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Great Southern White

The Great Southern White, Ascia monuste, is found primarily in coastal habitats. Look for them at beaches, in salt marshes, and along roadsides.

These beautiful white butterflies have a wingspan of 1 .75 to 2 .25. Males have a black zig-zag pattern on their outer forewing.

These common butterflies produce multiple generations each year. Great Southern Whites use plants in the mustard family as larval hosts. These include pepper grass, saltwort, limber caper, and sea rocket.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Carolina Wild Petunia

Carolina Wild Petunia, Ruellia caroliniensis, is the perfect native flower to replace the invasive Mexican petunia. This long-lived perennial reaches 1 to 2 1/2 ft tall and is a wonderful ground cover. The gorgeous lavender flowers last only a day but this wild petunia blooms from early spring through fall in sun or shade.

Look for Carolina wild petunia seeds at Native nurseries and FNPS plant sales. Plants that are a few years old can be propagated by division. Plant Carolina Wild petunias in your garden to attract pollinators. White Peacock and Common Buckeye butterfflies use the plant as a larval host.

Pearl Crescent Butterfly

The Pearl Crescent, Phyciodes tharos, is a small butterfly with a wingspan of only 1 1/2 inches at most. It can be found throughout Florida in moist, open areas.

Plant asters in your garden to attract Pearl Crescents. The female will lay up to 200 eggs on the underside of the aster’s leaves where the caterpillars will feed. Adults sip nectar from a wide variety of flowers including milkweed, Spanish needle, and dogbane.

Pearl crescents tend to fly low to the ground where they will land on a rock or shrub.

Photo Credit; Aymee Laurain

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

Bluehearts

Bluehearts, Buchnera floridana, are most often found in coastal plains. These native wildflowers do best in fire-maintained ecosystems including flatwoods, pine savannas, and on roadsides. Violet-blue flowers bloom year-round atop 15 – 31 inch tall stems. When dried, the stem turns black.

Yellow Milkwort

Yellow milkwort (Polygala rugelli) is also known as Rugel’s milkwort. These beautiful annual wildflowers blossom on top of tall thin stems that can reach heights of 1 – 3 feet tall. The leaves are larger near the bottom and smaller and sparser near the top of the stem where the 3/4 – 1 inch dazzling yellow flower blooms. This endemic plant blooms all year in the Florida peninsula but is most prolific in the summer and fall. It reproduces by seeds, some of which are dispersed by ants that take the seeds to their nest. There the ants eat the food bodies known as elaiosomes before discarding the seeds outside the nest where they will take root. Look for Yellow Milkwort in wet pine flatwoods, savannas, and at the edges of marshes.

Photo credit: Aymee Laurain

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

Cradle Creek Preserve

Located in Jacksonville Beach, Cradle Creek Preserve is a 45-acre reserve in northeast Florida. Containing saltwater marshes, maritime forests, and bottomland swamps, it is easy to see why this area was selected to conserve against development.

Cradle Creek is the last large piece of undeveloped land along the Intercoastal Waterway in Jacksonville Beach. This parcel was set aside to protect the many rare species that depend upon these ecosystems and allow people to experience a relatively untouched piece of natural, coastal Florida.

You will find a lovely trail just over half a mile long there. As you casually meander through the bottomland swamp, keep a careful eye out and you may catch a glimpse of a Florida box turtle foraging in the mud for tasty worms or mushrooms. In the summer, lizards’ tails and jack-in-the-pulpit bloom on the forest floor. Ironweeds bloom from the mucky bottom with purple flowers that attract a whole host of pollinators. In the winter months, keep your head up as you look amongst the resurrection ferns coating the oaks for dainty little green blooms of the greenfly orchids. The American Holly boasts big clumps of bright red berries, just the perfect treat for birds such as the grey catbird, bluebirds, and others.

You will find yourself in a maritime forest as you continue along the boardwalks and nice, clear trails. These are really unique forests shaped by winds and salt spray. You will notice many of the same species of trees and understory plants you are used to seeing in other parts of Florida. Live oak, longleaf pine, loblolly pine, and palmettos are all common plants here. Maritime forests closer to the dunes will have canopies trimmed short by high winds off the ocean. The maritime forests of Cradle Creek are taller as they occur further from the dunes. These forests provide food and refuge for migrating songbirds as well as bobcats, reptiles, raccoons, and many others.

After passing through this forest, you will come to the saltwater marsh. This beautiful, open expanse of grasses and shallow water, dotted with cabbage palms, makes for a lovely overlook. These marshes maintain a high salinity from daily flooding due to high tides. These marshes are some of the most productive ecosystems on earth. The grasses and rushes provide cover for hatching fishes as they avoid predators in the shallows and feed on the abundant life. Herons, spoonbills, and other wading birds also find food here, trolling the muddy shallows for fish, small snakes, and crustaceans. In the mud, you can see footprints of the prior evening’s patrol of raccoons, searching for muscles, fiddler crabs, and other tasty treats.

You can access this park by the parking lot, located at the corner of 15th Street South and Fairway Lane in Jacksonville Beach. You can also get there via canoe or kayak by using Cradle Creek, which meets the Intercoastal Waterway at Marker 37. There is a boat landing you can use to then access the trails. So, the next time you’re in Jacksonville and want a glimpse as to what this part of Florida looked like before development, or if you just need a place to go to escape the noise for a moment and connect with nature, stop by Cradle Creek Preserve.

For more information: https://www.jacksonvillebeach.org/…/Cradle-Creek…

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

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

Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve

Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve, located in Gibsonton, Hillsborough County was acquired in 1995 through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program. The 1,181-acre park is named for the endangered and endemic golden-aster (Chrysopsis floridana).

You may also be lucky enough to spot members of the small population of Florida scrub jays who call the preserve home. The preserve has a 3-mile trail that winds through several ecosystems and is a great way to see a representation of the real Florida while sauntering on a delightful Florida day.

Find out more about the preserve here. https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/…/golden-aster-scrub…

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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Sandhill Milkweed

Sandhill Milkweed, Asclepias humistrata, is also known as Pinewoods milkweed or Purple milkweed This native plant can be found growing up to three feet tall in sandhill, oak, and pine habitats. It is endemic to the southeastern US and can be found as far south as Central Florida. Purple veined leaves grow to 2-5 inches long from clusters of single stems. White flowers with hints of pink and lavender bloom from March through June.

Sandhill milkweed has a notably deep taproot that helps speed recovery after a fire. The best way to propagate this milkweed is with seeds from an accredited Florida native plant nursery. Pollinators including bees and butterflies visit this wildflower while Monarch butterflies and Queen butterflies use Sandhill milkweed as a larval host plant.

Photo Credit Andy Waldo Wekiwa State Park

Black Bee Killer and Batesian Mimicry

The Black Bee Killer, Mallophora atra (also known by the species name M. nigra), is a rarely seen member of the robber fly family. They are only found in Florida, with a single specimen sighted in North Carolina. Similar in structure to the more common Florida Bee Killer (M. bomboides), the black bee killer has an all-black abdomen and scutellum, as seen in the photo. There is some discussion as to if this is a separate species or a color variant of the more commonly seen Florida bee killer.

The black bee killer is quite similar in its life history to the other 2 bee killers found in Florida. They are large flies that are a great example of Batesian mimicry. Their bodies mimic bumblebees or carpenter bees and even make a buzzing sound when in flight! Batesian mimicry is when a harmless species evolves to have a similar appearance to another more dangerous species. In the case of M. atra, predators avoid eating bees due to the painful sting. This allows the flies to hunt in the open with less fear of being attacked themselves.

Other, more common Batesian mimics are the monarch butterfly and its mimics, the gulf fritillary, queen, and viceroy butterflies. In reptiles, you have the venomous coral snake, and its mimics the scarlet kingsnake and the scarlet snake. Southern and eastern hognose snakes resemble their more dangerous cousin, the pygmy rattlesnake.

The black bee killer inhabits open habitats where they perch on small branches and weed stalks, waiting for their prey to pass by. That prey includes primarily social bees such as honey bees, carpenter bees, bumblebees, and a few species of wasps. Honey bees seem to be a favorite food source due to their size and slower flight patterns. The female black killer bee lays eggs in the soil, but not much is known about the larval development of these robber flies. Other species of Mallophora larva have been known to parasitize on the larva of scarab beetles.

