birds

Bonaparte’s Gull

This small gull is a Bonaparte’s Gull (scientific name: Chroicocephalus Philadelphia) in its nonbreeding colors with a black smudge behind its eye. Bonaparte’s Gulls breed in Canada and Alaska from late May to July, where they are the only gull species nesting in trees. In the north, nesting pairs can be found in spruce trees.

The gulls fly south for the winter, feeding on small insects and fish by flying close to the water and plucking them from the air or water. They live near water, mostly lakes and ponds, but they can also be found near the ocean.

Photo Credit and Author: Rowan Waldo

Anna Maria Bayfront Park

Anna Maria Bayfront Park, located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island in Florida, offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. This park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which support a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the park’s calm, clear waters.

Birdwatching is also popular, with species like herons, egrets, pelicans, and ospreys frequently spotted. The park’s conservation efforts include habitat restoration, educational programs, and sustainable practices to preserve its natural beauty. Anna Maria Bayfront Park is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the coastal environment, or learn about local wildlife, this park offers something for everyone. Visit Anna Maria Bayfront Park to experience the unique charm and ecological richness of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

For more information: https://tinyurl.com/2ycxlfy6

Mottled Duck

The Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) is a distinctive species of waterfowl native to the southeastern United States, with a significant population in Florida. Known for its unique plumage and habitat preferences, the Mottled Duck plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and offers valuable insights into wetland conservation.

The Mottled Duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck similar in appearance to the Mallard but with some notable differences. Both males and females have a mottled brown appearance, which provides excellent camouflage in their wetland habitats. Males have a yellowish bill, while females have an orange to brownish bill with dark splotches. Mottled Ducks typically range from 19 to 22 inches long with a wingspan of approximately 33 to 36 inches.

In Florida, Mottled Ducks are commonly found in freshwater and brackish wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and coastal estuaries. They are non-migratory, meaning they reside in these habitats year-round. Their range extends from the Florida peninsula westward to eastern Texas, but the highest population density is in Florida.

Mottled Ducks have a varied diet consisting of aquatic plants such as seeds, stems, and roots of various aquatic vegetation, invertebrates including insects, snails, and small crustaceans, and grains including foraging on waste grain from rice and other crops.

Breeding season for Mottled Ducks in Florida typically begins in early spring. Nests are usually built on the ground in dense vegetation near water. Females construct nests using grasses, reeds, and down feathers. Females lay an average of 8 to 12 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 24 to 28 days, primarily undertaken by the female. After hatching, ducklings are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile. They follow the mother to water shortly after birth and begin foraging on their own within days.

The Mottled Duck is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Still, ongoing conservation efforts are being made to monitor and protect its populations. Threats to its habitat include wetland drainage, pollution, and hybridization with feral Mallards, which can dilute the species’ genetic integrity.

Mottled Ducks contribute to the health of wetland ecosystems through seed dispersal, pest control of invertebrates and insects, and as prey for various predators, thus playing a crucial role in the food web.

Photo Credit: David Gale

Mourning Dove

Have you ever been captivated by a bird’s low, sorrowful cry in the early morning? That’s the unique call of the Mourning Dove, a small, simple yet beautiful bird that’s a common sight in America, particularly in Florida. Known for its surprisingly gentle, lamenting coo and the whistling of its wings when startled, the Mourning Dove is a fascinating creature to discover.

The mourning dove’s plumage is a rusty grey with white undertones and black spots on its short wings and pointed tail. It has a small beak designed to collect seeds they can store in their specialized esophagus called the crop. In fact, the mourning dove has evolved to drink brackish water without the effects of dehydration, allowing the bird to live in deserts and ocean coasts alike.

Birdwatchers can attract the mourning dove by planting low shrubs to protect

them as they forage; however, they will usually only nest in the safety of tall trees. This dove species is also the most abundant game bird in North America, with hunters taking home roughly 20 million a year. Despite this, the mourning dove is a common and wonderful sight.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Red-breasted Merganser

This unusual-looking duck is called the Red-breasted Merganser, and it only visits Florida during the winter. While this bird usually breeds in the northern coastal regions of Canada, this diving duck flies as far as our home state and Mexico across the Gulf.

In Florida, they make their home in brackish or saltwater sources such as estuaries, bays, lakes, and rivers.

The Red-breasted Merganser is easily identifiable from its fluffy crest, which both males and females have. Breeding males tend to have more color and brighter patterning with black and white plumage, brown-spotted breast, and bright white collar. Though the females are duller brown and gray, both sexes sport red eyes and beaks. Sexually immature males will appear more like females until they reach adulthood at about 2 years of age. The red beak is not just for looks; the bill is serrated and used to catch fish.

The Red-breasted Merganser dives from the surface to catch its prey. To support its energy usage, it must catch roughly 20 fish per day. This duck must dive over 250 times daily to catch enough fish to survive. The Red-breasted Merganser is not only a beautiful duck but a busy one.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Author: Sarina Pennington, IOF Volunteer

Brown Thrasher

The Brown Thrasher can be found year-round in Florida’s scrub. This shy bird is smaller than its western counterparts but sports the same brown plumage and spotted belly. It has striking yellow eyes and a long, curved beak.

The Brown Thrasher prefers to keep among the shrubs and rifle through the leaf-litter and berry bushes below; because of this, they are often hard to spot. Despite this, they are fierce protectors of their nest, known for diving at people who unknowingly get too close. The best time to spot this bird is during the warmer months when the males perch higher to sing and attract a mate. Their songs are actually a mishmash of other birds’ calls.

Similar to mockingbirds, the Brown Thrasher steals snippets of songs from various birds and can even imitate their calls.

The Brown Thrasher has over 1,100 song types, so even if you can’t see the bird, you can listen for its call!

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo, Lynn Marie

Author: Sarina Pennington, IOF Volunteer.

Black Crowned Night Heron

The Black Crowned Night Heron is a unique species of waterbird that can be found anywhere near Florida’s fresh or saltwater sources. Standing around two feet tall with a wingspan of about 46 inches, the Black Crowned Night Heron sports a white belly, pale gray wings, red eyes, blue-black head and back, and two white head plumes falling over its back. They are best known for their stocky silhouette and comical lack of neck. Their calls can primarily be heard at night and sound like short, winded whoops.

The Black Crowned Night Heron is aptly named for its nocturnal habits, spending its nights hunting small aquatic animals like fish, mollusks, and the occasional seabird. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of what is available to them now, even carrion and plant matter. Despite this, they roost colonially in trees with other Black Crowned Night Herons or birds of different species, such as egrets and ibises.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author Sarina Pennington, IOF volunteer

Belted Kingfisher

Belted kingfishers are year-round native Floridians and are most commonly found around sources of water, which they rely upon for survival. The belted kingfisher has a powder blue plumage, white belly, and shaggy crest. The females sport a rust-colored belly band for which the species is named, but the differences stop there. Both males and females have a large, pointed beak for fishing.

Belted kingfishers stalk lakes, rivers, and estuaries, looking for small fish to catch. They will fly up and down waterways searching for food or dive headlong from a perch. Belted kingfishers are one of the few bird species capable of hovering in one spot before diving. They use their dagger-like beaks to strike the water and their prey.

Belted kingfishers are known to nest in most climates but migrate south during the winter, where their waterways will stay unfrozen and, therefore, a viable food source. During the breeding season, they burrow upward into muddy banks so that rain cannot penetrate and line the nest with fish bones, scales, and various prey animal remains for added insulation. Keep an eye on the skies above your local water sources for a glimpse of the belted kingfisher.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Sarina Pennington, IOF Volunteer

Great-Tailed Grackle

While normally found year-round in the Southwestern United States, great-tailed grackles can occasionally be seen here in Florida. Not to be confused with the boat-tailed grackle or common grackle, this species has unusually long, splayed tail feathers. The males are twice the size of female great-tailed grackles and sport iridescent black plumage. The females have long, slender tail feathers.

Great-tailed grackles are a member of the Icteridae family (New World Blackbirds) but are commonly mistaken for Corvidae. Similar to crows. They eat a wide variety of foods such as insects, grains, fruits, and even small fish. Although incapable of swimming, great-tailed grackles are known to forage in shallow waters searching for tadpoles and crustaceans.

This species of grackle is frequently spotted in rural areas during the day before coming back to urban areas to roost for the night. Great-tailed grackles are a common sight on farms, where they live in symbiosis with cattle by eating the parasites that plague the bovine. All in all, they are a welcome sight to Florida’s coasts and woodlands– as well as the occasional parking lot.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Author: Sarina Pennington IOF Volunteer

McCarty Ranch Preserve

The McCarty Ranch Preserve, or Port St. Lucie’s McCarty Ranch Preserve, is a 3,100-acre preserve sitting squarely around Lake John and the smaller bodies of water: Lake Dan and Lake Brian. Located in Port St. Lucie, the ranch features 13 rustic campsites with modern amenities such as restrooms, showers, and free wifi, as well as 6 RV campsites, a boat/canoe launch, fishing, trails, and an 18-hole disc golf course, all of which are pet-friendly. The wide range of trails, designed for everything from horses to bikes, to the classic walking stick, is the real draw of McCarthy Ranch Preserve.

There are two hikeable nature trails located near the entrance and campgrounds. The Gopher Tortoise Trail is the longest at about 16 miles and is split evenly by the Palmetto Trail which is 1 mile long. On these trails, you will likely encounter abundant wild flora and fauna, such as bats, alligators, and a variety of predatory birds like the beloved osprey. The local flora resembles old Florida pinelands, which host slash pines, milkweed (a Monarch host plant!), and mulberry.

The McCarty Ranch Preserve can trace its roots to the influential McCarty Family and its patriarch, Charles Tobin McCarty, who used the land for cattle and pineapple farming in the 1880s. CT (Charles Tobin) McCarty’s grandson, Dan, became the state’s 31st Governor in 1953 while his son John managed the ranch. The ranch continued until 2012 when it was purchased and incorporated into city limits for the purpose of storing water and creating a recreational area for the community.

If you are seeking the perfect trailhead on foot or horseback, the McCarty Ranch Preserve is the place to go for your family’s (and pets!) fishing, canoeing, and hiking needs. For more information please go to the https://www.cityofpsl.com/…/mccarty-ranch-preserve…

Author: IOF Volunteer Sarina Pennington

Photo Credit: Courtney Smith

Eared Grebe

Eared Grebes, Podiceps nigricollis, are small water birds with a distinctive bright, red eye that gather in large flocks at the Great Salt Lake in Utah, Salton Sea, or Mono Lake in California during the fall. Here, the most abundant grebes in the world enjoy a bounty of brine shrimp, alkali flies, and aquatic invertebrates before migrating to their winter home in the islands in the Gulf of California. Breeding takes place in the wetlands of western North America.

Fun Fact: While fattening up in the fall, the Eared Grebes’ pectoral muscles and hearts shrink rendering them flightless while their digestive organs grow to accommodate enough food to double the Grebe’s size. Before it’s time to migrate, the process reverses, and the grebes will begin their nocturnal journey to their wintering grounds.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Brown Pelican

Brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are huge, stocky seabirds with thin necks and very long bills with a pouch that stretches as it is used for catching fish. They measure 39.4-53.9 inches with a wingspan of 78.7 inches and weigh about 70.5-176.4 oz. Adults are grayish brown with yellow heads and white necks. Their breeding plumage turns a deep reddish-brown along the back and sides of the neck. Juveniles are gray-brown from above, which includes the head and neck, and the belly and breast are a pale white.

The brown pelican has a wide range, living year-round in estuaries and coastal marines along both the east and west coasts. They breed between Maryland and Venezuela and between southern California and southern Ecuador. Breeding occurs mostly on barrier islands, natural islands in estuaries, and islands made of refuse from dredging. However, in Florida and southern Louisiana, they primarily use mangrove islands. When not feeding or nesting, they will rest on sandbars, pilings, jetties, breakwaters, mangrove islets, and offshore rocks, depending on the region.

Their diet mostly consists of small fish that form schools near the water’s surface. Pelicans generally forage during the day but can feed at night during the full moon. When a foraging pelican spots a fish, it will dive headfirst from as high as 65 feet! It will tuck and twist to the left to protect its trachea and esophagus from the impact. When it plunges into the water, the throat pouch will expand to trap fish, filling up to 2.6 gallons of water. Before swallowing, they will drain the water from their pouches. They will occasionally feed by sitting on the surface and seizing the prey with its bill. These birds will also steal from other seabirds, scavenge dead animals, and eat invertebrates.

Even though brown pelicans are awkward on land, they are strong swimmers and excellent fliers. Pelicans are highly social all year, breeding in colonies of up to several thousand pairs. Males will defend a nest site and the nearby perches for up to 3 weeks until they attract a mate; the pair will then be monogamous throughout the breeding season. The parents incubate the eggs with their feet. If disturbed, the parents will fly suddenly and, in haste, sometimes crush their eggs. The clutch size is 2-4 eggs; the incubation period is around 29-35 days. The eggs are chalky white; during incubation, they will become stained. The nestling period for the hatchlings is about 77-84 days before they can leave the nest. The hatchlings are helpless, with no feathers and bare pink skin; their eyes are open. Parents will regurgitate predigested fish onto the nest floor for their young, later switching to whole fish once they are big enough. The young will reach sexual maturity at about 3-5 years.

Thanks to conservation efforts, the brown pelican populations stabilized and slowly increased between 1966 and 2019, according to the North American Bird Breeding Survey. They nearly disappeared from North America between the late 1950s and early 1970s from pesticides entering the food chain. The pesticide Endrin kills pelicans directly, while DDT contamination leads to thin-shelled eggs that break under the weight of the parents. In 1970, brown pelicans were federally listed as endangered. Due to the plight of pelicans and other species, DDT was banned in 1972, and the use of endrin was reduced; this enabled the pelican population to rise. Though human disturbance can still cause an issue for pelicans, frightened pelicans often abandon or accidentally destroy their nests. Abandoned fishing lines threaten brown pelicans and other marine species. It has been estimated that more than 700 adult and immature pelicans die each year in Florida alone from entanglement in sport-fishing gear.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Ovenbird

The ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) gets its name from the shape of its nest. The dome and side entrance make it resemble a Dutch oven. Their range is the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada, extending downwards towards Mexico and Central America. Florida is part of their nonbreeding habitat.

Ovenbirds generally avoid open fields and cultivated areas. They prefer uninterrupted forests with close canopies. If mature forests are unavailable, they can live and feed along coffee trees or mangroves in agricultural lands. Even though they prefer leaf litter when hunting for invertebrates, they will forage in grasses, rocks, or mud near water. In their winter habitats, they are flexible in what they eat. They can add seeds to their diets and specialize in locally abundant prey like ants. Whereas they breed and rear their young as a pair in their breeding habitats, they are generally solitary on their winter grounds.

Ovenbirds are abundant, and their population is stable, increasing slightly over the years. They are of low conservation concern; However, they still face threats from forest fragmentation and disruption of industrial noises. During migration, large numbers can face casualty from colliding with towers and tall buildings.

Cool Fact: The abundance, wide distribution, and relative ease of observation have made the ovenbird a model songbird in scientific studies for nearly a century. These studies have helped scientists understand the effects of logging and habitat fragmentation on migrating songbirds.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Follow That Dream Parkway to Bird Creek Beach

Nature enthusiasts and beach lovers, get ready for an adventure! Bird Creek Beach is a serene and secluded destination along Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. This hidden gem lies within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offering a peaceful coastal experience perfect for relaxation and picnicking. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse birdlife that frequents the area, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.

