Creeping Woodsorrel

Creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a native Florida ground cover with clover-like leaves and small, yellow flowers. It blooms year-round, especially in spring, attracting bees, flies, and small butterflies. Often found along roadsides and in disturbed areas, it spreads quickly by rooting from stems and seeds that germinate between 60°F and 80°F.
Although sometimes labeled a weed, its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent, low-maintenance ground cover. It thrives in various conditions and can even be grown in containers as a potherb. Creeping woodsorrel is a resilient plant with real ecological value.
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Whooping Crane

The whooping crane (Grus americana) is the tallest bird in North America, standing nearly five feet tall with a wingspan of up to eight feet. (Take a look at the size comparison with a Sandhill crane.) These federally endangered birds are known for their striking white feathers, red crown, and long black legs. As chicks, they have a cinnamon-brown color that fades to white by their first year.
Whooping cranes thrive in shallow marshes and open grasslands, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, small vertebrates, roots, acorns, and berries. They perform elaborate courtship dances, with males jumping, flapping their wings, and tossing objects. Breeding in Florida occurs between January and May, with both parents sharing incubation duties for about 30 days. It is usual for only one chick to survive from a clutch of 1-3 eggs. Young cranes fledge at 80 to 90 days and become independent within a year.
A non-migratory population was introduced in Central Florida in 1993 but was discontinued in 2008 due to survival challenges. These rare birds mate for life but will find new partners if needed. Conservation efforts continue to protect their fragile populations and ensure their survival.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo and Lynn Marie
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Eastern Meadowlark

The Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is a striking grassland bird known for its bright yellow chest, bold black V-shaped markings, and enchanting flutelike song. These medium-sized songbirds thrive in open fields, prairies, and farmlands, where they walk gracefully through tall grasses, often unseen.
During breeding season, males perch on fenceposts and utility lines to sing their rich, melodic tunes, attracting mates and defending their territory. A single male typically has two mates at a time. Females craft well-hidden nests on the ground, often in depressions or hoof prints, laying 2 to 7 eggs per brood and 2 broods per year.
Eastern Meadowlarks face significant population declines, with numbers dropping 75% since 1966 due to habitat loss. The conversion of family farms and prairies into large agricultural fields, early mowing, overgrazing, and pesticide use threaten their survival. Conservation efforts, such as maintaining grassy habitats and responsible land management, are essential to preserving this beautiful songbird for future generations.
Keep an ear out for their sweet, whistling calls, and if you spot one, know you are witnessing a disappearing treasure of North America’s grasslands.
Photo Credit: Lynn Marie
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