Photo Credit: David Gale and AndyWaldo

Riverside Acres Park

Riverside Acres Park is located in the middle of a family-friendly neighborhood near Maitland. This quaint little Orange County park consists of 8.1 acres and is complete with a playground for your little ones. Get outside with your leashed dog and saunter along the Little Wekiva River or simply sit for a while on a bench and take in the sights and sounds of Nature.

For more information: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx…

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Muscadine Grapes

The Muscadine Grape, Vitis rotundifolia, is a fruit native to the United States. It extends from

Delaware to central Florida and all states along the Gulf Coast to east Texas. It is also found to the north, along the Mississippi River to

Missouri.

The Muscadine Grape was the first native grape cultivated in the United States. Its thick skin and resistance to insect and disease pests make it a fruit that farmers can grow at a lower cost than other grapes.

Muscadine Grapes are rounder and larger than other grapes. They are sweeter and softer inside than most grapes found in the supermarket. According to the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at The University of Florida, the Muscadine Grape is rich in total phenolic compounds, catechins, and ellagic acid, which may help prevent cancer.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

Jamaican Dogwood

The Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) is also known as the Florida Fish Fuddle Tree. It is a medium-sized tree that inhabits the coastline from Miami-Dade County through Monroe County including the Florida Keys, north along Florida’s west coast to Pinellas County. The Jamaican Dogwood is also a local tree in Central America and the West Indies. It can now be found in Texas, Mexico, and the northern part of South America.

For years, the Jamaican Dogwood has been used traditionally as a remedy for nerve pain, migraine, insomnia, anxiety, fear, and nervous tension. However, the tree is toxic to humans. Native Americans once used the tree as a fish poison by pouring pieces of bark and leaves from the tree into small bays. The rotenone of the tree would make fish float to the surface where the fishermen could easily grab them. Experts consider all parts of the Jamaican Dogwood tree to be poisonous when ingested.

The Jamaican Dogwood can grow up to 20 feet. The bark is yellow or grayish-brown on the outer surface, and lighter colored or white on the inner surface. The bright green leaves of these trees grow alternately and are about half an inch wide and 2-4 inches long. The wood is resistant to decay and is perfect for woodworking. In The Keys, Jamaican Dogwood is found in the upper canopy. It makes a wonderful shade tree for your yard or garden in subtropical and tropical habitats. Hammock skipper butterflies use the trees as larval hosts.

Author: Steven Marquez- Valencia College student

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Work Cited:

“Jamaican dogwood.” Mount Sinai, https://www.mountsinai.org/…/health-library/herb/jamaica-

Accessed on 14 October 2021.

Woodmansee, W. Steven. “The Fabulous Florida Fish Fuddle Tree.” Florida Native Plant Society Blog, 03 May 2014, http://fnpsblog.blogspot.com/…/fabulous-florida-fish… http://fnpsblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/fabulous-florida-fish-

Accessed on 14 October 2021.

Landscape Plants University of Florida IFAS https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/Pages/pispis/pispis.shtml Accessed on 14 October 2021

Blue Toadflax

Blue Toadflax, Nuttallanthus floridanus or Linaria canadensis, is also known as Canadian Toadflax. It is native to most of the eastern U.S. This annual wildflower can be found blooming in January through May throughout Florida.

Blue Toadflax produces dainty lilac-colored flowers on 12-inch stems and can be found along roadsides and in disturbed areas. The flowers resemble snapdragons. Blue Toadflax is not flax at all but is related to snapdragons. The wildflower’s seeds are dispersed by wind and often produce a spring blanket of green and lavender along highways and in gardens.

Buckeye butterflies use Blue Toadflax as a larval host plant. Invite bees, skippers, and butterflies to your yard when you plant Blue Toadflax in your native wildflower garden.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Summer Fishfly

The Summer Fishfly, Chauliodes pectinicornis, is an insect that grows to approximately 1 1/2 inches. It is omnivorous and spends most of its life in still or slow-moving water with lots of detritus. Th fishfly undergoes a complete metamorphosis in a log or under bark and emerges as the adult you see here. It will mate, lay eggs near the water, and die within seven days.

Banded Tree Snail

Banded Tree Snail, Orthalicus floridensis.

The banded tree snail is the largest of the Florida tree snails. This outgoing species has two to three spiral brown bands and one to four dark brown vertical growth lines on its shell. They can be found only in south Florida, from Big Pine Key in the south, northward to Chokoloskee Key on the west coast and Miami on the east coast. This area falls in Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties. Their range north of this area is restricted due to this species’ intolerance of cold weather.

Banded tree snails occupy dense, hardwood hammocks where they live on a variety of both native and introduced species of trees. There, they feed on algae, fungi, and lichens on bark and leaf surfaces. This species is no longer listed as threatened as of January 11, 2017. They are, however, part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. This is due to the species’ limited range, loss of suitable habitat within that range, and threats from fire ants which can kill tree snails during hibernation.

Banded tree snails are hermaphrodites. This means they possess both male and female reproductive structures. The late summer rains trigger them to mate. Banded tree snails take 2 to 3 years to reach sexual maturity. They lay eggs in nests at the base of trees. These eggs are roughly pea-sized and will remain in the nest until the next rainy season when the young will hatch and move up into the trees.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Gray Hairstreak

Gray Hairstreaks, Strymon melinus, are common butterflies found from southern Canada, throughout the US, and as far south as Venezuela. These are small butterflies with a wingspan of only 7/8 – 1 3/8 inches. Male Gray Hairstreaks can be found perching on shrubs and small trees as they await the arrival of a receptive female.

Females lay their single eggs on the flowers of their chosen host plant. Host plants include clover, mallow. pea, and a diverse variety of other plants. The fruits and flowers provide meals for younger caterpillars while older caterpillars dine on the leaves.

Look for Gray Hairstreaks in open and disturbed areas where native plants including goldenrod, dogbane, clover, and milkweed thrive.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1989 by Carmen M. Shaw. It is the largest non-profit public facility in Central Florida, serving 2,500-3,000 Florida native wildlife per year. This organization rescues, raises, rehabilitates, and releases injured or orphaned Florida native species. They also provide education about respecting and preserving the environment through non-releasable permanent residents known as “educational ambassadors.”

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge does not limit their access to Florida native

wildlife, but they also accept exotic species. Currently, they shelter 30 non-releasable animals. The animals come from different backgrounds. Some of them come from breeding facilities, others are from homes where they used to be pets, others suffered a critical accident, and some have diseases that do not allow them to survive in the wild. But whatever the case is, Back to the Wildlife Refuge always tries to return the injured or orphaned animals to their habitats. However, if the animal cannot be returned to nature due to its condition, it becomes an educational ambassador and permanent resident.

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is open to the public. They are located at 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road. Visiting the refuge is a great experience that enriches your mind and heart. Visitors get the chance to directly see the impact made by this wonderful organization and its educational ambassadors. In their facilities, you will meet Eastern Gray Squirrels, a Gray Fox, Florida Bobcats, an Emu, Ring-Tailed Lemurs, an African Spurred Tortoise, a Barred Owl, honey bees, and many other species. Additionally, you will learn about each animal, its stories, and its incredible importance in nature. Do not hesitate to ask questions since the staff is incredibly informed and kind.

For more information: https://www.btnwildlife.org/

Author and Photo Credit: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

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

Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged Teals, Spatula discors, are dabbling ducks who migrate long distances to their winter homes. These small ducks breed in Canada and the United States before heading south to places as far away as South America. They are one of the earliest migrants to arrive in Florida.

Look for Blue-winged Teals in marshes and wetlands swimming in tranquil brackish water or freshwater. They can often be seen in groups with other dabbling ducks. Their diet includes aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans, and vegetation. However, in winter, they add more seeds such as water lilies and rice to their diets. Watch Blue-winged teals find food by dipping their bills into the water or immersing their heads in the water in a “bottoms-up” posture.