To reach Bird Creek Beach, park at the end of Follow That Dream Parkway, also known as Florida State Road 40. This scenic highway stretches across Central Florida, starting from US Route 41 in Inglis and heading eastward through the breathtaking Ocala National Forest before reaching the charming Ormond Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Apart from its stunning coastal landscapes, Follow That Dream Parkway has a special connection to an iconic Elvis Presley movie. “Follow That Dream,” released in 1962, showcased some of Florida’s most beautiful locations, including Bird Creek Beach and the scenic route of Florida State Road 40.

So, pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the allure of Bird Creek Beach and Follow That Dream Parkway in Florida! Share your favorite moments and experiences in the comments below! Bird Creek Beach and Follow That Dream Parkway await your exploration!

Photo Credit: Dan Kon and Debbie Long

Loggerhead Shrike

This small bird has a light gray body with a white underbelly. It has a black tail, wing markings, and a mask around its eyes (ECOS date unknown).

The species range extends as far north as Canada, along the prairies of the central region, down to Mexico. It can be found from the northern Gulf Coast to the southern part of Florida, where they spend the winter (FWC 2003).

Loggerheaded shrikes prefer areas with low vegetation, such as grasslands, marshes, prairies, scrubs, and sandhills. They can also be found near agricultural areas, golf courses, and urban areas. They can be found near structures with spines, such as barbed wire or thorns on plants (ECOS date unknown).

Most of their diet consists of insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. However, they consume larger prey such as mice, roadkill, and other birds. They attack the throat of their prey, paralyzing them before impaling them on spines before consuming them (ECOS date unknown).

Both sexes participate in nest selection sites, looking for thorny areas for protection. Females primarily construct the nest made of a stick foundation and lined with soft materials such as foliage and animal fur. About five eggs are laid with gray, brown, and black markings. They incubate for about 16 days, take two days to hatch, and begin leaving the nest at about 18 days and rely on their parents for food for up to 6 weeks (FWC 2003).

The spraying of sodium nitrate fertilizer has been shown to negatively affect populations. When sample nests were compared to control groups, there was a significant loss of eggs, nests, and offspring (Yosef and Deyrup, 2019).

References :

[ECOS] Environmental Conservation Online System. Date unknown. United States Fish and Wildlife Services. [Accessed 2023 March 19]: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8833

[FWC] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2003. Florida’s breeding bird atlas: A collaborative study of Florida’s birdlife (Online). [Accessed 2023 March 19]: http://www.myfwc.com/bba/

Porter, C. 2000. “Lanius ludovicianus” (Online), Animal Diversity Web. [Accessed 2023 March 18] https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lanius_ludovicianus/

Yosef, R and Deyrup, MA. 2019. Effects of fertilizer-induced reduction of invertebrates on reproductive success of Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus). Bulletin of Experimental Biology & Medicine. 166(6):307-312.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Savannah Sparrow

Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) have an extremely wide range. Canada and the northern parts of the United States are their breeding grounds. During non-breeding times, they migrate to parts of the central and southern United States and Mexico.

These little sparrows live in grasslands with few trees, such as meadows, pastures, and cultivated fields planted with cover crops. They also inhabit tidal salt marshes and estuaries as they are near the ocean. In colder regions, Alaska and northern Canada, they will live among the shrubby willows of the tundra. During breeding seasons, they will eat insects and invertebrates; in their winter range, their diet will consist primarily of small seeds from grasses and forbs. Along coastal areas, they may eat tiny crustaceans.

During the nonbreeding range, Savannah Sparrows will gather in large flocks and become increasingly restless until they depart.

Savannah Sparrows are widespread and abundant and are of low conservation concern. These sparrows benefited from the human-changed landscape as pasturelands opened up, but some of their range has been lost to the urbanization that followed and the shift in agricultural practices. Due to their foraging behavior, they are vulnerable to some crop pesticides and may eat granular pesticides that are scattered in cornfields.

Cool Fact, the Savannah Sparrow’s name is not named because of its fondness for grassy areas but is named by a famous nineteen-century ornithologist Alexander Wilson for collecting specimens in Savannah, Georgia.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo, Lynn Marie

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Fort Island Trail Park

Are you looking for an exciting outdoor adventure? Look no further than Fort Island Trail Park. Located in beautiful Citrus County, this 14-acre riverfront park offers various recreational activities, making it the perfect destination for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Saunter along the West Fort Island 0.5-mile out-and-back trail. Bring your own kayak or canoe and explore the serene waters of Fort Island Trail Park, beginning at the Nature Coast Canoe and Kayak Trail launch point.

Be sure to bring your binoculars and keep your cameras ready. Fort Island Trail Park is part of the Florida Birding Trail. It is home to many unique wildlife, including migratory birds, songbirds, shore birds, and water birds. The park offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.

Fort Island Trail Park is the ideal spot for a family outing. Picnic areas and open spaces are perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or a relaxing day out with your loved ones.

For more information: https://www.citrusbocc.com/…/ft_island_trail_park.php

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Peacock

There are three species of peafowls, Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), and Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis). Indian Peafowl are commonly found in Florida and are nonnative birds that can reach 35 to 50 inches and is the largest bird that can fly. All species are distinguishable from each other as the male Indian peafowl have bright blue heads and necks. Males are peacocks; females are peahens. It is very easy to distinguish between males and females. Males are beautiful, with very bright plumage. The feathers that cover the tail are 5 feet long, which is longer than the body! When the tail is displayed, brilliant colors are visible. They use their tail display to attract a mate. Peahens have much more muted colors with a brown back and a white belly, they do not have long tail feathers, but they have a crest on their head and green neck feathers.

As the name suggests, this bird originates from the Indian subcontinents. They were introduced to other countries for zoos, parks, nature centers, or domestic pets. The Indian peafowls are omnivorous and feed on seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals, and small reptiles.

Cool Fact! The peacock is the national bird of India. Peacock feathers are important to Hinduism as they believe keeping them brings good luck and prosperity.

Peafowl are classified as a domestic species in Florida.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

White-eyed vireo

The White-eyed vireo (Vireo griseus) is a small songbird that lives in Florida year-round in scrubby areas such as overgrown pastures, forest edges, and mangroves. The diet comprises caterpillars, flies, beetles, moths, butterflies, leafhoppers, lacewings, and spiders. During nonbreeding seasons fruits will be a part of their diet.

Males defend territories from other males by wing flicking, fluffing, sleeking their feathers, and will pecking at the other male. Courtship will start as soon as the female arrives and they will maintain a monogamous bond during the breeding season. The White-eyed vireo will return to the same breeding area year after year, sometimes with different mates.

It takes a mating pair 3-5 days to complete a nest. They will use insect silk and spiderweb to make a shell, then collect stick leaves, bark, plant fibers, rootlets, and bits of paper and add them to the shell. They will use lichens, moss, or leaves outside the nest to camouflage the nest. Usually, 3-5 eggs are laid in a clutch with only 1-2 young being hatched; the eggs are white with some spotting. Incubation is 13-15 days; they can leave the nest after 9-11 days. Both parents contribute to incubating the eggs and feeding the young. However, there are times when the nest can be parasitized by the Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus after), which results in the unknowing parents caring for another bird’s young while their young do not survive.

This species is common with a stabilized population, so it is not of conservation concern.

Photo Credit: Sheri Douse, Lynn Marie

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Pioneer Trail at Kings Park on Merritt Island

The Pioneer Trail, inside of Kings Park, could be the trail that you have been missing. Located in north Merritt Island, this 240-acre community park is largely a wetlands preserve. The paved, well-maintained trail is suitable for walkers, runners, or cyclists (mountain, hybrid, cruisers, or road bikes will all work here), perfect for your whole family to enjoy. If you go later in the afternoon or evening, you will find portions of the trail are shaded.

The Pioneer Trail is a straight 1.1-mile trail connecting E. Hall Road and Chase Hammock Road. A straight line without looping makes it not only impossible to get lost but safe and easy for even the most novice trail enthusiasts to use! You will likely cover 2.2 miles round trip unless you turn back early or take a side trail. The trail takes you along two ponds and other water features, with plenty of native Florida vegetation including wildflowers, grasses, palm trees, and more. Keep an eye out for alligators. With the opportunity to see more of this natural Florida scenery, you might want to wander down a side trail.

The small developed area at the northeast corner of the park features a multi-use field and paved parking that accommodates practice games and neighborhood play. A deep freshwater lake adjacent to the parking area offers a natural ramp for non-motorized boats. Another small lake, a canoe trail, and rustic nature trails invite exploration for the adventurous. Don’t forget your sun protection, extra water, and bug spray. There are restrooms, a pavilion, and picnic tables at either end of the trail.

Amenities:

Restroom

1.4-mile Pioneer trail.

Picnic area

1 Multi-use field

Canoe Launch,

Freshwater,

Non-motorized Access

Photo Credit and Author: Director Bobby Putnam

Wood Thrush

Florida is one of the Wood Thrush’s (Hylocichla mustelina) migration routes; they breed in deciduous and mixed forests in eastern North America. During winter, they will live in shady, broad-leaved, and palm tropical forests.

Wood thrushes mainly eat invertebrates on leaf litter and fruits from shrubs. Their summer diet is primarily invertebrates, though they will occasionally eat salamanders found in trees. Their diet will shift to mainly fruits, particularly fatty fruits, to prepare for migration. In winter, they are omnivorous, eating a variety of fruits and invertebrates. The male Wood Thrush is one of the first songbirds to be heard in the morning and among the last in the evening.

Wood Thrushes are solitary foragers, though they may form mixed flocks on their wintering grounds. They are still common though their population has declined between 1966 and 2019, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The Wood Thrush is included in the Yellow Watch List for birds most at risk of extinction without significant conservation actions to reverse declines and reduce threats. It is thought that habitat fragmentation in their breeding and wintering grounds contributed to their population decline. Lower food quality choices can result from fragmented habitats along with exposed nests for predators such as raccoons, jays, crows, and domestic or feral cats, and to the nest parasite, the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater).

Fun Fact: Among many alarms calls this bird can make, one is a distinctive, sharp machine-gun-like sound that can be heard from far off.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Tiger Bay State Forest

Tiger Bay State Forest is a protected forest in Volusia County, near Daytona Beach and DeLand, and is easily accessible from Interstate 95. The forest offers several recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing in some of the area’s streams and lakes. Tiger Bay State Forest was severely impacted by the 1998 Summer Wildfire Firestorm. Approximately 15,000 acres of forest were burned during these catastrophic wildfires. Restoration included extensive salvage timber removal, and reforestation efforts have been completed.

The forest is named after the nearby Tiger Bay Creek, its primary geographical characteristic, which runs through the area. Tiger Bay is a crucial source of groundwater replenishment for the local region. The hydric swamp forest is punctuated by clusters of pine-covered islands, which make up 40% of the forest area. Additionally, the forest encompasses Indian Lake and Scoggin Lake, as well as several smaller bodies of water, including Coon Pond, a naturally occurring pond, and Rattlesnake Pond, Woody Pond, and Ranch Pond, which are man-made and open to the public for fishing. Additionally, three other unnamed man-made ponds are situated within the forest. The forest covers over 27,000 acres of land and is managed by the Florida Forest Service.

Tiger Bay Forest has many native animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, alligators, and black bears. It also supports a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and woodpeckers. The forest is also an essential habitat for the endangered Florida sandhill crane and gopher tortoise, which are both protected species in the state of Florida. Tiger Bay State Forest is also home to several plant communities, including longleaf pine forests, cypress swamps, and wetlands.

Visitors to Tiger Bay State Forest can engage in a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, nature study, and photography. However, it should be noted that horseback riding and bicycling are only permitted on forest roads, permanent firelines, and specifically designated trails. Tiger Bay State Forest boasts one hiking trail, the Buncombe Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service’s Trailwalker Hiking Program. Additionally, the forest features one equestrian trail, Rima Ridge Trail, which is part of the Florida Forest Service’s Trailtrotter Program. For those who prefer a leisurely stroll, the forest also offers the Pershing Highway Trail, which covers just over a mile of scenic brick road built in 1917. For visitors who wish to spend the night in the forest, there are semi-primitive campgrounds available, including the Tram Road Equestrian Campground located on the Rima Ridge Tract. This campground includes small corrals for horses and a non-potable water supply.

Overall, Tiger Bay State Forest is an important ecological area that provides critical habitat for various native animals and plant species. Its diverse habitats make it an ideal location for outdoor recreation and a great place to explore Florida’s natural beauty.

For more information click here: https://www.fdacs.gov/…/State…/Tiger-Bay-State-Forest

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Renada Hill – Student Valencia State College

Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is a serene must-see place that needs to be added to your must-visit list. There are amazing sights and loads of enlightenment in the gardens. Situated in Polk County, Florida, Bok Tower Gardens occupies a central location in Lake Wales, providing easy access to both Tampa and Orlando. For those using GPS navigation, the address 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853 can be used. Bok Tower Gardens welcomes visitors every day of the year, including Christmas Day. You can buy general admission tickets either at the Entrance Gate or in advance through the online ticketing link provided. Note that special event and educational program tickets, with the exception of Brunch in the Gardens, include general admission for the day. The tickets provide access to certain Garden areas and the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail.

Bok Tower Gardens showcases one of the most remarkable works of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. The sprawling historic landscape garden was designed to provide a serene and informal woodland setting with a series of romantic recesses, tranquil resting spots, picturesque vistas, and stunning views of the Singing Tower. The lush greenery, featuring acres of ferns, palms, oaks, and pines, serves as a vibrant backdrop for blooming foliage and seasonal bursts of azaleas, camellias, and magnolias, creating an ever-changing masterpiece, especially during the peak bloom season in spring.

The Gardens also boast a rich wildlife population, including 126 different bird species, as well as the endangered eastern indigo snake and threatened gopher tortoise. Bok Tower Gardens is designated as a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail, showcasing the natural habitats and diverse species of the region.

Visitors can explore the Gardens through paved primary pathways and several mulched secondary paths, some of which have inclines. There are two main pathways leading into the core Gardens, and visitors can choose from various routes to reach the Singing Tower, which is approximately an 8-minute walk from the Visitor Center.

Speaking of the Singing Tower, there’s another wonder of amazement located on the grounds which is a must-see. If you are wondering what makes the tower sing well let me let you in on a few tidbits. The music comes from a Carillon consisting of a set of at least 23 harmonically tuned bells made of bronze, a blend of copper and tin, and meticulously adjusted for pitch. The bells are stationary, and only the clappers move in a process called “hung dead.” This instrument operates purely mechanically, without any electronic components. The art of carillon originated in the 17th century in the low countries of Belgium and the Netherlands and remains prevalent in these regions to this day, with the highest density of carillons found there.

Fun Fact taken directly from the website: There are approximately 600 carillons around the world and only about 185 carillons in North America. Imagine if there were only 185 pianos on the whole continent – and we’re lucky enough to have one here!

That’s not all that’s housed in this gigantic tower. But I won’t spoil your visit by telling you every single detail. This work of art is truly a MUST SEE! MUST FEEL! MUST EXPERIENCE!

There are so many things to do at Bok Tower Gardens you can make it an all-day adventure! There’s even a hotel if you want to stay a while.

For more information click here: https://boktowergardens.org/

As always get outside and explore Our Florida!

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Renada Hill -Valencia College

American Avocet

The American Avocet is a bird species belonging to the family Recurvirostridae. Its scientific name is Recurvirostra americana. It is a medium-sized shorebird with distinct black and white plumage and long, thin, upturned bills.

