Author Archives: Noni Cay

IMG_4942RuttingSeason No Comments

The Rut

Early this morning there were two bucks fighting as a doe grazed nearby. They were seriously butting their antlers together and at one point it seemed as if they were locked together as one male nearly muscled the other onto the ground. Although mating season is over, does can get pregnant in this tropical climate […]

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February 15, 2015
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categories: Key Deer
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IMG_6847OspreyNest No Comments

Osprey Nest

This is the largest Osprey nest in the area. All the nests I have seen, four or five, have nesting mothers and/or fathers in them. One nest had a plastic milk carton woven in with the sticks and twigs.

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December 29, 2014
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categories: Birds
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IMG_5639BuckAttacksDog No Comments

Key Deer Attacks Dog

I was startled to see the small buck attack the six pound dog who was minding her own business. The buck’s body, tail,and ears became erect as it zeroed in on the miniature Cavalier. Even though the deer went straight for the dog’s neck, Maggie is okay.      

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November 14, 2014
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categories: Key Deer
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The Secret Life of Ospreys

      I heard a large splash, over and over again, and my attention was drawn to an Osprey exhibiting hunting behavior. He would flutter in one position over the swamp about ten feet high and I could see that his razor-sharp eyes were intently focused on what lie beneath in the marsh water. […]

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November 10, 2014
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categories: Birds
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IMG_4656Poisonwood No Comments

Poisonwood

Poisonwood is a flowering tree in the cashew family, abundant throughout Big Pine Key. If the sap of the tree touches you, it has a similar effect as poison oak, causing red blistering welts. Beware! It’s a good idea to wear long sleeves when out in the Florida bush.      

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October 27, 2014
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categories: Birds, OTHER