Photo Credit: David Gale and KonStudio

Split Oak Forest WEA

Split Oak Forest is a 2,000 acres of wildlife conservation area located south of Orlando near Lake Nona. It is named for the 200-year-old oak tree that split in the middle and lived. Portions of the forest were once utilized for cattle operations and turpentine. However, Florida acquired Split Oak Forest in 1994 using funds from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Mitigation Park Program. The area is now used to protect the gopher tortoise and other species of wildlife that are federally listed and to restore and maintain the forest for the critical benefits of the state. FWC manages this Wildlife and Environmental Area.

Split Oak Forest is the home of various animal species, including sandhill cranes, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, butterflies, kestrels, woodpeckers, and songbirds. The forest is also home to various rare plant species. The area has scrub and prairie that includes sandhill terrain. There are also a couple of ponds and Lake Hart borders the north side of the forest. This makes it the perfect spot to saunter while spotting various species of animals.

Split Oak Forest provides about 24 miles of Great Birding and Wildlife trails to enjoy alone or with family and friends. There are five named and marked trails in Split Oak: North/South Trail (5.2 miles), Lake Loop (under a mile), Center Trail (0.9 miles), Swamp Trail (0.7 miles), and the County Line Trail (0.3 miles). The remaining trails are not marked on the map and have no names. Nevertheless, those unmarked trails serve as firebreaks to maintain the ecosystems of the park.

The trails are half-shaded and half exposed so you will have the chance to be exposed to the sun while strolling or relaxing under the shadows of the trees. You can also head to the Bonnet Pond Overlook to sit down, enjoy the beautiful view and refreshing air to clear your mind. Regardless of your plans, you will have a great experience exploring the forest since it has an option for everyone.

The public can access the Split Oak Forest through Moss Park or park at 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road. Bikes and cars are not allowed in the forest, but horses are. Look out for the variety of wildlife and plants around the park. And remember to be safe and keep yourself hydrated.

For more information: https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/split-oak-forest/

Author and Photo Credit: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

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Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is a charitable corporation that began operating in 1986. It is located in The Keys in the city of Marathon. Since its beginning, the Turtle Hospital has served as a sanctuary for injured and sick turtles. The main goal is to rescue, rehab, and release injured and sick turtles. Additionally, they are also dedicated to the education of the public through outreach programs and local schools. With the cooperation of the University of Florida and the University of Georgia College of Vet Medicine, the Turtle Hospital has been researching the fibropapilloma virus that produces tumors that can be lethal to some sea turtles. The corporation also serves as an advocate for environmental legislation that makes beaches and waters a safe and unpolluted environment for sea turtles. When patients are not able to return to the wild due to their conditions, the Turtle Hospital takes them in as permanent residents.

Since its founding, the Turtle Hospital has treated and released over 1,500 sea turtles. The Turtle Hospital possesses a rehabilitation facility that consists of 23 individual tanks that range from 150-800 gallons each, and a large tank of 100,000 gallons. In addition, the hospital has acquired through donations from local hospitals, doctors, organizations, and individuals up-to-date equipment for sizes on various species and surgeries of sea turtles. The hospital has treated a variety of ailments, ranging from intestinal impactions caused by ingestion of foreign materials, Fibropapillomatosis, shell damages caused by boat collision, and entanglement injuries from foreign matter. After rehabilitation is complete, the turtles are returned to their habitat. Depending on the species, each turtle is released in a specific manner and at suitable locations.

The public can visit the facilities of the Turtle Hospital by joining one of its 90 minutes educational programs that takes place from 9 AM to 4 PM every 30 minutes. The Turtle Hospital is located at 2396 Overseas Highway. Visiting the Turtle Hospital alone or with family and friends is a great way to connect with nature and learn more about sea turtles.

For more information, visit: https://www.turtlehospital.org/

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

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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

Sunshine Mimosa

Are you looking for a native groundcover that attracts pollinators and looks beautiful all year long? Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) is a fast-growing ground cover with adorable pink puffballs. It’s sometimes called “powderpuff mimosa”.

A popular trait of sunshine mimosa is the nastic response. When the leaves are touched it alters the turgor pressure in the extensor cells and causes the leaves to retract. When this happens potassium and chloride molecules leave the cells. This leads to osmosis, a mechanism that occurs when water flows towards the higher salt concentration. In this case, water flows out of those cells and reduces the turgor pressure so the leaves will close.

Do you have sunshine mimosa in your yard? What is your favorite quality of this plant?

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Lake Monroe Wayside

A little bit of history. A little bit of nature. Three floating boat docks on beautiful Lake Monroe. Sandwiched between Hwy 17-92 and a railroad on one side and I-4 on the other lies the 3.5 acre Lake Monroe Wayside. The 3.5 acre park in Sanford is home to the first electrically operated bridge in Florida. Saunter along the Lake Monroe Bridge which has been preserved as a fishing pier and offers alluring views of the lake and the park. Launch your boat from one of the docks and enjoy the sights and sounds on the 9,406-acre Lake Monroe.

Look for wading birds and water birds near the lake. Songbirds can be heard singing over the sounds of traffic and trains. Trees including cypress and the bridge offer perfect perches for a variety of birds. Bring a snack or your lunch and picnic under one of the pavilions while marveling at the wildlife who make their homes in this little piece of nature.

For more information: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/…/301528-Lake-Monroe…

Ph0to Credit: Dan Kon

Coffee Bean Snail

Coffee bean snails, Melampus Coffee, is a species of snail commonly found in the mangroves forests of Southwestern Florida. The Coffee Melampus is a land snail that uses specialized tissue to breathe air. However, this specialized tissue called a lung is different from the respiratory system found in vertebrate animals.

The shell is thick and its aperture has small serrations internally. Because of the shell’s color pattern and shape resembling a coffee bean, this species of snail became known as the Coffee Bean Snail.

The coffee bean snail feeds on decaying matter and plants. They also are a significant food source for a variety of species.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

Work Cited:

Leal, John H., “The Coffee Melampus.” Bailey-Matthews National Shell

Museum Accessed 25 Nov 2021.

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

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Mergansers, Lophodytes cucullatus, are easy to spot with their distinctive crests. Males sport a striking black and white crest while females look regal with their copper crests. Many of these common small ducks spend their winters in Florida. Hooded Mergansers generally arrive late in the fall and leave early in the spring for northern breeding territories.

Look for small groups of Hooded Mergansers in wetlands, marshes, swamps, flooded forests, and estuaries where they thrive in shallow freshwater or brackish bays. Watch them as they dive to catch small insects, fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. See them run across the water before taking flight and skidding across the water as they land.

Fun Fact: Hooded Mergansers have an extra eyelid that is see-thru. They use this nictitating membrane like a pair of goggles when swimming.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo and Dan Kon

Carolina Sea Lavender

Carolina sea lavender is a showy perennial native to Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The blooming season of this species occurs during summer when its purple flowers with white bracts bloom. Carolina sea lavender is native to salt marshes, flats, coastal beaches and marshes, inter-tidal, and sub-tidal zones. In the United States, this plant is commonly found on the east coast of the country. Carolina Sea Lavender has

been used to make wreaths. but because it is a slow-growing plant, this practice

endangers its population.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

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

American Bumble Bee

American bumble bees (Bombus pensylvanicus) have been a common bee throughout the entire U.S., but the population has drastically declined within the past several decades. Its home range has also declined from widespread throughout North America to mostly limited to the southern United States. The primary suspect of this decline is a disease from imported European bumblebees. These imported bees were used to pollinate tomato plants.

American bumble bees nest on the surface of the ground. The queens overwinter and collect food for their first brood. These become workers and support the queen the next season. After she produces new queens, she dies, and those queens will spread to establish their colonies.

You can help American bumble bees by planting native plants such as goldenrod, St. John’s wort, mistflower, and ironweed.

Photo Credit: Ileana Rodriguez

Fort Christmas Historical Park

Get outside at Fort Christmas Historical Park. Saunter through the park and tour a full-size replica of the fort built during the Second Seminole Indian War. Visit the school and see how kids of all ages were taught in this single-room structure. Explore the Florida Cracker house and 8 other pioneer homes. Visit the pioneer garden and the sugar cane mill and see the farm equipment used during the turn of the century.

