The December Post

So, this is how it ends. 2023 has certainly been an unforgettable one but not always in the way we hope for. Andrea's broken ankle in April pretty much set the tone. We did get in an Everglades trip but it wasn't a huge one, other than the Manatee fun and a baby Croc sighting. We missed out on a lot of common species again as well. It wasn't for lack of trying after Andrea healed but, well... better luck next year.

What did we see in December? I've said it before and I'll say it again... Bless Redbacks! December 8th:

And December 16th:

We also enjoyed watching this Red-bellied Woodpecker flit around on the 16th.

On the day after Christmas, it was supposed to be warm and sunny and it was... everywhere except around us. We were going to visit the dens again but decided to net in a nearby stream It was bursting with Two-lined Salamanders, which was a wonderful sight. We netted dozens in 5 minutes. First a larvae:

Then some adults:

And then a whole lot more of both.

When the sun finally did reach us, it was too little too late. We checked the dens with no luck.

On December 29th, we went into Worcester to try some net dipping. We'd not had a Dookie on the year. I worked hard for quite a while, gassed myself and hyperventilated but came up empty. Not even a Two-lined larvae. 

Oh well, at least I got dirty and wet which proves to me that I tried hard.

Pretty setting, anyway.

So ends our year. 83 bird species photographed which is OK, except we did hit Florida. No Dooks. No Hogs. We missed out on a lot of things but as ever, we look forward to next year and the challenges it will give us. What could possibly go wrong?