American Avocets can be found wading in shallow wetlands, sometimes in water less than 8 inches deep, but they are also known to swim in deeper waters. Foraging in shallow fresh and saltwater wetlands, salt ponds, impoundments, and evaporation ponds. When they forage, they search for aquatic invertebrates in shallow water while wading or swimming. Their diet is composed of a variety of prey such as beetles, water boatmen, midges, brine flies, fairy shrimp, water fleas, amphipods, small fish, and seeds from aquatic plants. These avocets employ a unique hunting technique called scything, where they sweep their bill from side to side to catch prey in the water column. They repeat this behavior with every step, placing their slightly open bill in the water and moving it in the direction of their outstretched foot, alternating sides with each step. Pecking and plunging are also used by American Avocets to capture prey. Pecking involves lunging out with their bill to snatch prey within the water column or in the wetland bottom while plunging requires the birds to submerge their head and neck underwater to grab prey in the water column. The birds’ foraging methods are influenced by the time of day, flock size, and date. Scything and pecking are more common during the day while plunging is more frequent at night.

During the breeding season, they form loose colonies and defend their nest sites by adopting various postures such as outstretching their necks or performing a crouch-run while ruffling their feathers to deter intruders. When faced with a land predator, they may approach the threat with a teetering gait and outstretched wings, as if walking on a tightrope. To distract the predator, they may crouch on the ground as if incubating and then move to another location to repeat the action.

Before copulation, male American Avocets engage in a display where they preen themselves with water, gradually increasing the intensity until they frenziedly splash about just before mating with the female. After mating, the pair intertwines their necks with their bills crossed and runs forward. The pair stays together for one breeding season. During the nesting period, the American Avocets perform a unique display called “circling,” where two pairs or a pair and a third individual form a circle and stretch their bills towards each other while rotating and calling out. On their wintering grounds, they often gather in flocks with other shorebirds, especially the Black-necked Stilt, foraging and resting together. They nest in areas with little or no vegetation along dikes and islands. During winter they also use intertidal mudflats, tidal lagoons, brackish impoundments, sewage ponds, rice fields, and flooded pastures. The selection of a nest site is a joint effort by male and female avocets. The male takes the lead, guiding the female around and creating scrapes in the ground until they agree on a suitable location. The nest itself is formed by either the male or female making a shallow indentation in the earth using their breast and feet. They may then line the scrape with materials such as grass, feathers, pebbles, or other small items, although some nests are left unlined. During incubation, additional lining may be added to the nest, particularly if there is a risk of flooding due to rising water levels.

The American Avocet is not currently classified as a threatened or endangered species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, it is still facing various threats, such as habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as agriculture and urban development, as well as climate change.

Here are some ways to help protect the American Avocet and its habitat:

1. Support conservation organizations: Many organizations are working to protect the habitats and populations of the American Avocet, such as the National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy. Consider donating to or volunteering with these groups.

2. Advocate for habitat preservation: You can contact your elected officials to advocate for the preservation of wetlands, marshes, and other essential habitats that the American Avocet depends on for survival.

3. Plant native plants: By planting native plants in your yard, you can create a habitat for birds like the American Avocet and help restore degraded areas.

4. Reduce your carbon footprint: Climate change is a significant threat to the American Avocet and many other bird species. You can help by reducing your carbon footprint, for example, by using energy-efficient appliances, driving less, and eating a plant-based diet.

By taking these actions, we can help protect the American Avocet and ensure that future generations can enjoy these beautiful birds.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Renada Hill – Valencia State College

Chito Branch Reserve

Chito Branch Reserve is a beautiful natural area located in Lithia, Florida. This 1,700-acre park is home to a variety of habitats, including pine flatwoods, hammocks, scrubby flat woods, wetlands, and old pastures. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, which wind through pristine wilderness areas and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The reserve is thriving with wildlife including deer, alligators, and an abundance of bird species. With its serene beauty and diverse ecosystem, Chito Branch Reserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Lithia area.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Wilson’s Snipe

Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) is a medium-sized pudgy shorebird with short, stocky legs. The bill is very straight and very long. The head is round, and the tail is short. They measure 10.6-12.6 inches with a wingspan of 16.1-17.3 inches, weighing 2.8-5.2 oz. Wilson’s Snipe are intricately patterned in buff and brown stripes and bars. The dark head has prominent buffy to whiteish stripes. There are three long buffy streaks along their dark backs. The chest is streaked and spotted with brown; the sides are heavily barred with black. In flight, the wings are dark above and below. Wilson’s Snipe has an extremely large range from Canada to the United States through Central America to Venezuela. Florida makes up their nonbreeding range.

This shorebird can be found in all types of marshy settings. They avoid areas with tall, dense vegetation, but they do need small areas that have cover to hide in and to provide a safe lookout for predators. Wilson’s Snipe diet mainly consists of insect larvae, including flies such as crane, horse, and deer flies as well as beetles, dragonflies, crickets, grasshoppers, ants, mayflies, butterflies, caddis flies, and moths. Other invertebrates include snails, crustaceans, and worms. Small vertebrates which include lizards, frogs, fish, and nestlings are occasionally eaten with plant materials making up a tiny part of their diet. Their flexible bills are used to probe for food in the wet soil, food is grasped by the tip of the bill while the base remains closed, and they can slurp up the food without removing their bill from the wet soil. The Wilson’s Snipe eyes are set far back on its head that they can almost as well behind as in front and to the sides. This makes it difficult for potential predators to sneak up on them. The term “has eyes in the back of its head” can be used for Wilson’s Snipe!

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, this species’ population is widespread and stable making them a low conservation concern. However, the draining or conversion of wetland habitat is detrimental to this species. There are still threats such as collisions with lighthouses, radio, TV, cell towers, buildings, and cars.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Maritime Hammock Preserve

The Maritime Hammock Preserve was purchased in 2003 purchased by the City of Cocoa Beach in partnership with the State’s Florida Communities Trust program for

conservation and stormwater management. Conservation efforts include native

plant community restoration, invasive plant eradication, and passive recreation,

such as nature trails, an observation deck, picnic areas, and a future fitness

trail.

Right on A1A, tucked between the Denny’s and Bank it is easy to overlook and drive past. A sad mistake on your behalf. This short third of a mile of this primarily

sand trail is a great short escape. There is both an open field and a partially shaded area from a few large live oaks, palms, gumbo limbo, and native mulberry.

The park includes a 1-acre stormwater pond that has been constructed to provide storm runoff treatment for the neighboring 128 acres of commercial and

multi-residential areas. The tiki-covered pavilion over the water provides a nice break or lunch spot. Keep an eye in the pond for the local tarpon too!

Please no fishing in the pond or biking on trails. Please take all trash home or use park receptacles. Please be aware of and respect the park’s neighboring residential

homes.

Location:

1225 North Atlantic Ave.

Cocoa Beach

Length: 0.3 miles loop with some side trails

Type: sand

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Bug factor: moderate

Restroom: No facilities.

Amenities: sauntering, frisbee, dog-walking, picnicking, exercise/fitness trail,

photography, plant identification, and bird watching.

Photo Credit and Author: Bobby Putnam – IOF Director and Brevard County Lead Educator

Tri-colored heron

Tri-colored Heron (Egretta tricolor) is a sleek and slender bird with a daggerlike bill. They have a long thin neck that curves up to their small head. The Tri-colored heron is a medium size bird that measures up to 23.6-27.6 inches with a wingspan of 37.4 inches and weighs about 14.6 oz. It is a colorful bird with a mixture of blue-gray, lavender, and white. Unlike other dark herons, they have a white belly.

On the Atlantic coast, they will migrate south, whereas on the gulf coast, they remain year-round, though some may migrate further south. Tri-colored Herons can be found in coastal areas and freshwater marshes, lake edges, canals, and ditches during the non-breeding seasons. During breeding seasons, they will use coastal estuaries, salt marshes, mangroves, and lagoons, though they typically breed on islands with small trees or shrubs. Breeding birds have small white plumes extending from the back of the head, a bright blue patch of skin around the bill, and pink legs. Nonbreeding birds lack the colors of breeding birds and have yellow legs. Juveniles have rusty necks and rusty-edged feathers.

These birds forage for small fish, such as topminnows and killifishes, in open or semi-open brackish wetlands. To capture these small fish, they will stalk, chase, and stand and wait. Unlike other heron species, the Tri-colored Heron foraging style is much more active as they will chase after fish with wings flapping. They usually forage alone or at the edge of flocks of wading birds. Despite being solitary foragers, they do nest in colonies, often with other herons and egrets.

Males are aggressive if others come close to their nest site, though females can enter during courtship. Once paired, they formed a monogamous bond for the breeding season and perhaps longer. Males collect twigs for the female, who will rearrange them for the best, making it a bulkier platform. There will typically be about 3-5 eggs in a clutch though only one young typically hatch. Eggs are pale greenish blue. The incubation period is about 21-24 days. Young can leave the nest after 17-21 days after hatching.

Tri-colored Herons are common with a stable population from 1966 to 2015, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, though the status of this species differs by state and region. In the central Everglades in Florida, the number of breeding pairs decreased by 75% from 1996 to 2002 and 2007 to 2010, listing the Tricolored Heron as a state threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Reduced freshwater flows in the Everglades are likely responsible for population declines there. In other areas, habitat loss may be contributing to declines but increases in aquaculture farming along the coast can also place Tricolored Herons at greater risk of being shot or falling victim to bird repelling techniques. Still, in other areas, increases in artificial wetland habitat through dredging may benefit Tricolored Herons by providing additional nesting locations.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon, Andy Waldo

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Wood Duck

Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are unique among ducks. They are boxy, with a crested head, a thin neck, and a long broad tail. They measure 18.5-21.3 inches with a wingspan of 26.0-28.7 inches and weigh 16.0-30.4 oz. In good light, males have a glossy green head that can appear iridescence with white stripes cut along the head. The breast is chestnut, and the sides are buffy. In low lights, males appear dark overall with paler sides. Females are gray-brown with white-speckled breasts. Juveniles are very similar to females. Wood Ducks have an extensive range and are found in most of the United States. Florida populations stay year-round.

Wood Ducks thrive in ponds, swamps, marshes, and lakes. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, insects, and other arthropods. When aquatic foods are unavailable, they may travel to dry land to eat acorns and other nuts. To feed, they will take short, shallow dives. Wood Ducks are not territorial; however, a male may fight off other males approaching his mate. A mating pair may preen each other. Egg-dumping, or “intraspecific brood parasitism,” is common in Wood Ducks; females will visit other Wood Duck nesting sites to lay eggs and leave them to be raised by another female. Individuals will typically lay 10-11 eggs per clutch, but with the result of egg-dumping, some nests can have as many as 30 eggs! Even so, only 1-2 will hatch. The incubation period is 28-37 days. The eggs vary from creamy white to tan. Chicks hatch alert with a full coat of down. A day after hatching, they’ll leave the nest by jumping. The Wood Duck population has increased and is stable, making them a low conservation concern.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Willet

Willets (Tringa semipalmata) are large, stocky shore birds with long legs and thick, straight bills considerably longer than their head. Their wings are broader and rounder than many other shorebirds, and the tail is short and squared off at the base. Willets measure 13.0-16.1 inches with a wingspan of 27.6 inches and weigh about 7.0-11.6 oz. Willets are gray or brown in color. During flight, they display a striking white and black stripe along each wing. Their colors in summer are mottled gray, brown, and black; in winter, they are much plainer gray. They are nocturnal migrants, only living in the coastal Florida areas during the winter nonbreeding season.

The Willet’s widespread wintering range makes them one of the easiest shorebirds to spot. They inhabit open beaches, bay shores, marshes, mudflats, and rocky coastal zones. In winter, Willets eat small crabs, worms, clams, and other invertebrates from saltwater marshes and along open coastlines. Willets can feed during the night and day, grabbing their prey from the surface using their sensitive bill tip.

Although Willets are common in some areas, they declined between 1966 and 2014, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The 2014 State of the Birds Watch List has listed this species as a risk of becoming threatened or endangered without conservation action. Both adults and fledglings are also vulnerable to collisions with power lines built through wetland breeding sites. During the 19th century, Willets were widely hunted for food. It took the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918 to begin the Willet’s comeback to its present numbers.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie, Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Pine Warbler

Pine Warblers (Setophaga pinus) are common in eastern pine forests. These long-tailed warblers are hefty with a stout bill. They are small, measuring about 5.1-5.5 inches with a wingspan of 7.5-9.1 inches, and they weigh about 0.3-0.5 oz. The Pine Warbler is yellowish with an olive back, a whiteish belly, and two prominent white wing bars on gray wings. Adult males are brighter than females; females and immatures are more subdued in color and can even appear gray-brown. Pine Warble can be difficult to see as they perch high in pines. Compared to other warblers, this species is not heavily patterned.

Pine Warblers are well-named as they spend most of their time in pine trees. Pine Warblers live in pine or mixed pine-deciduous forests in the eastern United States. Northern populations migrate to the southeastern United States during winter. Individuals that breed in the southeast typically stay there year-round.

Insects make up most of their diet, which mainly consists of caterpillars and other arthropods, including beetles, grasshoppers, bugs, ants, bees, flies, cockroach eggs, and spiders. However, in colder months, they will eat fruits and seeds, notably pine seeds. While foraging, they will hop along branches as they pick food from bark and needles. Pine Warblers can also feed on the ground and catch insects in the air.

Males are aggressive in the early breeding season; they chase other birds and indicate aggression by gliding or flying with stiff wingbeats around their opponent. Sometimes during a fight, they fly toward each other and lock bills in the air. In winter Pine Warblers will forage in mixed-species flocks. In late winter or spring, males will establish breeding territories by singing persistently and chasing intruders.

Nests are almost always built in pine trees, usually high in the tree and concealed among needles and cones. The female will gather most of the nest material and bind the nest with sider or caterpillar silk. The female can begin laying eggs in 14 days once the nest is finished. The male will often escort the female as she gathers nest materials and occasionally will help build. There are 3-5 eggs in a clutch, with only 1-2 young hatching. The incubation period is 10-13 days, and it takes about 10 days before the offspring can leave the nest. Eggs are white, grayish, or greenish-white with brown speckles. The offspring are undeveloped and downy. Parents will perform the broken wing display to lure predators away from the nests. After the young fledge, the warblers will move around in family groups.

Pine Warbler populations are steadily increasing, indicating this species is a low conservation concern. Across much of their range, the pine forests have been altered or destroyed by logging, development, and fire suppression. However, over the last few decades, Pine Warblers have moved into deciduous forests where pines have been introduced.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie, Andy Waldo

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Killdeer

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) is a shorebird that is about the size of a robin measuring 7.9-11.0 inches with a wingspan of 18.1-18.9 inches; they weigh about 2.6-4.5 oz. The Killdeer has a round head with large eyes and a short bill. Their plumage is brownish-tan on top and white on the bottom; two black bands are on the white chest. Their brown face I marked with black and white patches. The Killdeer get their name from the shrill, wailing kill-deer call they give. These birds have an extremely wide range from Canada to the United States and Pacific Coast. Some of the northern populations do migrate to Mexico in the winter. The populations in the southern United States and Pacific Coast are year-round residents.

Killdeer spend most of their time walking along the ground or running ahead a few steps before stopping to look around and then running on again. They will quickly take flight when disturbed, circling overhead and calling repeatedly. These birds can be found on open ground with low vegetation such as lawns, driveways, gravel-covered roofs, pastures, fields, sandbars, and mudflats. Compared to other shorebirds they do not only stay close to the water as they are also common in dry areas.