There is a tennis court, a basketball court, and a baseball field. A beautiful playground is available for the children. Enjoy a picnic lunch under one of the pavilions. ADA service animals are welcome.

Fort Christmas Historical Park is located in east Orange County off of SR 50 on Fort Christmas Road in Christmas, Florida. If you visit the park in Dec, be sure to stop by the Christmas post office and have your holiday gifts and cards sent from Christmas, Fl.

For more information and hours: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx…

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Sanford RiverWalk

On the southern shore of Lake Monroe in Seminole County lies a multi-use pedestrian trail known as Sanford RiverWalk. The paved 9.1-mile trail connects RiverWalk to the 210-mile Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail and completes the 26-mile loop around Lake Monroe. This urban-designed trail earned the city of Sanford the International Making Cities Livable award.

Saunter along the trail and discover the serenity as the waves carry sailboats across Lake Monroe. Discover the wildlife and birds who share the space with humans. Dock your boat at the Sanford Marina day slips. Sit for a while on one of the swinging benches or under a gazebo and let your troubles melt away.

Walk along the brick-lined streets to historic downtown Sanford where unique shops, restaurants, and craft beer is are bountiful.

Be sure to return to RiverWalk to complete your day watching the magnificent sunset on Lake Monroe.

Photo credit: Dan Kon

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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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Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit

The Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit, Sylvilagus palustris hefneri, is the smallest of the three subspecies of marsh rabbits, reaching only 14 to 16 inches long. They have a brown back, gray belly, small ears, and a grayish-brown tail. Look for them in tall grass in wetlands and salt marshes. The sedge and grass provide the perfect habitat for feeding, nesting, and shelter.

Rabbits reproduce quickly and their population tends to prosper in the right environment. On average, a rabbit will produce 6-7 litters per year. Litters of 2-4 young are born blind and remain with their eyes closed until the fourth or fifth day after birth. They become independent after two weeks and will find their own home ranges at 8 months. The average life span is 1 year although they can live to 4 years of age.

Lower Keys Marsh Rabbits are endemic to The Florida Keys. They currently inhabit the coast from Big Pine Key to Boca Chica Key and occupy several smaller islands in the refuge’s backcountry. However, habitat destruction and degradation due to human development in the Florida Keys has deprived lower marsh rabbits of 50% of their habitat. Sea-level rise, invasive vegetation, and domestic and feral cats are also a threat to this species. Lower Keys Marsh MarshRabbits were listed as federally endangered in 1990 and are designated Endangered by the state of Florida.

When in the Keys advocate for habitat restoration. Leave nothing but footprints.

References:

Florida Natural Areas Inventory “Lower Keys Rabbit” Field guide to the rare animals of

Florida, 2001, http://www.fnai.org/…/pdf/Sylvilagus_palustris_hefneri.PDF

“Lower Keys Rabbit” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, October 01, 2021

Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Eastern Gray Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, with their bushy tails are common sights throughout Florida. Look for them in the woods, in parks, and in your yard. Watch them as they chase each other through hardwood and mixed forests, in oak and hickory trees in parks and yards, and across streets.

Their diet consists of seeds, acorns, buds, fruit, and insects. Watch as they hoard acorns, berries, seeds and bark to be retrieved late.

Coexisting with squirrels requires us to be vigilant in keeping access to our attics sealed so that squirrels build their nests in the trees as nature intended. Watching them at our birdfeeder can be both frustrating and amusing. To keep your feeders for birds only, invest in a highly rated squirrel-proof feeder. #ConnectRespectCoexist

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Gaudy Sphinx

The Gaudy sphinx, Eumorpha labruscae, is a common and vibrant green moth whose range is from Argentina to Canada. Host plants include muscadine grapes, Christmas bush, and other vines. Pupae climb down into the soil where metamorphosis takes place. They emerge as adults. Females release pheromones at night to attract males who follow the scent.

Photo credit: Aymee Laurain

Florida Red-bellied Cooter

Florida Red-bellied Cooters, Pseudemys nelson, are found across the entire peninsula of Florida and into the southeastern part of Georgia. They were first classified as a separate species by Archie Carr in 1938. This is a large aquatic turtle with females reaching shell lengths of almost 15 inches. The males are smaller in size than the females and have elongated front nails that they use in courtship. They can be identified by the red blotches that extend up the carapace (top of the shell), a most often plain, reddish plastron (belly), and a notched upper beak.

These cooters are herbivorous as sub-adults and adults but the juveniles will eat a wide variety of plants and small animals. They can be found in freshwater ponds, lakes, marshes, and very slow-moving rivers and streams. The turtles prefer slow water movement and heavy vegetation and will not be found in swift-moving rivers or waterways with low vegetation.

Florida Red-bellied Cooters lay their eggs from May through August in well-draining soils close to freshwater. They have often been observed laying their eggs in alligator nest mounds. The average is about 14 eggs per clutch and the cooters can lay 3 to 6 clutches of eggs per year. The hatchlings look different than the adults, being greenish in color with yellow bars on the carapace.

Many animals such as raccoons feed on the eggs. Natural predators for this species are numerous when the turtles are hatchlings. However, as they mature, few animals other than the alligator can penetrate the thick shells of the Florida Red-bellied Cooter.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Mangrove Periwinkle

The Mangrove Periwinkle

The Mangrove Periwinkle, Littoraria angulifera, has a small spiral shell that is commonly about 3 cm high (Hosein). Despite its colorful shell, this species of snail has a gray operculum. But its carapace is full of beautiful colors. The color pattern of the shell is a combination of green, orange, and yellow with black slanted markings. These markings decorate the shell from its opening to the top. Additionally, the 6 to 7 whorls that end in a pointed top give this snail an attractive look.

The mangrove periwinkle population spreads from South Florida to South America. They also inhabit the Caribbean Islands and spans in Africa from Senegal to Angola (Hosein). In these regions, the mangrove periwinkle, just like its name suggests, lives in mangrove areas. Here, juvenile periwinkles stay living near the tideline until they reach adulthood. After that, adult snails inhabit trunks, stems, roots, and leaves of mangroves trees.

The diet of this species consists of algae, fungi, and other plant materials, but this mollusk is also an important food source for various animals.

Works Cited: Hosein, Trent. “Littoraria Angulifera (Mangrove Periwinkle).” UWI: The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago, 2015.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College

Banded Garden Spider

Banded Garden Spiders, Argiope trifasciata, are large spiders native to North and South America. They produce webs throughout bushy areas. Females are larger than males who will construct a smaller web next to a female. Prey consists of larger insects such as wasps.

Sometimes, webs are found with designs inside called stabilimenta. Many theories exist as to why stabilimenta are created but researchers have found the designs reduce the amount of prey caught in the web nut decrease potential damage to the web.

Photo credit: Aymee Laurain

Northern Crab Spider

The Northern crab spider, Mecaphesa asperata, can be found throughout central and north America and the Caribbean. These little spiders use flowers to camouflage themselves and will prey on insects visiting flowers such as aphids, spider mites, moths, aphids, bees, wasps, and flies. Females lay eggs in the folds of some leaves and will guard the eggs by remaining nearby.

Photo credit: Aymee Laurain

Southern Plains Bumblebee

Southern Plains Bumblebees, Bombus fraternus, are found from New Jersey south to Central Florida and from the eastern coast to the Rocky Mountains. Females are typically smaller than males with the exception of the queen. Males can be distinguished by the two bands across the abdomen. These bees are active from spring through fall. They feed on a variety of native flowers including goldenrod, blazing stars, milkweed, and flowers within the Asteraceae family.

Southern Plains Bumblebees are endangered. The greatest threat to this species is declining habitat. By adding native flowering plants to your landscape, you can help create a habitat for this declining species.

Photo credit: Aymee Laurain

Silver Garden Orbweaver

Silver Garden Orbweavers, Argiope argentata, are arachnids that are commonly found in yards, gardens, and parks. Look for them waiting in the center of their intricate web, head down, for a meal of insects including mosquitos. Look closely and you may find a Dewdrop Spider sharing the web.

Females are larger at up to 3 inches with legs spread out and more striking in color. After mating, they will kill and sometimes eat the male

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Great White Shark

Great White Sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, are the largest predatory fish that inhabit Earth. They can grow to 20 feet and weigh more than 2.5 tons. These endothermic (warm-blooded) fish are found in cool and tropical coastal waters around the world and have been tracked crossing entire oceans. Great White Sharks migrate across wider geographic areas than any other marine animal and have been tracked swimming from Newfoundland to Florida. This sleek grey shark gets its name from its white underbelly. They can travel at speeds up to 15 miles per hour and breach the surface when preying on a food source at the edge of the water.

Great White Sharks are carnivores. Their good sense of smell and ability to sense an animal’s electromagnetic field helps to locate their prey. Food consists of small fish, sea birds, seals, sea lions, and whales. Their 300 triangular teeth make it easy to hold their prey and rip it apart before swallowing the pieces whole. Researchers have learned that Great White Sharks are social animals. The scientists observed single sharks making a kill and sharing their meal with others. Humans are not on the Great White Shark’s menu. While some humans have been severely injured or killed, these incidents are extremely rare. It is now known that Great White Sharks will take a taste and quickly learn that humans are not suitable prey.

Females are larger than males and give birth to live young. During gestation, the mother does not feed her unborn via a placenta. Instead, she provides her young with unfertilized eggs. The new sharks are born as natural predators and will begin eating coastal fish immediately.

There is no accurate population count of Great White Sharks. They are currently listed as Vulnerable (VU A2bd) on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. Threats include getting caught in fishing nets, inshore habitat degradation, and overfishing. Unfortunately, Great White Shark jaws and fins are often considered commodities. Killing Great White Sharks can be considered an achievement by unknowing or uncaring humans.

Every animal has an important role in our ecosystems. Refuse to buy animals parts. Educate other people about the importance of respecting Great White Sharks and why we need to peacefully coexist with them.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons ~Elias Levy

References:

National Geographic

Oceana

Marine Bio

Great Blue Skimmer

Great Blue Skimmers, Libellula vibrans, are found in forested wetlands, swamps, and near lakes and ponds where still or slow-moving shallow water is present. These are large dragonflies that measure 2.3 inches and are often called King Skimmers.

The bodies of adult male Great Blue Skimmers are blue while the female’s body is brown. After fertilization, females pick up a drop of water to help eggs stay on the shore. Once the larvae hatch, they return to the water where they develop into adults.

Photo Credit Ted Koran

Scarlet-bodied Wasp Moth

The Scarlet-bodied wasp moth, Cosmosoma myrodora, is a stunning moth found throughout Florida and coastal areas in the southeastern U.S. Males have filament containing pouches on the abdomen called flocculence. During mating the male will hover over the female and discharge the flocculence, creating a net over her before attempting to mate. These flocculence’s are a visible white.

The larvae emerge from the eggs appearing as tiny white hair-covered caterpillars. These hairs are called setae and help form the cocoon. Cocoons are constructed under leaves and are mesh-like balls. Larvae feed on native hempvines.

Adult males feed on dogfennel and pass the toxin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, obtained from the plant to females during courtship as a way to protect eggs from predation. Some parasites are still able to get past these defenses. These include Hyphantrophaga sellersi and Tetrastichinae parasitoids.

Photo credit: Aymee Laurain

Texas Vervain

Texas Vervain, Verbena halei, is also known as Texas verbena, or slender verbena. It is a wildflower native to much of the southern US including Florida. Lavender-blue blooms appear on the slender branches that can reach 2 1/2 feet tall.

Look for Texas Vervain in fields, sandy soils, woodlands, pastures, and roadsides. Large numbers of native bees are attracted to its flowers. Cardinals and sparrows eat the seeds of this perennial shrub.

The butterfly-attracting Texas Vervain is a great option for xeriscaping. It loves the Florida sun, thrives in dry soil, and is drought tolerant. Propagation is by seed or root division.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

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

Wakulla Springs State Park

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park boasts the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. It may be most famous for the movies Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) that were filmed in the park. Wakulla Springs State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. It is located just south of Tallahassee in Wakulla County.

Stop by the Visitor Center to access an interpretive display where you will learn the history of the park from Paleolithic times until today. Observe cave diagrams, learn about the indigenous people who first inhabited the land, the men and women who resided or visited there, Edward Ball whom the park is named after, and the wildlife who live there today.

Saunter along the 9 mile Nature Trail, the 1.4 mile Cherokee Sink Trail, or the Bob Rose Trail. Bike or take a guided bike tour on the Cherokee Sink Trail and the Nature Trail. Discover the animals and plants that thrive in the cool waters when you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or cave diving. For the more daring, jump or dive from the 22-foot observation tower/dive into the 70* spring. Bring a blanket to the beach and sit for a while at the shore or under the shade of a cypress tree.

Explore Southern hardwood forests. maple-cypress habitats, an upland hardwood forest, pine forests, 80-foot-deep sinkhole lake, and ancient cypress swamps.

Bring your camera. Watch for resident and migratory wading birds and songbirds including cedar waxwings, phoebes, and chimney swifts. Look for white-tailed deer, bears, alligators, manatees, and more. Marvel at the variety of wildflowers including terrestrial and epiphytic orchids.

Bring your picnic and enjoy your lunch at one of the provided tables. A playground is nearby. View Wakulla Spring while dining in the Edward Ball Dining Room where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. Be sure to stop by the Soda Fountain for an old-fashioned malt or milkshake on the world’s longest marble countertop.

Rooms are available at the historic 1930’s Spanish-style Wakulla Springs Lodge. Plan your reunion or wedding at this popular park. Three conference rooms are available for events, meetings, and retreats.

Well-behaved pets are welcome in designated areas while on a 6-foot leash. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is wheelchair accessible and offers wheelchair access to riverboats, access to a manual wheelchair upon request, accessible picnic shelters, and accessible benches.

For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/WakullaSprings

Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam

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

Polyphemus Moth

The Polyphemus moth, Antheraea polyphemus, is a giant silk moth that can be found from Mexico to southern Canada and in every US state except Nevada and Arizona. The moth’s wingspan measures 4 – 6 inches. Colors vary and include gray, tan, and brown with shades of red, yellow, and pink. Polyphemus moths have large eyespots on their hind wings and were named after Polyphemus, the giant cyclops from Greek mythology with a large eye in the middle of his forehead. The male’s (pink pictured) antennae are bushier than the female’s (tan pictured) antennae.

Females produce 2 broods each year. In Florida, newly emerged Polyphemus moths can be found year-round. Because of their vestigial mouthparts, they cannot eat. A newly emerged female will release a pheromone to attract a male. The dating game lasts throughout the night with the most activity a few hours before sunrise. The pair will remain coupled all day before separating at sunset. For the next several nights, the female will lay single eggs in groups of two or three on a leaf of an oak tree or other desirable host tree.

Look for these moths near man-made light sources. Of concern is the Polyphemus moth’s attraction to mercury vapor lights that may distract them from mating, thus impacting their populations in cities and neighborhoods. (Worth and Muller 1979)

Photo Credit: David Gale (pink)

Photo Credit: Erin James (tan)

Florida Scrub Lizard

Found only in Florida, the Florida scrub lizard, Sceloporus woodi, is only found in scrub ecosystems in the peninsula of Florida. Its range is fragmented, comprised of 3 main populations.

One population is in the center of the peninsula, mostly along the Lake Wales Ridge in Putnam, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Highlands counties. The second is in the Ocala National Forest which contains the most habitat for this species. The third area is along the east coast from Brevard County south to Miami-Dade County. This last population has been shrunk down to now only extending south to Palm Beach County due to loss of habitat.

There was a 4th population that occurred on the gulf coast in Lee and Collier Counties, but that population has been extirpated due to loss of habitat. The last time an individual was sighted in that area was in 1994.

Florida scrub lizards are habitat specialists. They require open scrub with large areas of bare sand, but also trees and shrubs to provide shade during the heat of the day. Scrub rosemary inhibits other plant growth that provides this open area. Fire also helps to keep the scrub open for this species, as well as many others. A loss of suitable habitat due to fire suppression as well as development is the number one threat to Florida scrub lizards.

While not officially protected, this species has been under review and while not listed as threatened or endangered, without protections given the ecosystems they inhabit, their populations will continue to decline.

