson Factory; so need to return to Memphis again. Ahh….
My intent is to show the color, mood, and culture of areas I encounter. I want to celebrate the diversity and excitement in various environments. Both New Orleans and Memphis were FULL of vibrancy and love.
As always, I’d love to hear your insights and critique. That’s what makes blogging fun! So, in no particular order….
The “stuff” needed to reveal your fortune in New Orleans? Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A simple bouquet forgotten? Or a memorial bouquet; it was unclean. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Sparrow enjoying a fountain shower! I couldn’t resist!! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
So much talent to applaud! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Hand made instrument, based on a South African musical instrument. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Yes! It works. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
New Orleans art for sale. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Directional help. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Just chillin’. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Taste of street art in Memphis. Copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
Ceiling full of guitars….famous guitar usuage? Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Never thought of graffiti on the light fixture! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Variety store that’s hard to resist. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Shriner’s “car” for parade in Memphis. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg