Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Largemouth Bass Courtship



These two were kanoodlin' in a small retention pond at the track meet last week.

The track facility is built adjacent to (probably partially on) a cypress wetland in the city of Orlando. It was a moderate walk from the parking area to the actual track, so I had my eye open for life along the way.



As I strolled toward the track and field events, a small retention pond caught my eye and I crossed the asphalt to check it out. I really was expecting to see tilapia or some other exotic, but instead, I was treated to a pair of our native largemouths doing the spring thing.


That was a nice surprise ... as was the sight of a woodstork in a large drainage ditch next to the track and field.

I could also hear a few sandhill cranes just beyond the cypress trees that bordered the field ... all of this was giving me a case of TADD, but the MOST distracting sound at the track was ...



... a pair of ospreys nesting in the stadium lights. There was a constant chatter from the nest all day long.



It made it hard to concentrate on the track events ... unless it was a Junior event of course.













These two largemouth bass and their hoped for progeny will need to be alert.


Their shallow clear pond is an Osprey's dream.























9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like they are trying to fan out a bed to me...
Datil peppers are up...took me a few wks. to plant them. Dad's are up too.
thanks, Tammy in Al.

threecollie said...

Very nice. It is wonderful when you find things like that all unexpected.

Sayre said...

I don't know much about fish... is the larger one the female? Obviously the osprey has heard the term "location, location, location"! Building so close to fast food...

My peppers (and my tomatoes) don't seem to be doing anything. The squash and cukes are coming up though. Perhaps I should start over? I still have seeds left.

Anonymous said...

FC,
Proud father you must be for your son has grown into a fine young man. Thought I would point you in the direction of another blog of a close friend of mine, enjoy...http://timdarbyphotography.blogspot.com/

Dallas Gator/Eagle

robin andrea said...

Interesting place for that osprey nest. Wonder how hot those lights get for a night game?

Linda Starr said...

I just moved to Florida and Patti mentioned your blog, I look forward to reading all about Florida here. I too am amazed at how clear the water is here in so many places.

R.Powers said...

Tammy,
Yes, they were just beginning the bedding process. Glad your datils sprouted!!!

3C,
I agree and I always love fish watching so it was especially nice.


Sayre,
Pepper seeds can seem to take forever. I hope they sprout. In fish, the females are usually larger than males.


DallasGatorEagle,
Thanks! He cleans up nice. He's a real Maverick.


Robin,
I had the same thought and figured they may not use this light bank during the spring.

Linda,
Welcome to Pure Florida!!
Thanks for dropping in.

Deb said...

Wow, that is some clear water! Ospreys seem to be very opportunistic about nest sites.

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