This is a small, insect-eating species that only grows to about 5 inches. It is one of two species in Florida of the genus Sceloporus, the other being the eastern fence lizard. While these two species look similar and have overlapping ranges in Florida, the Florida scrub lizard can be distinguished by the solid brown stripe running laterally down the lizard. The males will have an unmarked back and a blue belly. Females will sometimes have a slight bluish hue to their bellies, but nothing like the bright blue of the male.

Due to the fragmented populations and extremely limited ability for the species to disperse, the different populations contain a high degree of genetic diversity from each other. This fact has to be taken into account with any management plans for the species. In 2019, 100 lizards from Martin County were relocated to the Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area in central Palm Beach County. This area is 23 miles south of their current range in the Atlantic coast population.

When in scrub areas in their range, keep your eye out for this beautiful Florida resident!

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

Just south of Tallahassee lies a little historic state park waiting to be explored. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park was established as a state park in 1964, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and is a National Historic Landmark and National Engineering Landmark.

The flags flying over San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park welcome you and are a reminder of those who came before you. Saunter along the self-guided .33 mile interpretive trail through the historic ruins. Look for today’s wild residents including pelicans, anhingas, cormorants, seagulls, ospreys, great blue herons, turtles, sea turtles, manatees, otters, squirrels, and more.

Be sure to make time to visit the museum where you will learn about the history and importance of San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park located on the Wakulla and St. Marks River junction. First settled by the Apalachee who lived in farming communities, the area later became a trading route. Over the years two military forts and a federal marine hospital were built. Hernando de Soto, Spanish explorers, Britains, pirates, Confederate soldiers, and General Andrew Jackson are just some of the people who have lived at San Marcos or occupied a fort.

Enjoy your meal in the picnic area complete with grills and tables.

For more information about this Historic State Park located in St. Marks, Wakulla County click here:

https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/san-marcos-de…

Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam

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

Grass Pink Orchid

The Grass Pink Orchid, Calopogon tuberosus, is the most common Florida native orchid. The 2″ magenta blooms are hard to miss. Less often the petals are light pink or white. Discover these bog plants in open wet areas such as prairies, pine forests, and even along the side of a road.

The Grass Pink Orchid attracts insects with tufts of bright yellow hairs that mimic the stamens and pistils of other flowers. When a pollinator lands on the lip that holds the tuft, the lip will bend down to the center column where the insect will have access to the pollen.

Grass Pink Orchids make a stunning addition to your garden. Plant them in full to partial sun where the soil is moist or in pots.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Common Green Darner

Common Green Darners, (Anax junius), are found throughout Florida. These large dragonflies are easily recognizable with their bright green coloring and iridescent wings. Juveniles with purple abdomens grow into females who have green abdomens or males with blue abdomens. Males have an eyespot on their head that gives the appearance of a cyclops.

Look for Common Green Darners near water sources in the wild or in your yard. They are somewhat migratory and breed in the Southern US, including Florida, in fall and early winter. Females deposit one egg at a time into the stem of an underwater plant. Juveniles, known as Naiads, are born. They look like tiny lobsters and spend their days underwater where they dine on tadpoles and insects before moving to dry land and growing into an adult.

Common Green Darners prey on bees, wasps, butterflies, and midges. Perhaps the best reason to encourage them to visit your yard is they will help control the mosquito population.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Peninsula Cooter

Peninsula Cooters, Pseudemys peninsularis, are found throughout Florida in slow-moving streams and rivers, in marshes, swamps, and lakes. Discover these turtles soaking up the sun alone or in groups on a log or the bank.

Peninsula Cooters grow to about 15″. They love water with sandy bottoms near vegetation. Males eat aquatic invertebrates while females mostly enjoy the aquatic vegetation.

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

Florida banded watersnake

Florida banded watersnake, Nerodia fasciata, is a non-venomous, native species of snake found from the coastal areas of the Carolinas, down throughout Florida, and west to Texas.

The watersnake will be more heavily patterned as a juvenile and often become more brown or black with age. The adults range from 2 to 4 feet in length and are primarily fish and frog eaters. They are active most often at night but can be seen basking during the day. They inhabit areas with shallow, slow-moving freshwater such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and retention ponds. The females give birth to live young, numbering from 3-80 babies at a time! Animals such as frogs, fish, alligators, raccoons, opossums, birds, and other carnivorous mammals feed on the Florida watersnake.

Frequently mistaken for the far less common cottonmouth (also known as water moccasin), they are often killed by humans out of fear. If you have one of these native residents too close to your home, spray them with a garden hose to get them to leave. To keep snakes away from your house, remove brush and debris that provide them cover as well as provide homes for their food. There are no effective snake repellents available so if you do not want them near your home, the best thing to do is to keep the area around your house clean and tidy. That way, we all can coexist together!

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Lake Apopka A History Lesson on Eutrophication

Lake Apopka: A History Lesson on Eutrophication
Eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients build up in waterways such as rivers, lakes, and streams. This creates

10 Ways You Can Help Prevent Eutrophication

Eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients build up in waterways such as rivers, lakes, and streams. This creates

Glossy Ibis

The Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, is a native wading bird found year-round in Florida. Look for them in freshwater and saltwater marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, mangroves, and flooded fields. Ibises wade in shallow water where they probe the mud for prey with their long beaks or snatch insects from the water’s surface. Food consists of dragonflies, crayfish, snails, crabs, fish, frogs, lizards, snakes, and more.

Glossy Ibises nest in colonies low in willows and other shrubs, on the ground, or in trees and shrubs near marshes or mangroves. The couple builds the nest and the female lays 3 – 4 eggs. The parents feed the young by regurgitation.

From a distance, Glossy Ibises appear dark. The sunlight will bring out the bronze, metallic green, and purple shades in the plumage.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon and Andy Waldo

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

Indian Blanket

Indian Blanket, Gaillardia-pulchella, is also commonly known as a Firewheel. Indian Blanket flowers are members of the Aster family, grow to 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and are considered a short-lived perennial or an annual in Florida.

The Indian Blanket can often be spotted near Florida’s coasts on dry land. Since the early 1700s, this flower has been planted along roadsides much to the delight of Floridians and tourists.

A study done by Marlowe & Hufford in 2007 showed the DNA from the Indian Blanket was similar to those found in the more western species. More recent research by Weakley et al. 2020 has shown more evidence that it was likely cultivated rather than naturally spread.

The bright orange, red, and yellow flowers of the Indian Blanket make a beautiful addition to your garden. Butterflies, bees, and wasps are attracted to its pollen. Titmice, chickadees, and warblers enjoy the seeds. Once the flowers dry up, gather seeds by deadheading the plant. Indian Blankets are dormant in the winter.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

Ebony Jewelwing Dameselfly

Ebony Jewelwing Dameselfies, Calopteryx maculata (Beauvois) are most often seen near slow moving streams. Both males and females have iridescent green bodies. The males wings are dark and the females wings are bronze colored with at white spot on the edge of the foreweings. They are large dameselflies that grow to 2.25 – 3 inches and have wingspans of 1.5 – 2.25 inches .

Female Ebony Jewelwings lay their egss on aquatic debris that forms a raft or dam in a stream. The naiads or juvemiles hatcht and feed on small aquatic prey. The naids are preyed on by frogs, fish, and birds. Adult Ebony Jewelwings are prey for frogs, fish, spiders, birds and the larger dragonflies.

Look for this damselfly that is endemic to eastern North America in Florida as far south as Brevard County on the eastcoast and Desoto County on the west coast. Ebony Jewelwings often rest on branches or leaves where their iridescent bodies shimmer in the sunlight.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Indo-Pacific Gecko

Many of you may have seen these little brown lizards scurrying around the lights outside of your house at night. But did you know that this little girl holds an amazing secret? She is an Indo-Pacific Gecko, Hemidactylus garnotii, and she, like all of her sisters, is parthenogenic! As her name implies, this little Indo-Pacific gecko is not native to Florida, but instead is from southeast Asia. But, its ability to hide out in shipping containers and its unique reproductive strategy has made it easy for this species to spread.

