This eastern towhee is one of a pair that has taken up residence in our front garden.  This is the first year we have seen this bird and we hope his arrival will turn into a permanent situation.  The pair spend a lot of time fighting their image in the rear view mirror of our van and they unfortunately leave their marks behind.  Regardless, they are a welcome addition.

Live Oak

I love old trees and Kanapaha Gardens near Gainesville has a huge selection of them.  The woodland gardens are simply fabulous even though they have plants from all over the world and I generally prefer native Florida plants.  The gardens contain many large trees that have fallen and are decomposing providing habitat for lots of little creatures as well as plant life.  The weather was fantastic this morning, overcast and cool.  They also have the largest variety of bamboo that I've ever seen in one place.  Kanapaha is another place that I highly recommend that you visit.  It's only about a mile west of I-75 and very close to a variety of restaurants.