BROWN THRASHER, NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN, NAPLES, FL

      We can ID this bird as a Brown Thrasher by the rufous above, the rufous tail, the dark streaks on off-white below and two wingbars.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWER IN THE WILD, NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN, NAPLES, FL

   I was walking with a group of birders in a fairly isolated area at the Naples Botanical Garden when we saw this beautiful flower all by itself.  It really stood out.

WHITE STAR EGGPLANT, NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN, NAPLES, FL

FEMALE PAINTED BUNTING EATING AT FEEDER, NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN, NAPLES, FL

BLUE-HEADED VIREO, NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN NAPLES, FL

   We have identified this bird as a Blue-headed Vireo as follows:

• Bold white "spectacle" that really contrasts with the dark gray head.
• White neck and white underneath with a yellow wash on the flank.
• Two white wing bars.
• Short bill.

   The Blue-headed Vireo is a new species to our Life List, which now stands at 271.

RAT SNAKE, NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN, NAPLES, FL

ROSE GARDEN, NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN, NAPLES, FL