Michele Connolly submitted this photo that her son, Ethan Connolly, took of a northern bobwhite (also known as a bobwhite quail and Virginia quail) on the family’s property, in Dade City. Ethan is 12 years old and loves taking pictures of wildlife. Northern bobwhites live in open pine forests, overgrown fields, shrubby areas and grasslands.
Pets/Wildlife
Cheeto and Pip are inseparable
Cheeto (age 14) and Pip (age 9) have been together since Pip was brought home in 2009. The cats hardly leave each other’s side and often times look like an old married couple. One night, Pip followed Cheeto into the chair, and they decided to watch the sunset together, as many couples do. Their proud owner is Elsie Rehberg of Wesley Chapel.
Lil Rhodi is smart and happy
Lil Rhodi was born Oct. 26, 2017. He is a 10-month-old Yorkie that weighs almost 4 pounds. Although Lil Rhodi is a little guy, he is very energetic. He loves chasing after his ball and returning it, so he can chase it again. He also loves going for walks, cuddling with his mom and loves everyone he meets. Lil Rhodi’s proud owner is JoAnn Charette of Land O’ Lakes.
Magnificent herons walk among us
This description offered by the organization, All About Birds, aptly describes these elegant birds: ‘Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately heron, with its subtle blue-gray plumage, often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. In flight, look for this widespread heron’s tucked-in neck and long legs trailing out behind.’ Herons are legally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Mr. Bean is intelligent and compassionate
Mr. Bean is an English Springer Spaniel that was rescued from a puppy mill, along with his two brothers. While in a shelter, Mr. Bean was very ill and appeared to be depressed. Now, at 11 years old, he is a healthy, loving dog thanks to a foster program, his former foster mother, and the veterinarians at a local shelter. Mr. Bean seems to have a sixth sense about people and how they feel. Every night he spends time with his owners, Howard and Natalie Engel, on the couch, while they are watching TV or reading. Mr. Bean and the Engels reside in Country Walk in Wesley Chapel.
A safe place to nest
Kim Moore, of Land O’ Lakes, has had the pleasure of watching cardinals build a nest in one of her palm plants, three times since the beginning of the year. The two babies born in March, unfortunately, did not survive. Three babies also were born in June, and all three flew from the nest. The cardinals came back and settled in again in July.