Parthenogenesis is a natural form of asexual reproduction where the embryo is able to develop without the introduction of a sperm cell. There are several different types of parthenogenic reproduction, but let’s look at this little gecko species specifically. Indo-Pacific geckos are all female and reproduce by apomictic parthenogenesis. This means egg cells develop directly into embryos and are genetic clones of the mother. In Indo-Pacific geckos, the method of reproduction is via obligate parthenogenesis. This means this species reproduces entirely through asexual means.

So, since this species can spread with a single individual, it’s no wonder they have become such a widespread species. The earliest known specimen was found in Florida in 1963 and arrived through cargo shipments. They can be found over much of the state, but seem to be found mostly around man-made structures. The impacts of this non-native species are unknown at this time. There are several species of gecko in Florida that are also non-native, and look similar to the Indo-Pacific gecko, the most common of these is the Mediterranean gecko.

The Indo-Pacific Gecko can be identified by its smooth skin, toe pads, and orange color under the tail. In the images, you can see two eggs developing in this female right through her skin! They are insectivores and will hang around your porch lights at night in hopes of catching an easy meal. They have many predators in Florida. Snakes, large frogs, birds, and other nocturnal lizard eaters all make this gecko part of their diet.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

American Mink

The elusive American mink, Mustela vison, is a Florida native. Like otters, they are members of the weasel family and therefore, fiercely carnivorous. Dinner consists of fish, snakes, crabs, crayfish, frogs, insects, and small mammals. Minks are smaller than otters, weigh up to 4 pounds, and are only 1 – 2.5 feet long.

Minks are semi-aquatic animals that live in marshes and along the banks of rivers and streams. They have been spotted in salt marshes near the northern Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The Everglades mink, Neovison vison, is state-designated as threatened. They have been documented in freshwater and saltwater marshes in the southern Everglades, Fakahatchee Strand, and Big Cypress Swamp. There have been no current sightings of mink in the freshwater habitats of northern and central Florida.

In the spring, female minks give birth in their dens of hollowed-out logs or under protective tree roots. The 3-6 kits open their eyes at 25 days, are weaned at 5-6 weeks, and stay with their mother until fall. Bobcats, great-horned owls, and foxes prey on mink. Life expectancy is only 3 years. However, humans are the biggest threat to minks. In addition to hunting mink for oil, fur, and to assure a large fish population in human fishing areas, humans have reduced the minks’ habitat and polluted the waters that supply their food.

Minks are fast and incredibly adept at staying out of the sight of humans. Because they hunt in the late evening, during the night, and early mornings, sightings are rare. FWC biologists are seeking help from the public to track mink distribution in Florida. If you see a mink, please report your sighting here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/weasel/Default.aspx

Photo Credit: JayStatonPhotography.com

Eastern Black Swallowtails

Black Swallowtail (Eastern)

Eastern Black Swallowtails, Papilio polyxenes, are also known as American swallowtails. They are commonly found throughout Florida in gardens, along the sides of roads, in pastures, and in parks. Three or more generations are produced each year.

A female black swallowtail lays a single yellow egg on a host plant in the carrot family. The caterpillar is green with black stripes and yellow spots. If parsley or dill was chosen as the host plant, the hungry parsley caterpillar will devour the plant in your garden.

Photo credit: Nancy Kon

Roadside Wildflowers

Florida has many wildflower test sites along roadsides. In the panhandle, including near I10, you can see miles of these sites. These photos were taken off the side of the road in Live Oak, FL. The projects are part of Florida’s roadside plantings and highway beautification programs by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The area has a total of eight planting districts throughout the state, each with different plant species for those areas. These sites serve two major goals; to increase pollinator populations and diversity and to produce native vegetation that negates the need for mowing. The projects were also found to increase safety (Norcini 2014) and provide a great benefit through carbon sequestration (Harrison 2014). Finally, they add the beauty of true Florida that everyone can enjoy. Have you seen any roadside wildflower sites? Tell us about them in the comments.

Photo credits: Aymee Laurain

Rock Pigeon

Rock pigeons, Columba livia, are one of the most recognizable birds in Florida. They can be seen walking on the ground foraging for seeds and grains in wild areas. You may even find them eating a berry or an insect. In residential areas, including cities, these pigeons will dine on human food that has been abandoned. They will often visit birdfeeders.

Colors vary immensely in these birds found year-round in Florida. Their nests made of sticks are most often found in sheltered human-made structures such as barns, bridges, warehouses, and attics. Rock pigeons lay 1 or 2 eggs up to six times each year. However, the North American Breeding Bird Survey found their population declined by 46% between 1966 and 2015.

Rock pigeons can carry bird mites which will bite humans, wildlife, and livestock. When preparing food outside and pigeons are present, take extra care to avoid Salmonella bacteria.

Fun Facts:

Charles Darwin compared wild pigeons to the pigeons he kept. His observations helped him develop the theory of evolution.

Pigeons use magnetic fields, the sun’s position, and smell to find their way home. The U.S. Army Signal Corps used these talented navigators to carry strategic and life-saving messages during World War I and II.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

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

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Blue Dasher

Blue-ringed Dancer

Common Green Darner

Dragonfly

Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly

Ebony Jewelwing Dameselfly

Great Blue Skimmer

Halloween Pennant Dragonfly

Needham’s Skimmer

Roseate Skimmer

Eastern Copperhead

Eastern Copperheads, Agkistrodon contortrix, are beautiful snakes that are most often found in wet forested areas. Copperheads are thick-bodied and adults grow to 22-36 inches long. Their alternating light and dark colors provide extraordinary camouflage on the forest floor. Meals consist of lizards, amphibians, insects, birds, small mammals, and other snakes.

In the spring, male Copperheads will travel long distances to find a mate. Females give birth to 7-20 live young in the summer. The little ones, who are born with a color pattern like their parents, wiggle their bright yellow tails to attract lizards and frogs for a tasty meal.

Copperheads are venomous snakes. Like all snakes, they only strike out at humans when they are defending themselves. Watch your step. Because they are masters at camouflage, Copperheads can easily be stepped upon. Luckily, the venom is not very potent and deaths are rare. However, if you are bitten by a Copperhead, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Fun Fact: Copperheads are pit vipers. A pit viper senses small temperature changes in its surroundings. This allows it to strike out with accuracy at the perceived danger or prey.

Map: UF IFAS Extension University of Florida
Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Butterfly Pea

Spurred Butterfly Pea, Fabaceae (Leguminosae) is a native climbing or twining vine that grows up to 6 feet long. Look for this perennial in the wild throughout Florida in a variety of places including in sandhills, pinelands, and coastal plains.

Butterfly Pea is dormant in the winter and pinkish-purple flowers appear from spring through fall in most of Florida. In the southern counties, it blooms all year-round. Long-tailed skippers and northern cloudywings rely on the Butterfly pea for a host plant.

Because it adapts to many soils, Butterfly Pea can be a wonderful addition to your butterfly garden. Train it to climb a fence or use it as a ground cover. It propagates by seed and thrives in part shade or full sun.

Photo Credit ~Dan Kon – The Blue Hole Big Pine Key

Seaside Dragonlet

The Seaside Dragonlet, Erythrodiplax berenice, is the only North American dragonfly that breeds in saltwater.

Native to Florida, these small dragonflies can be found in mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and coastal strands throughout Florida. Adult males are a dusty dark blue, juveniles are yellow and black, and adult females’ color varies. Seaside Dragonlets dine on other insects and can be seen year-round near Florida’s coasts.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly

Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies, Protographium Marcellus, can be found in scrubs, along waterways and roadsides, and near forests, With a wingspan of 2 1/2 to 4 inches, prominent black and white zebra stripes, long black tails bordered with white, and a red median stripe, these beautiful native butterflies are hard to miss.

Consider planting the butterfly’s larval host plant, a Pappaw tree, in your garden to attract Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies to your outdoor space.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

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

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park, located at mile marker 37 in the Florida Keys, is made up of over 500 acres and an offshore island that is waiting for you to explore. Henry Flagler’s historic Overseas Railroad is a stark reminder of the 1937 Category 5 Labor Day Hurricane.

Bahia Honda State Park is best known for its beaches, Calusa and Sandspur Beach. Favorite water activities include snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. Canoeing, kayaking, and boating are popular with easy access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Watch for sea turtles and bottle-nosed dolphins.