They will search for insects and earthworms by running and stopping to look around. Invertebrates are what primarily make up their diet. Invertebrates include earthworms, snails, crayfish, grasshoppers, beetles, and aquatic insect larvae, they will also eat seeds left in agricultural lands. As an opportunistic forager, Killdeer has been seen hunting frogs and eating dead minnows.

Their nest is a shallow depression on the ground, After egg-laying begins, Killdeer will often add rocks, bits of shell, sticks, and trash to the nest. The clutch size will typically be 3-6 eggs, though the number of broods will be 1-3, and the incubation period is at 22-28 days. Eggs are buff-colored and heavily marked with blackish brown. Chicks have a full coat of buffy down feathers and a single black breast band, they can walk out of the nest as soon as their feathers dry. To protect the nest, the parents will distract predators by calling loudly, bobbing, and running away. Another method that is used to lure predators away is the broken-wing display by feigning injury.

The Killdeer is a species that is of relatively low conservation concern. They are among the most successful of all shorebirds because of their fondness for human-modified habitats and willingness to nest close to people. However, because they live close to people, Killdeer are vulnerable to pesticide positioning and collisions with cars and buildings.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Eastern Phoebe

The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a small flycatcher with a short, thin bill that is used for catching insects. It is a plump little songbird with a brownish-gray color, a white belly, and a head as the darkest part. Birds with their fall plumage appear faint yellow on the belly and whitish edging on the folded wing feathers.

Eastern Phoebes breed in wooded areas, generally near water sources. Their chosen nesting sites are typically human-built structures such as overhanging decks and bridges. They could nest on woody understory vegetation; it was possible that they chose this type of vegetation to become less visible or to provide perches near the nest for the adults. During winter they can be found in deciduous woods. They have an extensive range from parts of Canada to the eastern parts of the U.S. and parts of Mexico. Florida is part of their non-breeding habitat.

The Eastern Phoebe’s diet mainly consists of flying insects such as butterflies, wasps, flies, and cicadas. They will also eat spiders, ticks, millipedes, and occasionally, small fruits or seeds. When hunting they will be on alert on a low perch often twitching their tails when prey is spotted. They will quickly leave their perch on quick wingbeats. After they catch their food, they often return to the same or nearby perch.

Rarely seen in groups, even mated pairs spend little time together. Males are territorial and will defend their territory from others Eastern Phoebes, though they do tolerate other species. This species is of low conservation concern because their population increases as people spread across landscapes building human-made structures used by these birds.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Pied-billed Grebe

The Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus Podiceps) is common across the U.S. The breeding range consists of some northern parts of the U.S. and some southern parts of Canada. They can be found year-round in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and most of southern South America. They have compact bodies with virtually no tails and slender necks. Their heads are blocky with short, thick bills. They measure about 11.8-15.0 inches with a wingspan of 17.7-24.4 inches and weigh about 8.9-20.0 oz. The Pied-billed Grebe is brown, with slightly darker plumage above and tawny-brown plumage on their underparts. During spring and summer, the crown and nape are dark, with a black throat. When breeding, the bill is whitish with a black band in the middle but is yellow-brown otherwise. Juveniles have striped faces.

Habitat types include freshwater wetlands, wet fields, bays, sloughs, marshes, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and sewage ponds. Pied-billed grebes forage in the water among aquatic plants and beneath mats of floating vegetation. This water bird generally dives for food and occasionally plucks insects from foliage, the water’s surface, or the air. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide variety of prey items, large and small, though they mainly eat crustaceans and small fish, crushing them with their stout bills and strong jaws. To escape danger by “crash-diving,” making a splash by plunging in the water with head and tail raised above the belly. They can also dive headfirst, or sink quietly out of view leaving no trace. Another cool behavior that they display to avoid danger is by submerging, crocodile-style, just showing their eyes and nostrils above water.

This bird needs a long running-flapping start to take off the water. This species is of low conservation concern as its population is widespread and fairly common.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is common in eastern deciduous forests and is a frequent visitor to feeders. They have a large head with large black eyes, thick necks, and a full compact body. They have a distinctly pointed crest and stout bill with a black patch above. Measuring about 5.5-6.3 inches with a wingspan of about 7.9-10.2 inches, they weigh about 0.6-0.9 oz. Plumage is a soft silvery gray coloration from above and a white color below, with a rusty or peach-colored wash down the flanks.

This passerine bird eats mainly insects in the summer which include caterpillars, beetles, and ants, though they also feed on seeds, nuts, and berries, including nuts and beech nuts. In fall and winter, they will hoard their shelled seeds in bark crevices. As acrobatic foragers, they often hang upside down or sideways while investigating cones, undersides of branches, and leaf clusters. They are very vocal birds and are quick to respond to the sounds of agitation in other birds, either going to investigate or joining a group of birds that are mobbing a predator.

The Tufted Titmouse nests in cavities from natural holes or old nest holes made by several woodpecker species and will also nest in artificial structures such as nest boxes, fenceposts, and metal pipes. Damp leaves, moss and grasses, and bark strips are used to create their nests. The nest is lined with soft material such as hair, fur, wool, cotton, and even sometimes plucked hairs from living mammals. Nest construction takes about 6 to 11 days. Three to nine eggs are laid in a clutch, incubation is about 12 to 14 days, and the young can leave the nest at about 15 to 16 days.

Their population is common and even increasing which makes this little bird a low conservation concern. The Tufted Titmice have gained popularity as a backyard feeder bird.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Yellow-throated Warbler

The Yellow Throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica) is well named for its bright yellow throat; they are gray and white with black streaks down the sides. They are small birds measuring about 5.1-5.5 inches with a wingspan of 8.3 inches and weighing about 0.3-0.4 oz. Their range consists of the central and eastern parts of the United States, parts of Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. Florida is part of their non-breeding habitat. Their habitats are the same during the breeding season and winter range; they live in pine forests with an open understory, bald cypress swamps, and woodlands near streams.

The warbler’s diet consists of insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and flies. They forage more deliberately and with less fluttering than other warblers as they will probe for insects in crevices, pine cones, and clusters of pine needles. During the non-breeding season, they also forage on insects attracted to agave and coconut palm flowers. During the breeding season, males will establish territories with song and generally will only interact with their mates and offspring. During the non-breeding season, they form mixed-species flocks with Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and other warblers.

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the Yellow Throated Warblers are common and are a species that is of low conservation concern.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Little Blue Heron

The Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) is a native species of Florida. They are relatively common in peninsular Florida, though they are rare in the panhandle. They can be found in fresh, salt, brackish, swamps, ponds, lakes, and rivers. They can measure 22.1-29.1 inches with a wingspan of 39.4-41.3 inches and weigh up to 10.4-14.5 oz. Juveniles look different from adults; they are white all over, with the exception of their outer wing feathers (outer primaries) which can have some dusky tips. Juveniles molting into adult plumage will be patchy with colorations of blue and white. The adults are dark all over, their head and neck are maroon in color during the breeding season, and during the non-breeding season, it has a purplish head and neck. Their body is a dark slate blue. They have yellow eyes and greenish legs, and the base of their bill is pale blue with a black tip.

The Little Blue Heron is a stand-and-wait predator. They watch the water for prey, changing location by strolling or flying to a completely different site. Their diet consists of fish, insects, shrimp, and amphibians. They are solitary predators preferring to hunt alone, along freshwater systems, and on floating vegetation. However, they nest in colonies on trees among other nesting herons and wading birds. Nests are built out of sticks and are placed in trees and shrubs and will lay up to three to five blue-green eggs that will hatch in 20 to 24 days. The young can leave the nests and fly (fledged) at 28 days of age.

The little blue heron’s current threats are not well understood. Still, they may include coastal development, disturbance at foraging and breeding sites, environmental issues, degradation of feeding habitat, reduced prey availability, and predators. Other threats may include exposure such as pesticides, toxins, and parasite infection. The U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects this species. Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule lists them as a state-threatened species.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a sleek bird with a large head, a short neck, and a short wide bill. They have a crest on top of their head that often lies flat and droops over the back of their head. Their wings are similar to the starling, it is broad and pointed, and their tail is short and square-tipped. They can reach lengths up to 5.5-6.7 inches, with a wingspan of 8.7-11.8 inches. Cedar Waxwings are pale brown on the head and chest fading to soft gray on the wings. The belly is pale yellow, and the tail is gray with a bright yellow tip.

The Cedar Waxwing has an extensive range, which includes all of the U.S., parts of Mexico, and parts of Canada. Florida makes up parts of their non-breeding habitat. They inhabit deciduous, coniferous, and mixed woodlands, particularly areas along streams. They are social birds that form large flocks and often nest in the loose structure of a dozen or so nests. They feed on fruits year-round. The birds’ name derives from their appetite for cedar berries in winter, though they eat a variety of fruits. In summer Cedar Waxwings will supplement their fruit diet with protein-rich insects.

Cedar Waxwings are listed as ‘least concern’ as their population is stable; however, they are vulnerable to window collisions and being struck by cars as the birds feed on fruiting trees along roadsides.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Highlands Scrub Natural Area

Highlands Scrub is just over 34 acres of rare pineland scrub in Pompano Beach in eastern Broward County. It was formerly known as the Jungle and is considered one of Broward and south Florida’s last substantial remaining sand pine scrub communities. This rare type of community, unique to Florida, is one of the most imperiled in the state. With only two percent of this habitat remaining in Broward County, this nice little nature park is extra special.

Highlands Scrub has a large paved and handicapped-friendly hiking trail, pavilion, ample parking, and benches. The trail loops through the site and is well-marked with some of the most informative and easy-to-read interpretive signs. Canopied by sand pines and scrub live oaks, the trail has an underbrush of saw palmetto, scrub oaks, gopher apple, pawpaw, Mexican fire plant, partridge pea, lesser Florida spurge, narrow-leaf silkgrass, and Feay’s Palafox.

Broward County has done great fire management in the Highlands Scrub Natural Area. The positive influence of their prescribed burn practice can be appreciated in the north portion of the property with the new growth of understory plants, such as greenbrier, rosemary, wildflowers including partridge pea and the endangered Curtiss’ milkweed, and the gorgeous silkgrass field.

Amenities:

Information Kiosk

Interpretive Signage

Nature Trail paved

Picnic Area

Seating Area

For more information: https://www.broward.org/parks/Pages/default.aspx

Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam – IOF Brevard County Lead Educator

Wood Stork

The Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) is a large, long-legged wading bird that can reach lengths up to 35-45 inches with a wingspan of 60-65 inches. They are completely white all over with the exception of their black flight feather and tail. The head has no feathers and is essentially bald, the skin is gray, rough, and scaly. They have black bills and black legs with pink toes. Adults are voiceless and are capable of only making hissing sounds.

Wood Storks feed in groups, and their head will be down feeling for prey in open wetlands. Prey consists of small to medium-sized fish, crayfish, amphibians, and reptiles. They have a unique hunting technique, where they will move their partially opened bill through the water, snapping up prey when prey comes in contact with the bill. They fly with their head and legs outstretched, soaring in a similar fashion to a raptor or vulture.

The Wood Stork is the only species of stork that breeds in the U.S. They breed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. They have very social nesting habits and are often seen nesting in large colonies of 100-150 nests. The nests are primarily built in trees that stand in water.

In Florida, Wood Storks can lay eggs from October to June. Two to five eggs are laid in a single clutch per season. The incubation period can last up to 30 days, and young storks can fly at 10-12 weeks. Non-breeding wood storks have a large range throughout North America, to northern Argentina in South America.

The South Florida population has declined due to agriculture expansion and altered hydro cycles. Normal flooding is important to increase the prey population for wood storks, and successful breeding depends on normal hydro cycles. The drainage of cypress stands prevents wood storks from nesting, and it promotes predation from raccoons. The wood stork is protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and is listed as a threatened species by the Federal Endangered Species Act. Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule listed the wood stork as a Federally designated Threatened species.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author: Destiny Alvarez – Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Oregon

Black-and-white Warbler

Black-and-white Warblers, Mniotilta varia, spend their winters in Florida and California, with some migrating all the way to northern South America. These medium-sized warblers can be found in a number of habitats including forests, wetlands, mangroves, and urban settings.

Insects and butterfly larvae make up their diets. Look for these agile birds on tree trunks and thick limbs where they use their downcurved bills to probe moss and bark to pluck insects.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Wilson’s Warbler

Wilson’s Warblers, Cardellina pusilla, are easily recognized with their bright yellow feathers and black cap. After breeding in the western U.S. and Canada, these small warblers head to Mexico and Central America for the summer. During migration, they pass through all 48 states.

Look for them in shrubby areas of scrubs and forests near a water source. These birds rarely stay still. They fly out and back from their low perches to catch insects in mid-air. They are quick to snatch spiders, caterpillars, and larval insects off of twigs and leaves.

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Wilson’s Warblers population declined by 60% between 1966 and 2019. Threats include habitat loss on their migratory paths. Create bird-friendly yards with native Florida shrubs and trees to help these birds recover.

Vermilion Flycatcher

The Vermilion Flycatcher’s genus name, Pyrocephalus rubinus, means “fire-headed.” The brilliant male pictured here is an uncommon visitor to Florida. Females are grayish brown with a yellowish-red underside.

Vermilion Flycatchers are year-round residents in Central and South America. However, they are known as wanderers and have traveled to British Columbia. Some spend their winter along Florida’s Gulf coast.

These small, but striking birds, prefer open habitats with a water source where they perch on low branches, shrubs, and fences. They fly swiftly to catch their prey and loop back to their perch. Food consists of insects, including bees, crickets, and beetles. Larger insects, such as butterflies or grasshoppers, are slammed against the perch to make them suitable for eating.

Although scarce in Florida, Vermilion Flycatchers are common in most of their range and, thus, are a species of low-level concern.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

White Wagtail

White wagtails, Motacilla alba, are common birds across Asia and Europe. A small population lives in western Alaska. These passerine birds are 6.5 to 7.5 in long. They can be found in open areas near water or in urban areas foraging insects and small invertebrates. The white wagtail is the national bird of Latvia and has been featured on many stamps throughout Eurasia.

Fun Fact: In Latin, Motacilla alba means little mover. However, because the bird constantly wags its tail, some medieval writers thought it meant wagtail.

Photo Credit: Lynn Marie

Lake Istokpoga Park

At nearly 28,000 acres, Lake Istokpoga is the 5th largest lake in Florida. Located in Sebring, Lake Istokpoga Park is an outdoor delight. Saunter along the nature trails, pier, and boardwalk. There’s plenty of parking for your vehicle with a trailer and a double boat ramp to launch into the lake that averages four to six feet deep. Enjoy your lunch at one of the picnic tables under Spanish-moss-draped trees or in a pavilion.

Lake Istokpoga Park can be found on the north shore of Lake Istokpoga. Look for wading birds, songbirds, waterbirds, raptors, and more along this Florida Birding Trail.

Fun Fact: Ospreys build more nests in this little county park than they build in most other places in the US.

For more information: https://www.highlandsfl.gov/…/parks_and…/parks/parks.php

Photo Credit: Ileana Rodriguez

Circle B Bar Reserve

Circle B Bar Reserve is located in Lakeland and was once a cattle ranch. Today, this 1,267-acre reserve is overseen by the Polk County Environmental Lands Program. Explore wetlands, a marsh, an oak hammock, a sandhill scrub, and Lake Hancock where you will discover the wildlife and wildflowers that now thrive there.

