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Northern Crested Caracara

Caracaras are in the falcon family and are excellent hunters although they behave a lot like vultures. They are often seen eating carrion or scavaging around campsites. They tend to hunt small vulnerable animals that are injured but will also eat fruit.

These birds are commonly found in central and south America but have found a home at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. This populate is known as a relict population that was previously found in the vast oak savannas throughout Florida. As those areas were altered through human disturbance, Caracaras found a home at Florida’s largest true prairie.

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Sailfin Molly

Sailfin Mollies are super cool little subtropical fish. Males have such a dramatic display with the sail-like fins. They can be found in both fresh and saltwater. Look for them in slow-moving or still freshwater in springs, swamps, creeks, ponds, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in the intercostal. They are charismatic little fish. Sailfin Mollies dine primarily on algae, and snack on crustaceans and aquatic insects.

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Big Tree Park

Big Tree Park is a part of the Spring Hammock Preserve and is located in Longwood. It is best known for “The Senator,” a 3500-year-old Bald Cypress tree that was named for Senator Moses O. Overstreet who donated the land. Unfortunately, “The Senator,” which stood 118 feet tall, burned down in 2012. It was the largest Bald Cypress Tree in the United States.

Pass under the big trees as you saunter along the boardwalk over the hydric hammock swamp. The boardwalk is less than 1/2 mile long out and back. Interpretive signs will awe you with information about “The Senator”. Learn about “The Phoenix,” a clone of “The Senator.” Admire the grandeur of “Lady Liberty,” a 2000-year-old Bald Cypress that stands 89 feet tall. Look for alligators, Florida box turtles, five-lined skinks, raccoons, squirrels, and bobcats. Listen for frogs, woodpeckers, and songbirds.

As a trailhead, Big Tree Park offers the opportunity for a longer stroll or bike ride on the Cross Seminole Trail through the forested wetlands of Spring Hammock Preserve. The Cross Seminole Trail is a part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Big Tree Park is open from 8 am until dusk. Spend some time at the playground with your kids. Restrooms are nearby. Bring your lunch or a snack to enjoy at one of the picnic tables.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

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Salvinia

Salvinia minima, also known as Water Spangles, is a floating water fern found in Florida’s freshwater swamps, lakes, slow-moving streams, and ponds. Native to tropical America, Salvinia was introduced in Florida from fish tanks and/or tropical gardens where it was used as a decorative aquatic plant.

By cloning itself, Salvinia reproduces quickly. It can be distinguished from native duckweed by its larger leaves and bristles. Salvina is considered highly invasive in Florida.

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Cinnamon Teal

Cinnamon Teal Spatula cyanoptera (septentrionalium) –

This beautiful male Cinnamon Teal decided to visit Florida in February. As you can see in the map pictured below, these migratory ducks are native to the western US and Mexico. According to The Cornell Lab, “In western North America, loss of wetlands to agriculture, grazing, and especially the development of human settlements has meant the massive loss of habitat for Cinnamon Teal.”

We are sure this striking bird found plenty to eat in the wetlands at Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge. There is certainly a wide variety of insects and vegetation year-round in Florida. While it is a rare occurrence, Cinnamon Teals do occasionally make a winter stop in Florida.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

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Fern Forest Nature Center

Fern Forest Nature Center

Fern Forest Nature Center, a Broward County Park, is a 244-acre wilderness preserve located in Coconut Creek. Ground hiking trails, as well as an elevated boardwalk, will lead you through a cypress/maple swamp, tropical hardwood hammock, pine/palm/oak hammock, and dry prairie. Fern Forest has over 30 different species of ferns that can be found throughout the property.

From 1870 to 1906, the Cypress Creek area was used for farming. Crops included pineapples, tomatoes, beans, and peppers. As part of a larger plan to drain the Everglades for farming, Governor Broward created a drainage plan for Cypress Creek in 1909. By 1930, a canal was completed, dairies were established, and logging and mill operations had begun. In 1978, Broward County residents voted to purchase 254 acres for a new nature center to preserve the unique botanical quality of the site. Fern Forest Nature Center opened to the public in 1985 and was later annexed by the city of Coconut Creek.

Explore the Maple Walk, Prairie Overlook, Wetland Wanderer, and Cypress Creek Boardwalk Trails. Discover the animals commonly spotted at Fern Forest which include gopher tortoises, raccoons, coyotes, marsh rabbits, great horned owls, as well as a variety of migratory birds. Stop at the Butterfly Bridge and admire the beauty of pollinators hard at work. Look for 10 distinct plant communities in the forest. Bring your lunch and enjoy an outdoor dining experience in the picnic area.

The park is open for hiking only, so no bikes or pets are allowed. Other Park amenities include an amphitheater, exhibit hall, meeting room rental, and wedding rental. Admission and parking are always free and the park is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas. The trails close at 4:45 pm.
For more info: https://www.broward.org/Parks/Pages/Park.aspx?=14

Contributor: Naturalist Ashley Grace at Fern Forest Nature Center

With gratitude to Ashley Grace and Paul Waller for your help in highlighting Fern Forest Nature Center

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Viera Wetlands

– Viera Wetlands –

One mile of shoreline, wildflowers, and birds draw over 200,000 people each year to the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands which is commonly known as Viera Wetlands. Named in honor of a long-time Brevard County employee and awarded a grant by the Florida Wildflower Foundation, the wetlands are a popular destination for ecotourists, birders, photographers, and wildflower enthusiasts.

There are 200 acres to explore at Viera Wetlands. Walk or bike around the berms. Enjoy the scenery from your car as you leisurely drive no more than 10 mph along the one way, unpaved road. (The road is occasionally closed to vehicles when too wet.) Revel in the beauty of wildflowers along the banks of the lakes and ponds. Notice the different plants in dry areas as well as those in wet areas. The plants work together to stabilize the soils without the need for fertilizers and irrigation. What pollinators will you discover?

Birds abound at Viera Wetlands which is included in the Great Florida Birding Trail. Get a better view of the wetlands from the observation tower. Keep your eyes open otters, marsh rabbits, and raccoons who make their homes there along with an abundance of amphibians and reptiles. Look for beautiful butterflies and striking Painting Buntings.

For more information, click here: https://viera.com/attractions/viera-wetlands…

-Photo Credit – Andy Waldo

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