12 Oakdale

We drove over to Palmer Park to see the Christmas Star, i.e., the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, which happens every 20 years. However, this year, they are the closest they have been since 1623, when Galileo was alive. Plus, it’s the first time in 800 years that their conjunction happened at night so we could see it. Throw in the Winter Solstice, and of course I was willing to give it a go. At first we were the only ones there, but as the sun set, more people arrived. People who evidently had not heard of social distancing or mask wearing. Grant felt uncomfortable so he headed back to the car before it was dark. I hung onto my little seat on the end of the board walk. As soon as I’d spotted the planets, I looked at them with my binoculars and left. I wished I had been comfortable asking people to respect my space. However, when I got to the parking space, I realized I could see the planets right between the trees. I showed them to Grant, then we left. As usual, the humidity was abo...

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive   We couldn’t go the first day the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive reopened because we were dog-sitting Drogo and don’t like to leave him alone. But today, the second day, we were at the gate a few minutes after 7:00 AM, ready to bird, bird, bird. Lots of galenules, red-winged blackbirds, and great blue herons. Even a least bittern. Plus huge alligators, truly scary. Grant spotted the first one, just its eyes above water, but we could tell it was large. Lots to eat, I guess. The information says the 11 mile drive takes about 3 hours, but I was sure we could cruise through and be back at our house in time for our 9:30 covenant Zoom meeting. So wrong. Had to meet up via phone. Amazing. This area has the Christmas Bird Count inland record of 174 species, so I suspect that in the winter, I’d better plan on spending the day here, sitting in birder traffic. We are definitely coming back in July, when the swallowtailed kites group up before migrating south. ...