Trails ranging from .2 miles to 1.5 miles provide the opportunity for easy to moderate hikes that meander through the different ecosystems. Note the abundant wildlife and wildflowers that live in each ecosystem. Bring your camera and leave your pets at home while you immerse yourself in the wonder of nature. Circle B Bar Reserve has been added to the Great Florida Birding Trail. Along with Florida’syear-round residents, keep an eye out for migratory birds in the winter.

Bring a meal to enjoy in one of the 5 covered picnic areas and stay for a spectacular Florida sunset over Lake Hancock.

For more information: https://polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Common Ground Dove

The Common Ground Dove, Columbina passerina, is most commonly found foraging on the ground and often in small flocks or pairs. However, it is a small bird about the size of a sparrow with gray plumage that blends into the ground and often goes unnoticed. The Common Ground Dove is the smallest dove in the United States. and can be found in the southern US from Florida to California.

Common Ground Doves feed primarily on seeds but will eat snail shells, small berries, and small insects. They will visit bird feeders. Look for these tiny doves in residential areas as well as at forest edges, in pine woodlands, and coastal dunes.

The male pursues a female of his choice by following her and raising his wings to reveal his gorgeous chestnut plumage. He courts her by puffing up and making throaty calls. The female agrees to accept him as a partner when she eats the regurgitated food he offers her. Both the male and female construct simple nests on the ground or in shrubs, mangroves, or palm fronds. The female lays 1 -3 eggs and will produce 1 -4 broods each year. Incubation lasts for about two weeks. Both parents feed the chicks a secretion called crop milk until they are ready to leave the nest at about two weeks of age.

The population of Common Ground Doves is currently considered stable. However, they do face the threats of loss of habitat, predation of their exposed nests by wild animals such as bobcats, snakes, and crows, and human interferences including vehicle strikes, hunting., and outdoor cats.

When we learn to connect, respect, and coexist with our wildlife and within our shared spaces, we will ensure that the next generations will experience these fantastic little birds.

Photo credit: Dan Kon

Snowy Egret

The Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, is a medium-sized heron that is smaller than a Great Egret. They have a black bill, a patch of yellow skin on their face, and vibrant yellow feet. They are year-round residents in Florida.

Look for Snowy Egrets near the coast, in wetlands, along rivers and lakes, and in agricultural fields that are wet. Their diet consists of fish, insects, crustaceans, frogs, and worms. They often use their yellow feet to stir up mud to make food accessible. You may find them eating while paddling, walking, running, or standing. They often forage in groups with other species including herons, egrets, ibises, and Roseate Spoonbills.

During the breeding season, Snowy Egrets grow long billowy plumes on their backs and heads. Their feet become a bright yellowish-orange and the skin on their face becomes reddish in color. Male Snowy egrets provide quite a display of courtship that includes loud noises and incredible aerial displays. They will fight to defend their breeding territory.

Nesting occurs at the top of a tree or a shrub at a site chosen by the male. They often nest in colonies with other egrets, herons, Roseate Spoonbills, and ibises. The male builds the foundation of the nest and then supplies materials such as sticks, grasses, and Spanish moss so the female can make it comfortable. The female lays 2-6 eggs that hatch in 24–25 days. They take turns incubating the eggs and both care for the hatchlings for 20-24 days. The pair will defend their young who may be preyed upon by owls, alligators, and crows.

Before plume hunting of Snowy Egrets was stopped in 1910, the population of this beautiful bird was severely compromised. Today the population is stable. However, the massive destruction and degradation of wetlands that have occurred in the last 200+ years put them at risk for food insecurity. For the sake of Snowy Egrets and all wading birds, we must advocate for the preservation and restoration of wetlands and the food sources that lie within them.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Great Egret

The Great Egret, Ardea alba, is a year-round resident in Florida’s wetlands. It is a regal bird that struts proudly while showing off its a long yellow beak and bright white plumage atop ebony legs. In flight, the Great Egret boasts a wingspan of up to 57 inches and gracefully cruises through the sky at 25 miles per hour.

Great Egrets primarily hunt while standing or wading in freshwater, brackish water, or saltwater. Small fish make up most of their diet but they snack on reptiles, amphibians, shrimp, dragonflies, birds, and small mammals.

During the breeding season, you will find colonies of Great Egrets nesting in treetops near water. Males will begin building the nest before pairing with a female. During this time, a green neon patch of skin appears on the Great Egret’s face and long billowy white plumes emerge from its back in anticipation of courtship.

The monogamous couple will complete the nest and the female will produce a clutch of 1-6 eggs. Hatchlings appear in 23-27 days and remain in the nest for up to 25 days. Not all of the chicks will survive the sibling rivalry in the nest as the dominant chick may stab the weaker ones.

More than 95% of Great Egrets were killed when hunted for their plumes. In 1910, plume-hunting was banned and the US population is now considered stable.

Current threats include habitat loss and degradation as well as runoff from sewage and farms. Together, we can advocate for the protection and preservation of the wild spaces where Great Egrets thrive.

Photo Credit; Dan Kon, Nancy Kon, David Gale

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Chuck-will’s Widow

The Chuck-will’s Widow is a nocturnal bird that regularly visits North America. However, this bird inhabits the south of Florida from Okeechobee to the Keys year-round, In breeding season, this bird spends time in oak-hickory, pine, and other forests of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. During the breeding season, this bird spends time in oak-hickory, pine, and other forests of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. During winter, they move as far south as the Caribbean, Colombia, and Venezuela.

The Chuck-will’s Widow is the largest nightjar in North American and can grow to be 12.6 inches large and weigh 188 grams. This bird is well camouflaged, so it is hard to spot. The general color tone of its plumage is warm brown. and the outer tail feathers have white inner webs). Additionally, its whole body has small black spots.

The diet of the Chuck-will’s widow consists of insects they hunt while flying low over the ground. They have regularly been seen eating smaller birds and bats. This bird does not build nests. Instead, they just lay their eggs among pine needles and dead leaves on the ground.

According to the All About Birds organization, the population of Chuck-will’s widows has declined by about 2.3% per year between 1966 and 2015. This decline accounts for an accumulative decline of 69% by the North American Breeding Bird Survey.

Listen for the Chuck-will widow’s unrelenting calling at dusk and during the night and especially when the moon is full.

Work Cited: The Cornell Lab. “Chuck-will’s Widow.” All About Birds Accessed 25 November 2021.

Photo Credit: Paul Waller, Natureboy Photography

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

American Coot

The American Coot, Fulica Americana, is a medium-sized water bird that is commonly spotted in the

marshes of Florida. However, the coot does not only inhabit Florida. This species

Females produce 1-2 broods each year of 8-12 eggs. Nests are commonly found on floating platforms, over water, and among reeds, cattails grasses, or other vegetation.

The American Coot has black plumage, a short white bill, red eyes, and a small red patch between its bill and head. They are known for being clumsy fliers and spending most of their time in large flocks.

This beautiful species is one of the most common birds you will find in Florida. If you want to take a closer look at the coot while enjoying time in Florida with your family and friends, plan a visit to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive where these birds are abundant.

Females produce 1-2 broods each year of 8-12 eggs. Nests are commonly found on floating platforms, over water, and among reeds, cattails grasses, or other vegetation.

This beautiful species is one of the most common birds you will find in Florida. If you want to take a closer look at the coot while enjoying time in Florida with your family and friends, plan a visit to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive where these birds are abundant.

Photo Credit: Kon Studio

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park, located on the eastern shore of Lake Apopka, is an outdoor space with something for everyone. There is a playground for the kids, volleyball and basketball courts, a baseball field, a boat ramp, and picnic tables where you can enjoy your meal under ancient live oaks. Spend a few nights in your tent or RV at one of 18 campsites. Be sure to stop by the Ecotourism Center to learn about the history of Lake Apopka, the ongoing restoration work, and the Lake Apopka Loop Trail.

Wildlife peacefully coexists with human visitors at Magnolia Park. Look for ducks, wading birds, dragonflies, and alligators in the pond at the center of the park. A colorful array of beautiful native flowers bloom to the delight of butterflies and bees. Sandhill cranes, osprey, and a variety of birds and wildlife visit often. A flock of Peacocks calls Magnolia Park home.

For more information about Magnolia Park: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx…

Photo credit: Dan Kon

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Gray-headed Swamphen

Gray-Headed Swamphens, (Porphyrio poliocephalus). are big and lovely colored marsh birds that originated in Asia and are believed to be a subspecies of the Purple Swamphen from Southern Europe to Southern Africa and New Zealand. Males average 2.3 lbs. and females average 1.9 lbs. Gray-headed Swamphens have dark shiny indigo feathers with a red bill. Although they vary in color, they generally have dark green, brown, or black plumage on their wings and back, and their breast and heads are pale blue to gray in color, giving them their name.

The Swamphen is thought to have been established in Florida since the 1990s. They are believed to have arrived in the state as imported captive birds, that escaped after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 in and around the area of Pembroke Pines. They are now commonly found in ponds, lawns, golf courses, and marshland in the Southeastern area of Florida in the thousands. This one was photographed at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

Female Swamphens will lay a clutch of 3-7 eggs during a breeding season, however, multiple females may share the same nest. The eggs are usually a tan or beige color with dark brown spots. Both the male and the female incubate the eggs which will hatch in about 3 weeks. The hatchlings are fed by the adults for several weeks but will begin to search for food on their own after just a few days after hatching.

The Swamphen’s diet consists mostly of seeds of aquatic plants, plant roots, leaves, and stalks. It predominantly feeds on Spikerush in Florida. The Gray-headed Swamphen also will eat some insects, frogs, snails and has been known to forage human food when accessible.

Swamphens forage by wading along the water’s edge, in shallow marshes or wet fields, by climbing into marsh vegetation, or while swimming. It often will stand on one foot while using the other foot to grasp plant material while feeding.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

American Kestrel

The American Kestrel, Falco sparverius, is our nation’s smallest falcon with a wingspan of no more than 24 inches. It is a common sight throughout the US including in Florida from the panhandle to the central part of the state. Kestrels are common winter visitors in southern Florida.

Look for American Kestrels in areas that are open with a few trees and low-growing vegetation. Kestrels adapt to human-created pastures and parks. Longleaf pine forests are perfect habitats for breeding.

An American Kestrel’s diet is made up of mostly insects such as grasshoppers, dragonflies, butterflies, and beetles. They will also eat small birds and rodents including lizards, frogs, mice, bats, and songbirds. Most often the Kestrel will swoop down from a perch to catch prey. When in open areas, the kestrel will fly over the area and catch the prey in flight. Kestrels generally hunt during the day.

Males search for places suitable for a nest. He will show the female a variety of options including cavities in a tree such as an old woodpecker hole, crevices in buildings, or human-provided nesting boxes. The female will choose the nest and lay 4-5 eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to a month. The male provides most of the food until the young fledge when they are about 1 month old.

Although American Kestrels are currently abundant, there is still cause for concern. Clearing of land for development, cutting down the dead trees they rely on for nesting sites, and pesticides that destroy their food sources have caused their populations to decline by 1.39% each year between 1966 and 2017. (North American Breeding Bird Survey.) This puts them on track for a population decline of 50% by 2075.

Consider putting up a nest box for a pair of American Kestrels. Learn who is running for office in your city, county, and state. Ask what their platform is on environmental justice. Advocate for Florida’s wildlife including American Kestrels and their habitats before it’s too late. Because: Extinct is Forever.

Photo Credit: David Gale

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park contains 4,886 acres where 15 species of protected animals and eight species of protected plants thrive. It is located in Stuart, Martin County between the South Fork of the St. Lucie River and U.S. 1.

Saunter over 30 miles of trails that wind through a hydric hammock, wet flatwoods, and a wet prairie. Note the remains of drainage ditches from long ago. Reveal in the sounds of the wetlands as you experience this tropical paradise.

Enjoy the Sabal palms and live oaks overhead. Look for wax myrtle, wild coffee, and saw palmetto along the trails. Keep a keen eye out for protected cinnamon ferns, royal ferns, giant leather ferns, giant air plants, common wild pine, and threatened snowy orchids.

Sandhill cranes, ibises, herons, egrets, and wood storks are common sights at the preserve. Look for alligators and manatees. Gopher tortoises can be found in the sandy habitat of the upland at the preserve. Watch for bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and swallow-tailed kites soaring through the sky.

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park has limited access and requires a gate code.

For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/atlantic-ridge…

Photo Credit: Courtney Smith

Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus, is one of the fastest birds in the world and may reach speeds up to 238 miles per hour when swooping down on prey. From hummingbirds to Sandhill cranes, birds are the major source of food for the Peregrine Falcon. Bats, other small mammals, and insects add variety to their diets. The falcon will perch high in a tree or soar high in the sky while looking for food. From 300-3000 feet, the falcon will begin its stoop, dive upon the bird, and in a blink of an eye, stun it by hitting it hard or grabbing the prey with its feet. The power behind the speed of the falcon’s flight allows it to strike a bird in the air and cause it to fall to the ground. A quick bite through the neck kills the bird. Rock pigeons are easy prey near cities while shorebirds and ducks are a favorite meal along Florida’s coasts.

Between 1950 and 1970, DDT poisoning caused the Peregrine Falcon to be declared an Endangered Species. The North American Breeding Bird Survey now considers the population to be stabilized.

Although Peregrine Falcons can be found on 6 continents, they are still an uncommon sight and in Florida can be seen on rare occasions during winter.

Fun Fact: Peregrine means wanderer. Northern breeders migrate from the Arctic tundra all the way to South America.

Photo Credit: David Gale

Great Horned Owl

The majestic Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus, is a delightful sight to behold. This bird of prey is common throughout Florida and can be found in forests, wetlands, yards, and cities. The piercing yellow eyes of the Great Horned Owl do not move in their sockets. The owl will swivel its neck more than 180 degrees in both directions to see its surroundings. You have most likely heard the owl’s unmistakable, hauntingly deep hooting voice.

Female Great Horned Owls lay 1 brood each year of 1-4 eggs in a nest in a tree. The nest is made of sticks and is usually one built by another species. The owls may line the nest with leaves, fur and feathers from their prey, or feathers plucked from their own chests. They may also nest on the ground, in the cavity of a tree, in abandoned human structures, or on a platform designed especially for them.

Great Horned Owls have talons that exert up to 28 pounds of force when used to sever the spines of captured prey. Meals consist of frogs, rats, squirrels, crows, doves, and more. They will snack on insects, scorpions, and reptiles. Great Horned Owls also prey on animals larger than themselves including other owls, Osprey, and falcons.

Great Horned Owls mate for life. The couple defends their territory together but they roost separately. Look for them diving for prey near dawn and dusk. You may also witness raptors, crows, or songbirds loudly calling them, pecking at them, and dive-bombing them with just cause. As long as Great Horned Owls occupy their territory, the other birds risk becoming their prey.

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Great Horned Owl populations declined by 33% between 1966 and 2015 due to over-hunting. Today, it is illegal to hunt owls and their populations naturally fluctuate depending on the prey available.

Photo Credit: Paul Waller

Canada Goose

The Canada Goose, Branta canadensis, is a year-round resident of Central Florida. However, some Canada Geese breed in the Arctic and migrate south for the winter. Look for these striking geese foraging in fields, parks, golf courses, and urban and suburban lawns or dabbling in ponds, lakes, and wetlands. Their winter diet consists of berries, seeds, and grains. During the summer, they prefer sedges and grasses.

