I hiked to the spot where I remembered seeing the Longspurred Mint in the past. It's easier to locate when it's in full bloom and it has gorgeous deep pink blooms right now!
Longspurred Mint or Longspurred Balm is a rare species of flowering plant endemic to Florida. This flower is only found in Marion County and possibly Sumter County and there are only 15 known occurrences. It is a federally endangered species.
I was excited to see several plants in a group that look healthy and in full bloom.
That really was the highlight of the week.
And although the Bluecurls aren't as rare, they are one of my favorite wildflowers.
The bloom is tiny and resembles an orchid.
It's in full bloom now too.
Wildflowers make the prettiest mosaics!
And now for my 'mystery bird'.
I took several photos of this beautiful little bird but when I got my ID book out, I wasn't sure what it was.
I feel certain it's a Warbler but we see a nice variety of Warblers here and this one didn't look exactly like the ones we normally see.
We probably see the Palm Warbler and Pine Warbler the most often.
If you can help, I'll add the ID and give you a shout out too!
Thanks Jennifer...Reflections from Crumbly Acres. I think it IS a Common Yellowthroat, female. I appreciate your help with the ID!
The weather here is gorgeous now! How's your weather?
45 comments:
...fabulous images, the flowers are new for me. Enjoy a wonderful weekend.
I never heard of this kind of mint. The flowers are beautful. I didn't realize there are endangered mints -- learned a lot from this one!
Oh, I wonder if you could brew that Longspurred Mint into a tea. I love anything mint. The Bluecurl is an interesting wildflower. It looks delicate and has a pretty color. And that little yellow bird is precious. You took some nice photos of it.
Have a pleasant weekend, Diane, and happy October days. : )
~Sheri
the flowers are like something we would see at Selby Gardens, they are stunning and i dont remmeber seeing them before this. send cool air, we are still hot,up in the 90's every day. we did get a little less humidity
What delightful flowers, pretty and delicate.
Such lovely things to see...
You take some gorgeous photos Diane! ♥
Gorgeous wildflowers! TGhe bird is cute. I have no idea what the name is.
The flowers are beautiful and I do like the mosaic.
I confess I know very little about birds, but hope someone will be along soon to help with the ID of your mystery bird.
All the best Jan
Longspurred Mint is surely mint and graceful. Warbler is so cute to spot in the wilderness.
Wow, what a rare treat to see that Longspurred Mint! I do not know what kind of bird that is but I know one of your readers will!
Beautiful. Lovely flowers and sweet birds! xo
So nice 👍🏽
❤️
Both flowers are gorgeous. How wonderful that you could take some of that Longspurred Mint home with you in your camera :)
No idea what the bird is but it sure is pretty.
I'm wondering if it is a Common Yellowthroat, female? Although, I am usually wrong!
I love the flowers. Good hunting!
Hello Diane,
The flowers are beautiful, what a great find. It is sad it is considered an endangered species. Your warbler is so pretty and your photos are awesome.
I looked through my guidebook and could not find a match, Sorry I could not help with the id. Beautiful mosaics! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
What interesting mint, Diane. This world is full of beautiful wildflowers and interesting birds. Your photos are lovely, thank you for sharing them.
Isn't a wonderful time to be out and about? Your photographs are really terrific. The colors in the forest and swamp right now are simply astounding.
Nice images of your Common Yellowthroat!
Beautiful flowers and birds Diane. The warbler is beautiful. Have a nice day.
Lovely flower pictures Diane. And yeas, a Common Yellowthroat, on its way to South or Central America. Are you bringing the lunch and coffee? Or I could bring some Skiathos Cheese Pie.
Beautiful flowers and bird photos! I think it is a female Common Yellowthroat.
Oh such lovely floral photos and warblers too ~
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
The flowers and birds are absolutely beautiful.
The Longspurred Mint is gorgeous! Wildflowers are always exciting. As others have pointed out your mystery bird is a Common Yellowthroat, which may well be spending the winter with you. From “Warblers”, Jon Dunn/Kimball Garrett - “Winters from the southern U.S. south through Central America and most of the West Indies.”
Those flowers are all so beautiful. And your wee bird is a winner too.
Have a good week.
The flowers are so pretty and delicate.
Your photos are amazing as always.
Happy Sunday, Diane.
Pretty blooms and birdies!
How exciting to see the Longspurred Mint in full bloom- so beautiful and rare. As usual, all of your photos are a joy to look at . Thanks for sharing them. Wish I knew what type of bird it was, but I don't recognize it.
Me ha encantado ver esas flores silvestres, son preciosas. Te deseo una feliz semana. Un abrazo.
Those flowers are special. I'm glad that they are protected and thriving. Life is fragile. I love that you got the bird Id's
Pretty pictures! I love wildflowers. Especially those blue curls, never seen those before
Pretty pictures! I love wildflowers. Especially those blue curls, never seen those before
Wow Diane, what a wonderful post! What amazing hikes! Beautiful photos of a wildflower that is so rare and only grows in your very own part of Florida -- and the other one, the blue one is really pretty also! And then you found an adorable bird for a new addition to your life-list. Really living up to your motto of showing the real Florida!
Diane- What a beautiful flowering plant. I have never seen it and never even heard about it. Gorgeous!!!! You always take such wonderful pictures and I envy you all your outdoor hikes and the places you have to hike there. What a sweet little bird, too. xo Diana
Your photos are beautiful and I'm not leaving Blogland!
Diane, I love those pretty flowers and thanks for sharing the info about them. I like that cute bird too. Thanks for the blog visit and your sweet comment on the pumpkins I crocheted. I hope you have a nice week.
What beautiful flowers you've shared with us. Do they smell like mint? Love the pinks and blues. I've never heard of Longspurred anything before reading your post.
love this, both flowers and birds. But mostly the birds of course. :)
While much of the country is turning orange, gold, and red, we get to have a revival of spring-like floral color. It's wonderful. You have captured it well.
beautiful wild flowers... love all of them
Beautiful photos and beautiful flowers as well as a pretty yellow bird.
I have never seen a bluecurl flower before, how interesting! I really enjoyed being in America recently everything is same, same but different! Love the yellow bird too!
Have a lovely weekend.
Wren x
Are this Orchids in the header? They are wonderful blooms. They looks orchid-like, dear Diane, in my opinion. Never seen before ... and I learned about here.
Happy MosaicMonday
Thank you so much being part at
MosaicMonday
Have a fine week. Hugs by Heidrun
beautiful photos of Warbler.... we saw this pretty bird around our areas.
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