White Peachicks Make a Stunning Entrance
A few sharp-eyed residents have recently reported sightings of white peachicks wandering through Azaleaville, an extraordinary event worth noting.
Despite their ghostly appearance, they are not albinos. Instead, they carry a genetic mutation that suppresses color pigments, resulting in striking snow-white plumage and normal dark eyes.
White peafowl are extremely rare, especially outside of controlled breeding environments. Spotting white peachicks in a suburban neighborhood is highly unusual.
❓ The peacock is the national bird of which country?
At birth, white peachicks are soft yellow, gradually transitioning to full white as their feathers grow in. If you do encounter them, remember they’re ground-nesting birds - fragile, shy, and protected by fiercely attentive parents. Enjoy the sighting from a respectful distance and consider yourself lucky - this is not something most people ever get to see.
Species: Pileated Woodpecker
Date: 7/12/2025
Location: 77th St N, Azaleaville
Notes: Striking bird - crow-sized with bold black-and-white plumage and vivid red crest. Heard a loud drumming echoing from a tree. The largest woodpecker in North America. Long chisel-like bill visible. Observed foraging on a tree branch.
Weather: Clear skies, light breeze.
Behavior: No vocalizations heard.
Photo credit: Cathy Wrigley
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
— Albert Einstein
— Albert Einstein
From the Little Free Seed Stand Facebook page, Azalea resident Cathy Wrigley shares:
Dragonfly Days Are Here Again!
Watch for them near water. Nature’s mosquito control has returned.
Ahhh, summer is here! But so are those pesky mosquitos!
To the rescue - Dragonflies!
To the rescue - Dragonflies!
With our daily rain patterns starting up, I have noticed the Dragonflies are back! Have you seen them yet in your yard?
- Dragonflies eat mosquitos and flies.
- They do not bite or sting people.
- Dragonflies can fly at speeds up to 30 mph. This helps them avoid predators like birds.
- Their huge eyes help them see prey, which they catch mid-air.
- There are over 100 species of dragonflies found in Florida.
- Most dragonfly females lay their eggs in mud or water. After hatching, they can live in water for up to 2 years. This is why dragonflies are found year round, near bodies of water.
Now you know!
The dragonfly society of the Americas has a good website. You can search dragonfly sitings by state and county. https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/
I'm also attaching a flyer for the Mosquito bucket challenge. It's an alternative to pesticides to help control mosquito populations.
With the help of Dragonflies, I hope everyone stays mosquito free this summer!
Please enjoy the dragonfly photos I took in my yard and at a local park.
Hope to see you at the Little Free Seed Stand on 77th St. Grow Native!
Cathy Wrigley is a longtime Azalea resident and a passionate advocate for Florida’s native plants and wildlife. Her yard is a living example of how to garden for pollinators and preserve local biodiversity. Through her “Little Free Seed Stand” and neighborhood outreach, Cathy generously shares her knowledge - and seeds - with anyone eager to help make the world greener and more wildlife-friendly.