Canada Geese who call Florida home mate in spring. The female builds a nest of plant material and grasses on the ground. She lays 2-8 eggs and incubates them for about 30 days while her mate guards the nest. If threatened, the couple who have mated for life will aggressively defend their nest. The goslings often remain with their parents for a year.

Fun Fact: Canada geese choose mates who are close to them in size. Scientists refer to this process as assortative mating.

Photo Credit Andy Waldo

Snow Goose

Snow geese in Florida? Well. yes! Apparently, these two snow geese are spending their winter at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

Snow Geese, Anser caerulescens, have white bodies with black wingtips that can be seen when in flight. Their thick bills are pink with a black line across the bottom. The blue morph Snow Goose pictured below was also spotted at Lake Apopka. Snow Geese spend winter in wetlands, cornfields, near lakes, and in marshes. They are vegetarians so look for them devouring grasses, sedges, crops, grains, berries, and entire plants. These loud honking birds mate for life.

Snow Geese from the eastern, western, and central populations breed in the arctic with some as far away as Greenland and Siberia. The regional populations usually fly in groups of at least a few dozen and up to several hundred thousand birds to areas in the east, central, and western US where they will spend their winters. Eastern populations of Snow Geese are normally found as far south as the northeastern coast of South Carolina. In the central US, central populations typically winter as far east as western Alabama. While uncommon, there have been several sightings of Snow Geese throughout Florida.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon and Andy Waldo

Greater Yellow Legs

Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca, are large sandpipers that are bigger than robins and smaller than crows. They are easy to identify because of their color pattern of white with black and brown spots. Greater Yellowlegs have long necks, long yellow legs, and thick-based but long black bills. Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs look similar, but the Greater Yellowlegs are larger and less delicate birds.

This species is commonly seen in Florida wetlands during winter. However, greater yellowlegs also spend time in the Mexico-US border and Central and South America during the non-breeding season. When it is time for breeding, Greater Yellowlegs stay along the Canada-US border. During migration season, the birds inhabit most of the United States, southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

The diet of Greater Yellowlegs consists mostly of insects and small fish, but they also feed on small forms of marine life such as snails, tadpoles, and marine worms.

During the winter Floridians will have the opportunity to observe this incredible species.

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

Work Cited: “Greater Yellowlegs.” Audubon, Accessed on 12 November 2021

Ponce de Leon Park

Located on the Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, the 10-acre Ponce de Leon Park is a perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. Look for mangroves and giant seagrape trees. Revel in the fresh air as you let the water carry your troubles away. Listen for the sounds of birds including wading birds, shorebirds, sea birds, doves, and songbirds. Discover a variety of insects including the gorgeous Southern Mangrove Buckeye butterfly.

Saunter through the wetlands along the 1/4 mile boardwalk. Launch your boat from the boat ramp or take a walk on the pier to enjoy the blue waters of the harbor. Be sure to visit Peace River Wildlife Center where wildlife is rehabbed before being released. Learn more about Florida’s native wildlife from the non-releasable ambassador animals who make their home at the Wildlife Center.

There are picnic areas and a sheltered area to enjoy your lunch. The park is available to rent for festivals and private events. Children and their parents will appreciate playtime at the playground. Service animals are welcome. Be sure to bring a chair and enjoy the spectacular sunset from the manmade beach.

For more information: https://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/visitors/ponce-de-leon-park

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Wild Turkey

Wild turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo, can be seen throughout Florida foraging in leaflitter in open areas or at the edges of forests. Insects, snails, berries, and nuts make up much of their diets. They often create flocks of up to 20 birds. At night, wild turkeys stay safe by roosting in the trees of a dense forest.

There are two subspecies of wild turkeys in Florida. The Osceola or Florida wild turkey (M.g. osceola) is only found in peninsular Florida. In the panhandle and northern Florida, the Osceola turkey breeds with the Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). These large chubby birds with their iridescent plumage and long legs have a wingspan of 49-56.5 inches. Females are smaller than males and not as brightly colored.

In the spring, the male wild turkey’s head will turn bright red as he struts, gobbles, and fans out his tail to attract a female. The hen will build a nest on the ground where she lays 9-11 eggs over 12-13 days. In 25-26 days, the incubated eggs will hatch. It’s not long before the young can feed themselves but they are not able to fly for two weeks. The hen will keep them safe at night under her wings for about four weeks until they are strong enough to fly to a tree to roost.

Fun Fact: Turkey fossils older than 5 million years have been found throughout the southern US.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo and Dan Kon

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Florida Trail Lockwood to Barr with Boonie Falls

Just outside of Oviedo in Seminole County lies a 5.6 mile Florida National Scenic out and back trail. It features Boonie Falls, the southernmost waterfall on the Florida Trail.

Meander along the Econlockhatchee River and let nature fill your senses. Listen for a variety of birds and watch for wildlife in the shaded, wooded wonderland. Colorful wildflowers and mushrooms are little surprises waiting for you around every bend. During the rainy season, the trail can get muddy. However, the bridges and boardwalks will keep you dry on most days.

Sit for a spell on the bench and watch the water at Boonie Falls cascade over cypress knees. The natural falls are small at only 2-3 feet high but they sure are beautiful.

For a map and trailhead of the Florida Trail – Lockwood to Barr click

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/florida/florida-trail-lockwood-to-barr–3?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&fbclid=IwAR3i12Q0LzHyt9sHB58hcbg9TxCnLLPjClwlDObGp5g31srmeIt9T9EMBjc

Photo credit: Andy Waldo

Painted Bunting

Painted Buntings, Passerina ciris, are a delight to see with their bright blue, green, red, and yellow feathers. Females and young buntings are a beautiful shade of green.

There are two breeding populations of Painted Buntings. The western population in the south-central U.S. migrates to Central America. The eastern population that we will discuss here breeds in northeastern Florida eastern Georgia, and South Carolina before migrating to southern Florida and the Caribbean.

Painted Buntings breed in scrub habitats, hedges in yards, and on the edges of maritime hammocks. They prefer habitats with shrubs and trees that are semi-open. A mated pair will find dense foliage where the female will build a nest of woven foliage, including oak leaves, pine needles, bark, grasses, and Spanish moss. She will produce 1-3 broods yearly with 3-4 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-12 days. Males will fiercely defend their breeding territory.

Eastern breeders spend their winter in grassy/shrubby habitats where food is readily available. You may find them in small flocks or sharing their space with other seed-eating birds in South Florida.

These songbirds’ diets consist primarily of seeds except during the breeding season when their diets require mostly insects. Insects of choice include grasshoppers, caterpillars, wasps, flies, and beetles. Painted buntings forage seeds from grasses, spurge, sedge, St John’s Wort, and more. bark, grasses, and Spanish moss. She will produce 1-3 broods yearly with 3-4 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-12 days. Males will fiercely defend their breeding territory.

Painted Buntings will eat seeds from your bird feeder when you welcome them to your yard and provide low, dense vegetation.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo and Lynn Marie

Cranes

Florida Sandhill Crane

Weedon Island Preserve

Weedon Island Preserve is a natural and cultural gem in St Petersburg on Tampa Bay. Comprised mostly of marine aquatic and coastal ecosystems, with a few upland exceptions. It is home to many native plants and animals, a rich cultural history, and an educational facility. The native peoples lived at this site for thousands of years. Much of the preserve contains mosquito ditches constructed in the 1950s. These ditches help connect sitting pools of water to larger bodies, allowing predatory fish to feed off mosquito larvae rather than use pesticides in the area. Currently, the Preserve preserves this land’s unique natural and diverse cultural heritages. This can be found in the Educational Center and the preserve. Today, Weedon Island Preserve is set aside as a 3,190-acre natural area managed by Pinellas County.

The largest estuarine preserve in Pinellas County is well known for its birding and fishing. The preserve provides over 4.5 miles of nature trails for hiking, 2 miles of boardwalks and paved trails that are ADA accessible, and the remaining 2.7 miles are natural trail loops. At the end of the Tower Trail sits the observation tower and at 45-foot-tall, it is the tallest of its kind in Pinellas County. You can see most of the preserve, Tampa, and St Petersburg if the conditions are right!

If you are tired of walking on land and want to spend time on the water, you are in luck! Weedon Island also includes a 4-mile, self-guided canoeing/kayaking loop called the South Paddling Trail. Meandering through mangrove tunnels and out to the bay. If you don’t have your own vessel, no worries; a company on site provides tours that take you through the maze of mangrove tunnels. Other activities include fishing from the pier, a boat launch at the end of the road, and picnicking at any designated picnic tables provided through the park and trails.

Don’t forget to check the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center to learn about the natural history of the ancient native inhabitants of the area. Check the schedule of events because not only does Pinellas County sponsor events, UF/IFAS Extension agents also provide a wide variety of educational programs and events for the general public that are family-friendly and often free of charge. Monthly programs may include guided hikes, archaeology classes, speaker series, photography or birding meet-ups, and environmental sustainability workshops.

Amenities:
Educational Center
Wildlife Viewing
Lookout Tower
Information Kiosk
Guided Tours and Trails
Exhibits
Fishing Pier
Paddling Launch and Rentals
Parking Area
Restrooms
Interpretive Signage
Nature Trails, sand
Picnic Area
Seating Area, Pavilion
Bathrooms
Learning Center

Address: 1800 Weedon Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33702
For more information: http://www.weedonislandpreserve.org/

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
Author and Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam

Black Water Creek

Black Water Creek meanders through the Seminole State Forest in Lake County. Only canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding are permitted. The launch point lies within the Forest and has a picnic table where you can refuel before heading out or after a day of paddling. Be sure to call Seminole State Forest for a pass to launch.

Black Water Creek is 19 miles long and flows into the Wekiva River. Numerous small streams and springs, including Moccasin Spring pictured here, flow into Black Water Creek. The waterway gets its name from the undisturbed dark tannic water. The stream is narrow and the canopy of trees will help shade you from the hot Florida sun.

As part of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Black Water Creek provides the opportunity to view plenty of wildlife. Because this is truly wild Florida, remain quiet and you are sure to see otters, ibises, turtles, and alligators. Look for a variety of wading birds, migratory birds, and the endangered Florida Scrub-Jay. Perhaps a Florida Black Bears bear will wander along the creek as you paddle along.

For more information click here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Seminole-State-Forest

Photo Credit: Gabrielle Milch

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, Dendrocygna bicolor, are found year-round in rice fields in central Florida. Look for them in flooded pastures, irrigated lands, ponds, lakes, freshwater marshes, slow-moving rivers, and freshwater wetlands. Once known as the Fulvous Tree Duck, these birds roost in the trees of forested areas next to their water source. They may flock with Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks. As winter approaches, watch for them to appear in greater numbers in freshwater marshes and wetlands.

These striking caramel and black ducks with their oversized bluish-gray legs forage in water that is less than 20 inches deep. Dinner consists of mostly seeds from aquatic plants and some invertebrates. Fulvous Whistling-Ducks can be seen wading or swimming while foraging by diving, tipping up, or dabbling to find food with their bills. Their thick bills are made to filter the food from the mud. You may also find them plucking an insect from vegetation for a tasty snack.

In mid-April, Fulvous Whistling-Ducks leave their flocks to begin the mating season. Mated pairs are bonded for years and sometimes for life, although the males may sometimes mate with more than one female. Together, the male and female choose the nest site in a dense marsh above the water or on the ground near the water. They build the nest by weaving stalks and grasses into a 14-inch bowl shape that is 4.3 inches deep. Most include a ramp to the water. The clutch size is 2 – 14 eggs and the female and male share the task of incubation for 24 – 25 days. Although the young leave the nest soon after hatching, instinctually know how to swim and dive as well as forage., both parents look after them until they fledge two months later.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Great White Heron

The Great White Heron, Ardea herodias occidentalis, is a wading bird that can only be found in South Florida and The Florida Keys. It is the largest heron. Whether the Great White Heron is a color morph, a subspecies of the Great Blue Heron, or a new species is a topic that is still being researched. However, it has been commonly accepted that this Florida native bird is a subspecies of the Great Blue Heron. Both birds share similar characteristics. The Great White Heron is a larger bird with solid white feathers and yellow legs, while the Great Blue Heron is a smaller bird with blue-gray feathers and black legs. Great White Herons can be distinguished from the Great White Egrets by their larger size, yellow legs vs black legs of the Great White Egret, thicker bills, and coiled neck when flying.

The nesting habitat of the Great White Heron is primarily located in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and Key West National Wildlife Refuge. About 800–1,300 pairs of Great White Herons breed in the mangrove islands, shoals, and mudflats of Florida Bay and the Florida Keys. Breeding rarely takes place on the mainland of Florida. Nesting occurs throughout the year and peaks between December to February.

Great White Herons forage in turtle grass beds. The tidal cycle limits their access to food because they can only reach it at low tide. The Great White Heron’s habitat has also been negatively impacted by boat traffic through these seagrass beds. Because they inhabit a small geographic area, pollution of their home range and habitat loss caused by human activities, as well as climate change contribute to the ongoing threats to Great White Herons.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Sanderling

Sanderlings, Calidris alba, are chubby little sandpipers that grow to only 7 or 8 inches, weigh 1.5 to 3 .5 ounces, and have a wingspan of up to 13.8 inches.

Sanderlings breed in the arctic tundra and migrate to the southern United States and South America in the fall where they spend their winters. Non-breeding adults may choose to avoid the long flight to the arctic and spend their summers in the hotter climates.

Look for Sanderlings foraging on Florida’s beaches and sometimes in mudflats. These shorebirds use their little black legs to run fast to snatch up prey when the tide recedes and run away as the tide rolls in. Their black beaks are perfect for plucking aquatic invertebrates, most often sand crabs, from the sand. Sanderlings also dine on small mollusks, insects, worms, grasses, seeds, and human junk food.

Sadly, Sanderlings are listed as a species of high concern by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network due to declining populations. Threats include the development and alteration of shoreline habitats, pesticide pollution, and oil spills.

Sanderlings are fierce defenders of their feeding grounds. Humans can be fierce defenders of their feeding grounds too. Participate in beach cleanups, leave nothing behind when you visit a beach and advocate for the preservation of Sanderling’s natural habitat.

Photo Credit: David Gale

Prothonotary Warbler

The radiant golden Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, is a delight to see as it hops among the low branches in the dark understories of shaded swamps. It has bluish-gray wings and tail, white under the tail, olive-yellow back, and black beady eyes. Females are a bit paler than males.

Prothonotary Warblers, also known as swamp warblers, breed in swamps, flooded forests, and woods near lakes and streams. They are one of only two warblers who build their nests in abandoned chickadee and woodpecker holes. Courtship begins in April when the males arrive in Florida. After quite a display of courtship, the male will place moss in the nesting cavity. The female will build the nest of leaves, bark, and moss before incubating 3 – 7 eggs for 12 -14 days. Both parents feed the young for 9- 10 days when they are ready to leave the nest. Prothonotary Warblers produce 1 – 3 broods each year.

Aquatic insects make up most of the warblers’ diet. Prothonotary Warblers forage on shores and above standing or slow-moving water. They also dine on spiders and insects including butterflies, beetles, flies, caterpillars, grasshoppers, ants, as well as seeds and fruit.

Migration begins in early fall to their winter homes in Central or northern South America.

Prothonotary Warblers are a species of concern. Their population is declining due to the loss and alteration of forested wetlands. Snakes and raccoons are nest predators. Restoring forested wetlands where natural flooding occurs has proven successful in increasing populations. Nest boxes with predator guards protect the eggs from predators.

