Since arriving back in Key West from our California trip, we have managed to add two more species to the 2025 count bringing the YTD total to 502. Neither the Clapper Rail nor the Antillean Nighthawk offered good looks for photos but, they count just the same. This American Flamingo has taken up temporary residence on Grassy Key near Marathon, FL. It's great to see this species re-populating its former range in south Florida.
While there are a few more species around south Florida to be found, the birding activities have halted because of #1 - Henry... We spent the past week in Port Orange with Henry who enjoys taking his suitcase for walks in hotel hallways in his pajamas.
With his parents out of sight, Henry was able to enjoy his first freezy pop and his first frozen custard and cheese curds from Culver's along with adding another ten vehicles to his already bulging Hot Wheels collection. He also endured his first visit to a barber. At least for now, Henry and I don't look like a couple of beatniks. And, in this day and age, who can beat a $12 haircut.
#2 - Crystal's case of appendicitis. It only took 17 days of refusing to go to the clinic and a 3-second exam by our Chiropractor son, to determine she has been dealing with appendicitis. Now, it's a matter of when the appendix gets removed. It's no wonder that Nick's Encore Chiropractic and Wellness office in Winter Park, FL is booming. A chiro diagnosing appendicitis? Yep.
And, #3 - The mosquitos are out of control right now. The drought dried up many of the freshwater ponds in south Florida this spring which means the fish in those ponds died. That means the mosquito larvae that are now hatching with the rains are not being eaten by the fish. Here, our mosquito control son demonstrates how mosquito populations are counted. Yep, let them land on your hand and count them. No AI. No algorithms. Just count 'em. So, who wants to bird in that?
We're headed back up the coast next weekend to celebrate Henry's third birthday with a family beach and pool outing in Fort Lauderdale. The local authorities have warned that the rules that apply to spring breakers also apply to us. Hopefully, we won't make any headlines.
