Royal Poinciana

Royal Poinciana
The Royal Poinciana, the flamboyant or flame tree (Delonix regia), is renowned for its stunning beauty and lush, umbrella-like canopy. Native to Madagascar, this tropical marvel thrives in warm climates, lighting up summer landscapes with dazzling blooms ranging from vivid red to fiery orange and striking yellow in some cultivars. Each flower has four spoon-shaped petals and one larger petal, often compared to an orchid’s beauty.
This deciduous tree is perfect for creating dappled shade in USDA hardiness zones 9b–11. Royal Poinciana is a visual delight and a natural sunshade during the hottest months. It has a mature height of about 40 feet and a canopy that can spread to 60 feet. Once established, it’s highly tolerant of drought and salt, making it a resilient choice for many landscapes.
Though the tree’s long seed pods can become lawn litter in spring, the Royal Poinciana’s grand presence and vibrant flowers make it a favorite among gardeners and admirers—an ideal addition to frost-free landscapes for those seeking year-round beauty and a bit of tropical charm!
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Royal Tern

Royal Tern
The Royal Tern, a striking seabird of warm coastal waters, stands out with its bright tangerine bill and distinctive black crest, which fades to a white forehead by late summer. These elegant birds can be seen gliding slowly over shorelines, scanning for small fish they catch with a quick, precise dive. They are highly social, found on undisturbed beaches and saltwater coasts, gathering in colonies and between fishing outings. The Royal Tern’s sharp “ka-rreet!” call is a familiar sound for seashore visitors and a helpful way to spot them.
Their North American populations have remained stable, though declines have been noted in Florida.
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
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Richloam Fire Tower Trailhead

Richloam Fire Tower Trailhead in Withlacoochee State Forest
Richloam Fire Tower Trailhead, located in the heart of Withlacoochee State Forest, offers an immersive outdoor experience of Florida’s native ecosystems. Found just 0.6 miles southeast of State Road 50 on Clay Sink Road, this trail network invites visitors to explore all-weather trails that wind through a rich diversity of habitats, including pine flatwoods, cypress ponds, pine plantations, and hardwood hammocks.
These blazed trails are primarily dry or damp, though sections can become wet in the rainy season, especially in low-lying areas. The habitat variety here supports a robust range of Florida wildlife, from white-tailed deer and wild turkeys to bobcats, wild hogs, and armadillos. You might encounter alligators in the wettest spots. With this diversity comes a range of plant species adapted to each ecosystem’s specific soil and moisture levels, offering visitors a living example of Florida’s ecological complexity.
Richloam also features the Florida National Scenic Trail and its Green Swamp Connector, where hikers can trek northward through the South and North Loops to Porter Gap Road. Part of the Florida Forest Service’s Trailwalker program, the Richloam trails are excellent for those looking to experience Florida’s natural beauty while completing the program’s challenges.
For a full experience, overnight primitive camping is allowed within designated zones marked by yellow-banded trees. This encourages low-impact, leave-no-trace camping, helping to preserve the forest’s delicate ecosystems. Remember to stay vigilant for native snakes, as they play essential roles in maintaining local biodiversity, though they prefer to avoid human contact.
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Western Cattle Egret

Western Cattle Egret
The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a small, white heron native to Africa. This bird is known for its symbiotic relationship with large grazing animals, most commonly cattle, from which it gets its name.
Cattle egrets are distinctive due to their short necks and sturdy build compared to other egrets. Adults are predominantly white with yellow bills and legs, though, during the breeding season, they develop buff-colored plumage on their heads, necks, and backs. They typically stand 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 inches) tall with a wingspan of around 88 to 96 cm (35 to 38 inches).
Cattle egrets are often seen following grazing animals and farm equipment. Some may stand on top of a cow or horse. They are insectivorous birds, feeding on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, flies, and other small creatures stirred up by the movement of these animals and machines. They occasionally consume frogs, birds, small mammals, and other prey when available.
Cattle egrets typically breed in colonies, often alongside other heron species. They construct their nests near water on top of the outer branches of shrubs or trees. The nests are made from sticks and other plant material, and the female lays 3 to 5 pale blue or green eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the young.
The cattle egret’s symbiotic relationship with grazing animals makes it a unique ecosystem species. By feeding on insects and pests, it helps reduce parasitic loads on livestock and promotes healthier grazing environments.
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