Connect. Respect. Coexist.

Photo Credit: Paul Waller

Northern Shoveler

The Northern Shoveler, Spatula clypeata, is a wide-ranging duck species and a winter resident of Florida. After spending the summer months breeding in the west-central part of the United States running north all the way up to Alaska, Northern shovelers move south as winter approaches. But they don’t just occur in the Americas. This duck can be found across Europe and Asia, and winter down into Africa and India.

The males are strikingly colored, with green heads similar to a mallard, orange bodies, and a white chest. The females are mottled brown, similar to female mallards. But there is no mistaking these for mallards. One look at their large, flat, spoon-like bill immediately gives them away.

And it’s that very bill that allows them to feed. These ducks feed on tiny zooplankton and other small invertebrates and seeds. They sweep their head back and forth, filtering the water with tiny projections called lamellae. These lamellae work like a colander to sift out their food from the water. Oftentimes, you may observe large groups of shovelers swimming rapidly in a circle. This behavior creates a vortex that stirs food up from deeper waters allowing the group to feed.

The Northern Shoveler is one of the most common duck species found in the US. With populations over 5 million, it only trails mallards and blue wing teals for overall abundance. Found in shallow wetlands and marshes, in Florida, you can enjoy these visitors throughout the winter. They can be easily seen in places such as Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, and many other easy-to-access wetlands.

As the weather begins to cool, head out and enjoy this species, as well as all the other birds who come down to visit us during the winter months.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos, is best known for its ability to copy the sounds of 50 -60 other birds. Mimus polyglottos means “many-tongued mimic” in Latin. Recent studies indicate that mocking birds can mimic the sounds of frogs, music, auto horns and alarms, and machinery. These amazing birds can learn up to 200 songs and will serenade you all day and all night long.

Look for mockingbirds in open grassy areas, near shrubs, and singing on a fence or from a high spot such as a utility pole. Mockingbirds eat insects such as ants, wasps, butterflies, and grasshoppers. Fruit is a favorite food in the fall and winter.

Both the male and female build the nest in trees or shrubs. Female mocking birds lay 2-6 eggs two or three times each year. Mockingbirds are extremely defensive of their territory. They will swoop at humans, cats, birds, and other mockingbirds who get too close to their nests.

Florida was so enamored by this native songbird that it designated the Northern Mockingbird as the official state bird in 1927. Attract this bird to your yard by planting fruiting shrubs or trees.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbirds, Agelaius phoeniceus, are common throughout Florida. Male Red-winged Blackbirds are black and have a beautiful yellow-tipped red shoulder patch. Females are brownish with white streaks and have a tinge of yellow/orange around their beaks.

Look for Red-winged blackbirds foraging on the ground in marshes, wet fields, swamps, and near other water sources. While 75% of their diet consists of seeds found on the ground or in shrubs, the birds also dine on insects such as spiders, grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and millipedes. They may occasionally enjoy a berry or small fruit.

A loose colony of Red-winged blackbirds forms in wetlands where breeding takes place. A male may have more than one female in his territory, Together with other birds from the colony, he will aggressively defend the nest from larger birds. The female builds a nest in the marsh of cattails, reeds, leaves, and grass. She lays 3-4 eggs and incubates them for 10 – 12 days. The hatchlings are fed by both parents before they leave the nest at 11-14 days old.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons, Ardea herodias, are one of the most recognizable birds in Florida. The heron’s height and beautiful blue-gray plumage are hard to miss. They can reach 54 inches from head to tail, have a wingspan up to 75 inches, but weigh a mere 5-6 pounds.

You will most often find a Great Blue Heron standing alone at the water’s edge in saltwater or freshwater habitats. Fish, turtles, frogs, insects, birds, and rodents that pass within the area of the heron’s long neck are quickly snatched up by its powerful, long beak. Herons will also forage in fields or grasslands for frogs, birds, and small rodents.

During the breeding season, Great Blue Herons and their mates become part of a breeding colony that can include hundreds of pairs. Breeding colonies of Great Blue Herons are most often found in trees that are within 2-4 miles of their feeding areas. They may also be seen in mangroves, bushes, or on the ground. Males court females who lay 2-6 eggs. The couple shares the responsibility of incubating the eggs for up to a month and feeding the hatchlings for up to 3 months.

While Great Blue Heron’s remain mostly monogamous and enjoy the protection of the colony during the breeding season, for the rest of the year, they are solitary birds and will aggressively defend their feeding territory.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon and Andy Waldo

Downy Woodpecker

At only 5.5-6.7 inches, the Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens, is North America’s smallest woodpecker species. These common black and white birds are year-round residents of Florida. Males have a red tuft on their heads. Look for them in forests where deciduous trees are plentiful, in city parks, and shade trees in your yard. Listen for their shrill calls and rapping on tree trunks and limbs.

In the spring, pair of Downy Woodpeckers will drill a 1-1.5 inch hole in a dead tree trunk or dead limb and line it with woodchips. The pair will take turns incubating 3-8 eggs for about 12 days. Both parents share the responsibility of feeding the chicks bills full of insects for up to three weeks.

Downy Woodpeckers feed on insects including ants, beetles, beetle larvae, and caterpillars. About 25% of the diet consists of berries, seeds, grain, and acorns. You may find Downy Woodpeckers snacking at your bird feeder. Suet is their favorite treat although they also like black sunflower seeds, chunky peanut butter, peanuts, millet, and occasionally may enjoy a drink from your hummingbird feeder.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon, Lynn Marie

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius, is the only North American woodpecker that is fully migratory. They live and breed in North-eastern U.S. and Canada and spend their winters between the southern US and Central America. The male has a red throat as pictured here while the female’s throat is white.

From December – March, you may notice a line of holes in the trees and large shrubs in your garden. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has made sapwells where the sap of the tree can be harvested. Bats and other birds may visit the sapwells too. The holes produce no damage to the trees. The woodpecker’s favorite shrubs and trees include Viburnum, Waxmyrtle, Dahoon Holly, Live Oak, and Pine.

When they are not licking up the tree sap, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers will eat insects that are climbing up the tree, caught in the sap, or flying through the air as well as berries and fruits.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Nyctanassa violacea, with their purplish-gray body, black-and-white face, and striking yellow plumes can be found in wet fields or shallow wetlands. They may be seen foraging any time during the day or night. You will most often discover this bird alone, although, at times, they may appear in groups.

Watch as they stand still or walk slowly with their necks extended in search of their favorite dinner of crustaceans. They may also eat frogs, small fish mussels, and water beetles.

Keep a keen eye out for this hard-to-find bird. While they are most common in barrier islands, coastal marshes, and mangroves, you may also find them inland near rivers, on golf courses, or even in your wet yard.

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons have been around for a long time. The oldest recorded fossil was discovered in Sarasota, Florida, and is 2–2.5 million years old.

Sadly, the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron has been designated a Species of Concern by Florida Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals.

Least Tern

I was able to get out today and visit a Least Tern Colony. Watching these amazing parents nesting, sitting on eggs, and caring for their newborn chicks is very interesting indeed. They actively defend their nesting areas and will let you know if you get too close in short order! They will scream and dive at you even pecking you in the head should you not pay heed to their warnings!

The Least Tern is Florida’s smallest Tern. It’s a spring/summer visitor. They are often seen flying low over the water, with quick deep wingbeats and shrill cries. These Terns usually hover before plunging into water for tiny prey and do more hovering than most terns. Populations are endangered in many areas because of human impacts on nesting areas, especially competition for use of beaches. Least Terns are listed as Threatened in the State of Florida.

For Tern parents, it’s tough raising chicks on a beach with development, people, dogs, feral cats, raccoons, fox, predatory birds, and broiling hot sun. Least Terns in some parts of the east including Florida are now nesting successfully on gravel roofs near the coast. This particular colony is the only known beach-nesting colony in SE Florida. The parents need to protect the chicks and feed them constantly while getting enough nutrition for themselves. Least Terns are great providers and amazing parents! ~Paul Waller

Note: All shots were taken from a responsible distance with a long lens

Photo credit: Paul Waller

BioLab Road

BioLab Road at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Take a slow 5.6-mile drive in the comfort of your car on Bio Lab Road in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. It is a one-way road running north to south. With wetlands to your right and the water to your left, you are sure to see plenty of shorebirds. Look for ducks, ibises, egrets, sandpipers, spoonbills, pelicans, herons, and of course, alligators. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars.

In 1962, NASA purchased 140,000 acres of land located adjacent to Cape Canaveral. The John F. Kennedy Space Center was built complete with launch pads. In 1963, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) and NASA entered into an Interagency Agreement. This agreement allowed USFW to establish the land that was unused by NASA as the Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Established to provide habitat for wildlife diversity, migratory birds, and endangered and threatened species, Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge consists of scrub, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, saltwater marshes, freshwater impoundments, and coastal dunes. Over 1,500 species of plants and animals including 15 federally listed species make their homes here.

Watch for bobcats, otters, and deer. Lizards, snakes, alligators, and turtles make their homes here. 358 species of birds have been recorded at the refuge. Birds of prey include bald eagles, osprey, red-shouldered hawks, and American kestrels. Look for killdeer, Wilson’s snipes, and ring-billed gulls along the shore. Look up to see blue jays, barn swallows, American robins, pine warblers, and more. Blue herons, ibis, and egrets are plentiful. Ring-necked ducks, blue-winged teals, and wood ducks can be seen swimming in the waters at the refuge. Threatened and endangered species such as the eastern indigo snake, scrub-jay, gopher tortoise, wood stork, West Indian Manatee, and Southeastern Beach Mouse find refuge here.

For more information click here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Merritt_Island/

Photo credit: David Gale

Mullet Lake Park

– Mullet Lake Park-

Located in Geneva in Seminole County, Mullet Lake Park is best known for its 8 primitive camping sites, its group camping site, and boat launches. The 55-acre park borders Lake Mullet and the St Johns River. This quaint park offers the opportunity to sit and relax under ancient oak trees as you take in the sights and sounds at this remote location.

Listen for the sounds of birds, fish jumping, and frogs croaking. Look for birds of prey, shorebirds, and a variety of blooming wildflowers waiting to be admired.

For more information click here: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/…/301554-Mullet-Lake-Park.…

Photo credit: Dan Kon

Black-necked Stilt

Black-necked stilts, Himantopus mexicanus, are often seen wading in shallow water in search of food such as small crustaceans, amphibians, and small fish. They also enjoy larva, dragonflies, and beetles as well as a few plants and seeds. Look for these unmistakable birds with long, pink legs in wetlands, flooded fields, shallow lakes and ponds, and saltmarshes.

The female chooses the male for mating and together they select a nest site and build the nest. Black-necked stilt nests are located on tiny islands, on floating masses of vegetation, or on the ground near the water. One will dig a hole with its feet and body. A lining of grasses, shells, stones, and other materials are added for 2 – 5 eggs. The couple will both incubate the eggs for nearly a month and raise the chicks until they are ready to be on their own in about a month after hatching.

When Black-necked stilts feel threatened by humans or other animals they will perform a “Popcorn Display.” A group of them will join together and jump up and down while flapping their wings and making loud sounds. They may also use a distraction tactic to lure predators away from their nests.

These beautiful birds face human threats of pesticide run-off and habitat loss. When birdwatching, stay far enough away so you do not disturb them.

Photo credit: Dan Kon

Little Big Econ State Forest

Located in Geneva in eastern Seminole County, the Little Big Econ State Forest gets its name from both the Econlockhatchee River and the Little Econlockhatchee River. Econlockhatchee means “earth-mound stream” in the Muskogee language and was named by the native Americans for the numerous mounds found along the river.

Before being established on March 24, 1994, by the Florida Legislature, the property was used for cattle ranching, crops, as a turpentine distillery, and for a portion of the Florida East Coast Railway. Today the 10,336 acres in the Little Big Econ State Forest is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Seventeen miles of the Econlockhatchee River, which has been designating an Outstanding Florida Waterway, makes its way through the forest before flowing into the St. Johns River on the eastern boundary. The Little Big Econ State Forest boasts a variety of habitats including wet prairie, pine flatwoods, sandhill, scrub pine, flatwoods, scrub, sandhill, and oak-palm hammocks.

Over 160 bird species have been spotted in the forest including Bachman’s sparrows, crested caracara, wood storks, swallow-tailed kites, and sandhill cranes. Look for fox squirrels, gopher frogs, gopher tortoises, turkeys, deer, and alligators.

The Little Big Econ State Forest has been named one of the country’s most family-friendly hikes by the American Hiking Society. Saunter along the 5.2-mile loop Kolokee Trail, discover wildlife along the 8 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail, or explore any of the 15 miles of trails located in the forest.

Paddle all or a portion of the 20 mile-long Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail. There are 12.1 miles of bicycle trails and 9.3 miles of equestrian trails complete with a water trough.

Primitive camping sites are available and some have a picnic table and fire ring.

Reserve the picnic pavilion for your special events.
Enjoy your lunch at a picnic table. Your leashed pets are welcome.

Whether for a day or a week, there is plenty to explore and discover at the Little Big Econ State Forest.

For trail maps and more information:
https://www.fdacs.gov/…/State-…/Little-Big-Econ-State-Forest

Photo credit: Christian Kon

Laughing Gull

If you have been to a beach in Florida, you have surely heard the distinct call of the laughing gull. Laughing gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) are year-round Florida residents and are often seen in flocks on beaches, in salt marshes, and nearby parking lots. They are often seen inland in fields, near rivers, or at your local garbage dump.

Both males and females build nests in colonies on the ground under the cover of bushes or grasses. The parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 20 days and both feed the young for the next 5 weeks. Food includes foraged crustaceans, small fish, and insects. In the spring, horseshoe crab eggs and the eggs of other birds provide a tasty meal. Earthworms and snails are sometimes eaten. These birds are not picky eaters so be sure to carefully dispose of your food scraps and food wrappers.

Snail Kite

Snail Kites can be found flying low over open freshwater and marshes in Central and Southern Florida before dropping down to snatch an apple snail with their talons. They will fly to a perch and use their unique-shaped bills to pry the snails from their shells. Look for Snail Kites roosting in flocks just before hunting and during nesting season.

Listed as endangered in Florida since 1967, Snail Kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) depend on good quality water to survive. Urban development, sewage seepage, nutrient and pesticide run-off, and invasive plants have degraded much of Florida’s freshwater. Nearly 1/2 of the Everglades have been drained. Since a Snail Kite’s diet consists almost exclusively of apple snails that only live in freshwater areas, it is imperative that we protect the remaining wetlands.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Once known as Tree Ducks, the striking Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, (Dendrocygna autumnalis), are often seen in flocks, sometimes with up to 1000 birds. They can be spotted perching on fences, electric lines, or in Spanish Moss.

Look for Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks near freshwater in areas such as marshes, lagoons, and swamps. They prefer areas with trees and thick vegetation. You may find a flock foraging in a field, mangroves, freshwater ponds or lakes, or your yard. Their diets consist of mostly plants such as grasses, wetland plants, and sedges, as well as agricultural crops such as corn. Snacks include spiders, leeches, beetles, and snails.

Pairs form life-long bonds in the winter. Together, they will select a tree cavity for the nest. The female will lay 9-18 eggs on the debris in the cavity. She may also lay her eggs in the nest of another whistling duck. The incubation period lasts for 25-30 days and the nestling period for 10-13 days. Hatchlings are nearly independent at birth.

As year-round residents of Florida, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are rapidly expanding their breeding range northward. Once considered non-migratory, both the northern-most and southern-most populations are now migratory.

Trimble Park

Trimble Park —

Nestled between Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton on the Harris Chain of Lakes lies an outdoor paradise. Trimble Park, operated by Orange County, is located near Mt. Dora in Tangerine.

Saunter along the 1.2-mile loop trail surrounded by ancient oaks. The trail runs along the perimeter of the 71-acre park. Wind through forests of pine, oak, and cypress trees. Walk on a boardwalk through the wetlands. Pause near the lakes to enjoy the view and the wildlife who make their homes there. There are plenty of benches to rest on for your wildlife viewing pleasure. Much of the trail is shaded. Bring your lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables, some of which are under a shaded structure.

Camping sites are available for your tent or RV. Launch your boat, canoe, or kayak from the boat dock. There are playgrounds for your kids. Your dogs on a 6-ft leash are welcome too!

For more information: http://orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx…
Park map and more: https://www.ocfl.net/…/Camping%20at%20Orange%20County%20Par…

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Yellow-headed Blackbird visits Florida

While the yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) may be a common resident of the western United States, it is a rare visitor to Florida. This male is one such individual that migrated just a little too far east. Every year, a small handful of individuals can be seen in random locations throughout Florida, usually in the Fall and winter months.

Similar to the more commonly known red wing blackbird, the yellow-headed blackbird occupies marshes and open fields where it searches for seeds and small insects to eat. Being larger and more dominant than the smaller red wing blackbirds, yellow-heads often occupy the best nesting grounds in the marshes that they share. A single male can maintain a territory with up to 8 females to nest with. He will often share in the nesting duties but seldom feeds the young other than those in the first nest created. The nests average 4 eggs each and they typically lay one clutch of eggs per year.

Apart from the bright yellow heads of the adult males (as seen in the photos), yellow-headed blackbirds can also be identified by the bright white wing patches most easily seen when in flight. They are also known as having a rather unpleasant call for a songbird, sounding much like a rusty hinge squeaking.

So, remember, always keep your eyes open. You never know what neat visitor you may run into.

Photo credit: Andy Waldo
Map: Cornell Lab

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Known affectionately as Butter-Butts, Yellow-rumped warblers, (Setophaga coronata), migrate south in the winter. These flocks of Florida snowbirds can be found in mangroves, scrub, forests, or your yard.

Their winter diet consists of fruit from shrubs such as wax myrtle, juniper berries, poison ivy, and poison oak as well as many seeds including those from goldenrod and beach grasses.

Merlin

Merlins, Falco columbarius, are stocky, strong falcons. This bird of prey was found wintering at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Merlins have an average flight speed of 30 miles per hour.

Merlins spend their summers in northern North America where they breed in open areas near rivers and lakes. Some have taken over crow’s nests in residential areas.

Their favorite foods are a variety of small to medium-sized birds. They enjoy House Sparrows and Least Sandpipers. Watch for Merlins to mount a high-speed attack where they will catch a bird in midair. Merlins also dine on dragonflies, bats, rodents, reptiles, and nesting birds.

The Merlin population significantly declined in the 1960s from pesticides. With reduced pesticide use, their population has stabilized. Loss of habitat is also a concern but Merlins have adapted by taking up residence in human neighborhoods.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)

These beautiful birds tend to make homes in deciduous forests but can also settle in your backyard. Once they establish a nest, they rarely move. Both parents care for the nest and will leave in search of insects. They are excellent hunters, moving quickly and picking off insects on the ground or even in flight.

Great Crested Flycatchers have also been known to bring snake skins back to their nest. Occasionally, they may mistake plastic for snakes’ skins. Males defend their nest with loud calls and will even fight when threatened. Breeding takes place throughout the U.S. and southern parts of Canada in spring and summer. During non-breeding seasons, from fall through winter, Great Crested Flycatchers migrate to Central or South America.

Photo Credit ~ Aymee Laurain

Econ River Wilderness Area

Econ River Wilderness Area
Purchased by Seminole County in 1994, the 240-acre Econ River Wilderness Area is located south of Oviedo on the west side of the Econlockhatchee River.

Explore 3 miles of trails including the 2.2-mile Main Loop Trail and the 1/2-mile Flatwoods Loop Trail. Saunter through pine flatwoods, sandhill, oak hammocks, and river swamp habitats. Rest on one of the benches at the river.

Discover gopher tortoises, great horned owls, northern bobwhites, golden mice,
raccoons, fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, bobcats, river otters, and more who make their homes in the wilderness area.

Put on your hiking shoes, bring your horse or bike, your dog on a leash, and enjoy your day in the wilderness from sunrise to sunset. Join the nearly 40,000 people who visit the Econ River Wilderness Area each year. Don’t forget your camera.

For more information: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/…/Econ-River-Wilderness-Are…
Photo Credit – David Gale

Reddish Egrets

Reddish Egrets, (Egretta rufescens), can be found running and jumping in the shallow saltwater of Florida coasts. Estuaries, lagoons, and waters near mangroves provide a variety of small fish that are brought to the surface by the egret’s intricate dance of jumps, spins, and footwork with wings of 46-48 inches spread open.

A dark Reddish Egret is pictured here. You may also discover a white morph that has a mostly white body. They both have a black-tipped pink bill and blue feet and legs.

Reddish Egrets breed in mainland Florida between February and June. Breeding in the Keys and Florida Bay occurs from November to May. Both the male and female incubate three to four eggs for 26 days. The young leave the nest within 45-49 days after hatching.

Plume trading nearly wiped out the Reddish Egrets. The Reddish Egret is currently State designated as Threatened and is protected by the U.S. Migratory
Bird Treaty Act.

Today, the Reddish Egret population may be in decline once again. Development, degradation of habitat, loss of genetic diversity, human disturbance, and predators are cause for concern.

You can be their voice. Advocate for clean water and the protection of land where Reddish Egrets call home. Respect their right to share our state with us. Give them space, observe from afar, and be mindful of where you hike, boat, and play.

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals, Cardinalis are familiar sights and can be heard singing and chirping in yards, parks, wooded areas, and shrubby forest edges. You will often see them in pairs on or near the ground eating grass or weed seeds. They love insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, flies, spiders, centipedes, and snails. Small berries, grapes, and fruits are other favorites. They will seek out black sunflower seeds in birdfeeders.

The male’s brilliant red plumage is a welcome sight for humans and female cardinals. Females, who are pale brown with reddish-orange tinges of color are drawn to the males with the brightest color. Males are aggressive when defending their territory and attack other males who intrude. They nest in dense shrubs and vines and produce up to three broods of three to six eggs each season. The male cardinal, whose brilliant red color will fade after mating, is a wonderful parent who feeds his mate during and after incubation. The mother cardinal will sing from the nest to indicate when it is time to eat. Father cardinals will care for and protect the mother and babies until they leave the nest. You may find young cardinals following their parents on the ground as they learn to forage on their own.

American White Pelican

American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), arrive in flocks soaring through the Florida sky in a V formation. With their snowy white bodies, yellowish-orange bills, orange legs, and black-tipped wings that span up to nine and a half feet, they are truly a sight to behold.

White Pelicans breed in the northwestern United States and in western Canada. Many choose to spend their winters near Florida’s coastlines and in its wetlands.

American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) spend the summer months in colonies In Canada and Northwestern United States, where they breed and raise their young on lakes.

Before winter, flocks of white pelicans soar into Florida by flying high in a V formation. One of North America’s largest birds, a white pelican, is hard to miss with its wingspan of up to 9 1/2 feet. Black wingtips and pink or reddish-orange legs, feet, and bills make this bird a must-see.

Look for white pelicans on coastal waters, bays, estuaries, and inland waterways. Their nests, consisting of sticks and dirt, can be found on the ground. Watch as these graceful birds float on the surface of the water and dip their heads to scoop up a fish dinner. You will often find several of them together as they participate in a group effort to herd fish into a buffet for all.

White Pelicans are often spotted fishing with Double-Crested Cormorants. You may see a hungry White pelican steal a fish from another pelican or a cormorant.

Plan a trip to one of Florida’s coasts. Explore the shoreline and the wetlands. Take some time to sit back and discover the group’s camaraderie as well as the stealthy antics of a few individuals.

We can all work together to ensure these vulnerable beauties are here for our next generations to enjoy by eliminating pesticides and cleaning up litter, including monofilament lines.

Florida Sandhill Crane

Florida Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis pratensis) are a subspecies of the North American Sandhill Crane. They spend their entire lives in Florida and are members of the Gruidae crane family. The earliest fossils of a crane were found in Florida 2.5 million years ago.

Florida Sandhill Cranes are long-necked, long-legged, gray birds that stand nearly 4 feet tall. They have a bald spot on the top of their head that exposes bright red skin. Although they resemble herons, Sandhill Cranes stretch their necks, much like geese when they fly. Their wingspan can reach 6 1/2 feet. Look for pairs or small groups of Florida Sandhill Cranes in freshwater marshes, prairies, and pastures. You will find them dining on seeds, grain, berries, insects, earthworms, mice, small birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, and crayfish. They have a unique call of the wild sound that resembles a trumpet.

At two years old, monogamous Florida Sandhill Cranes pairs bond. They will begin a dramatic display of courtship that includes exquisite dancing with jumps, runs, and graceful flapping wings. The mates will build a nest of sticks, grass, and moss where two eggs are laid. The pair incubate the eggs for 32 days. At only two days old, the colts are able to follow their parents and begin to learn to forage for food. By ten months old, the juveniles leave the nest and can live to be 20 years old.

There are only 4,000 – 5,000 Florida Sandhill Cranes left. This low number has caused our state to designate them as Threatened, and thus, they are protected by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Act and the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In November and December, 25,000 Greater Sandhill Cranes will migrate to Florida, where they will spend the winter with their Florida crane relatives.

Florida Sandhill Cranes have lost much of their habitat to development and agriculture. Thus, they are often seen on golf courses, at airports, and in neighborhoods where there is a bounty of turf grubs, acorns, earthworms, and mole crickets. Here they are vulnerable to pesticide poisoning, vehicular accidents, entanglement in powerlines, and predation by cats and dogs.

Please do not feed Sandhill Cranes. It is illegal to intentionally or unintentionally feed them. They will quickly become habituated to human conditions. Remove birdseed if Sandhill Cranes discover your feeder. Nature provides plenty of healthy food.

Flamingo (American)

American Flamingo

The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) stands 3-5 feet tall with a wingspan of up to 50 inches. The bright pink color comes from a diet of snails, crustaceans, crabs, and algae. Without this specific diet, they would turn gray.

The most unusual thing about Flamingos is their tongues. The tongue is encased in the lower jaw and does not move. It squeezes mud through structures in the bill called lamellae. Lamellae act as a strainer to extract insects, brine shrimp, algae, and other small prey.

There has been some debate on whether or not Flamingos are native to Florida. If they are spotted, they are usually considered escapees from captive flocks. During the 1800s, flamingos were considered native to Florida. John James Audubon came explicitly to see Flamingos on his 1830 visit to Florida. By the 1900s, Flamingos had almost completely vanished. They were hunted for food, skin, and feathers.

Flamingos are wading birds and can be found around a water source. They have very long, thin necks and legs. Their heads are small, and their bills are large, heavy, and have a crook. Young flamingos have straight bills, but the crook develops as they age.

The Flamingo stands on one leg to conserve heat as their legs have no feathers. Conserving heat is also why they bury their heads in their feathers. It also makes it easier to stand on one leg and reach down into the water with their bills to catch prey.

American Flamingos are monogamous. The flock will mate simultaneously so the eggs will hatch collectively. The flock protects the young from predators. The mated pair will make a mound of mud, and the female will lay one egg, which is between 3 to 3 1/2 inches long. It hatches in 27 to 31 days. Hatchlings are born white and turn pink within two years. Both parents produce a crop of milk in their upper digestive tract, which they feed to the young until they begin to eat solid food.
Florida has removed Flamingos from the non-native list. Hopefully, flamingos will regain their native species’ status and become subject to federal and state protections.

Conservation efforts to protect Flamingos will be necessary to ensure these birds continue to survive even as they face increasing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and invasive predators. This historical population is in the very beginnings of a recovery. When we work together, we will ensure American Flamingos will not become extinct.

Photo Credit: Paul Waller Natureboy Photography and Lynn Marie

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are the most common hummingbirds found in Florida. Black-chinned and rufous hummingbirds occasionally visit Florida in the winter. You can observe Ruby-throated hummingbirds at the edges of woods and in city parks. They are common in flower gardens where they seek out their favorite tubular flowers. With their long bills and tongues, hummingbirds are equipped to reach the delicious nectar that lies deep within the flower.

Females produce 1-2 broods each year. After the male courtship, the female builds a nest surrounded by a leafy cover. Be sure to look for these tiny nests before trimming your shrubs. The incubation of two eggs takes 11-16 days. The busy mother hummingbird may begin to build a second nest while continuing to feed her young ones in the first nest. The babies take flight at 20-22 days old.

Take a few minutes to watch a Ruby-throated Hummingbird sip nectar from a flower in your garden. Their tiny wings beat more than 50 times per second as they hover while feeding. Can you spot a hummingbird snatching a tiny insect from the air or a leaf for dessert?

Source: Audubon, UF
Photo credit: Andy Waldo

Alafia River State Park

Alafia River State Park, located in Hillsborough County, is the place to go for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Alafia River State Park sits on what was once a phosphate mine known as Fort Lonesome. Mining companies donated the 7,733-acre area to the state.

The mining companies changed the landscape and left behind an area with small lakes and steep grades. Alafia boasts elevations high enough to challenge members of the International Mountain Bike Association. Alafia UBC is on-site for bike rentals and repairs.

Spend the night or sleep under the stars at Alafia. Family, equestrian, and primitive campsites are available. Host your family or friends for an outdoor get-together. Rent a pavilion for your next party, reunion, or event.

There are 20 miles of hilly trails waiting to be explored at Alafia River State Park. Hike, horseback ride, or take a leisurely stroll through the forests. Eat your picnic lunch lakeside or under one of the pavilions. Canoe or kayak on the Alafia River. Discover the many birds, wildlife, and plants who call Alafia home.

For more information including what is currently open, click here :
–https://www.floridastateparks.org/Alafia

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Swallow-tailed Kite

Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) arrive in Florida in early March. They begin their breeding rituals high in the sky. The mated pair will build a nest of sticks, Spanish moss, and lichen near the top of a tall tree. Here they will share the task of incubating 1-3 eggs for about a month.

After hatching, the mother Swallow-tailed Kite will stay at the nest with the young and feed them the food that the father brings for all of them. After a few weeks, both the male and female will leave the nest to bring food back to their hungry chicks. The little ones will begin exploring the tree at about 5 weeks and will make their first flight at 5-6 weeks.

These striking raptors are hard to miss with their black forked tails, and brilliant white heads contrast their ebony bodies. They are most often found gliding through the sky over forests near rivers or open pine forests near marshes and prairies.

When you see a Swallow-tailed Kite soaring through the sky, watch as they twist their tail and swoop near trees and over lower plants. They will often snatch an animal off of a branch or leaf without slowing down. Their favorite foods include lizards, snakes, birds, frogs, and dragonflies.

In early July, Swallow-tailed Kites will gather in large communal roosts. They are dependent on lowland forests to supply the nourishment and calories they need before embarking on their 5000-mile journey to the tropical forests of southern Brazil, where they will spend the winter.

Photo Credit: flying Andy Waldo
Photo Credit: close up, Don Faulkner / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)

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