Snorkeling tours offer the opportunity to explore the sea life at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Look for starfish, spiny lobsters, queen conchs, and nurse sharks.

Saunter along the nature trail that leads you to the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Enjoy the view while you admire herons, egrets, and ibises. A 3-1/2 mile hard surface road runs the length of Bahia Honda and is a perfect way to enjoy the park on your bicycle.

Bring your lunch and eat at a picnic area with a grill. Leashed pets are allowed in very limited areas.

For those who want to take a few days to experience all that Bahia Honda State Park has to offer, campsites are available for tents and RVs. There are six furnished cabins that accommodate 6 people in each.

Be sure to stay for stargazing. Bahia Honda Key is the darkest location in the Florida Keys.

For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/

Photo Credit: Dan, Nancy, and Christian Kon

Rose-rush

Stop and smell the Rose-rush!

Rose-rush, Lygodesmia aphylla, blooms before sunrise and lasts until nightfall. The lavender, pink, or white flowers appear on this perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall and nearly 6 feet wide.

Look for Rose-rush in dry, sandy soils such as scrub. Pollinators love this native plant. Seeds are easily collected from wilted flower heads so Rose-rush plants are available for your native wildflower garden.

Viceroy Butterfly

The Viceroy Butterfly, Limenitis archippus, is often mistaken for a Monarch Butterfly. While they both have the same orange and black colors, the Viceroy butterfly has a black line across its tailwings. In northern Florida, Viceroy butterflies are an orange color like Monarch butterflies. In southern Florida, Viceroy butterflies are a darker orange similar to Queen butterflies. Birds do not like the taste of Viceroys, Monarchs or Queens.

The host plants for Viceroy butterflies are willow trees. Explore meadows, alongside ponds and streams, swamps, roadside run-off ditches, and other wet areas where willows are present. Adult Viceroys have a wingspan of 2 1/2 to 3 inches. Females lay a single green egg on the tip of a willow leaf .

Fun Fact: Viceroys and Monarchs mimic each other. Mullerian mimicry occurs when 2 species evolve to resemble each other in color for protection from predators. In this case, neither butterfly is a tasty meal for birds, therefore, together they contribute to the survival of both species. – Ritland 1991, Ritland & Brower 1991

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

River Otter

River Otters, Lontra canadensis, are members of the weasel family. They can be found in a variety of freshwater bodies including rivers, creeks, swamps, marshes, ponds, and lakes throughout Florida with the exception of The Keys. Otters love riparian areas where they can make their burrows under tree roots on a bank and slide into the water for a tasty dinner of fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and amphibians. They also dine on insects, birds, and small mammals.

River Otters weigh 15-30 pounds and live to 12 years old, They and are skilled swimmers. When they aren’t playing in the water or mud, you will find them marking their territory with urine, feces, scent glands, and scratch marks on trees. Females give birth to one to six pups in a den dug into the bank of a body of water or a hollow log. When they are two months old, the mother otter pushes her pups into the water where they quickly learn to swim.

Fun Fact: River Otters can hold their breath for 8 minutes.

Photo Credit: Paul Waller

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.

White Peacock

White Peacocks, Anartia jatrophae, are common butterflies found on roadsides, near the edges of ponds and wetlands, and in fields and parks with low growing vegetation. They can be seen year-round flying low to the ground where their favorite low-growing nectar plants thrive.

White Peacocks lay a single egg on or near a host plant such as frogfruit or water hyssop. They live for about 4 months and their wingspan reaches 2 – 2.75 inches.

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo and Aymee Laurain

Eastern Indigo Snake

Snakes! There are few animals that evoke the kind of emotions in people that snakes do. Some love them. Some hate them. Some are indifferent to them. Despite how you may feel about snakes, they play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit.

Allow me to introduce you to the Eastern Indigo, Drymarchon couperi. The eastern indigo is the largest snake species in North America. Males can reach a length of 8.5 feet and up to 11 pounds (Females stay smaller, rarely larger than 6 feet)! The genus name Drymarchon translates to “forest ruler” and this species most certainly fits that bill!

They are heavy-bodied snakes with beautiful, iridescent black bodies. They often have some coloration on their chin, either white or red, but can also be solid black. Eastern indigo snakes can be found throughout Florida, the coastal plain of southern Georgia, and extreme south Alabama. Their historic range also extended into extreme southeast Mississippi but they have been extirpated from there. In Alabama, they have been reintroduced to the forests as part of an ongoing effort to recover this species (More on that in an exciting upcoming post). The panhandle population has also experienced an extreme reduction in numbers and efforts are underway to restore the population in those areas too.

The eastern indigo feeds on just about anything it can swallow. Mammals, birds, turtles, amphibians, fish, and even other snakes make up the average diet of this species. The indigo is not a constrictor. They kill their prey by overpowering them with their superior size and strong jaws, swallowing prey headfirst. Because of their preference for eating snakes, including venomous species, many people have left this species alone rather than removing them.

Eastern Indigos are big snakes. And big snakes lay big eggs! When a female lays a group of eggs, that group is called a clutch. The average clutch size is 7 eggs but can be as large as 12 eggs.

The indigo mates from October through February. Eggs are laid in May or June with hatchlings emerging in August and September. Little is known about egg sites for wild indigos but it is suspected the areas near gopher tortoise burrows are used.

This big snake needs big room. Scientists tracking wild indigos have found that their home range can be as large as 3,000 acres! This makes it clear that one of the biggest threats is to this species. They need space and lots of it!

The Eastern indigo is a threatened species across its entire range. One of the main reasons for their decline is the decline of the longleaf pine ecosystem. As the longleaf pine ecosystem was logged, fragmented, and altered by fire suppression, the animals that rely on it also declined. Gopher tortoises are important to many species, including indigo snakes. Indigos seek shelter in the burrows of the gopher tortoise and as tortoise populations have fallen, so has the indigo population.

Photo Credit: Dan Kon, Nancy Kon, Andy Waldo

Images captured at the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation

Cloudless Sulpher

Cloudless sulfurs, (Phoebis sennae), live in Florida year-round. These beautiful, bright yellow butterflies are hard to miss with their wingspans of 2 – 3 inches. Look for them in sunny, open areas such as along roadsides and in pastures, fields, and meadows.

Cloudless Sulfurs can be seen in large numbers during the fall migration season. Many spend their winters in Florida south of Gainesville. Nectar plants include red morning-glories, scarlet creeper, and cypress vine, scarlet sage, and Salvia. Cloudless Sulfurs prefer various species in the pea family as host plants where females lay a single egg.

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

Lake Lily

Lake Lily, located in Maitland, is a 10-acre park with a 1/2 mile walking trail around the Lake. Saunter near the lake as you watch for limpkins, green herons, ibises, and a variety of ducks. Sit on one of the many benches and watch squirrels who will keep you smiling with their jumping skills. Listen for birds of prey, crows, and a variety of songbirds.

Lake Lily is open from 8 am until Sunset most days. There is a playground for the kids, a rentable wedding gazebo, and restrooms. Your leashed dog is welcome to enjoy the day with you.

For more information: https://maitland.recdesk.com/Community/Facility/Detail…

Photo credit: Dan Kon

Heavenly Bamboo

Heavenly or Sacred Bamboo, Nandina domestica, is not very heavenly in Florida. It is native to Asia, introduced in the US, and can be found in forests and hammocks throughout Florida.

Heavenly Bamboo is not bamboo. It is a shrub that grows to about 7 feet tall. Reproduction may occur through vegetative regeneration, however, it is known to reproduce through seed dispersal. Red berries appeal to birds and other animals. The tiny white flowers and bright red berries appear harmless.

Heavenly Bamboo is poisonous to some animals. Cyanogenic glycosides can be found in the foliage and the fruit. The shrub is a species of concern because it may compete with understory plants and threaten several of Florida’s endangered wildflowers.

If you have this plant in your yard, IOF recommends you remove it. Protect wildlife and ecosystems when you replace Heavenly Bamboo with one of Florida’s native shrubs.

For more information:
https://www.fs.fed.us/datab…/…/plants/shrub/nandom/all.html…

Blue Hole in Big Pine Key

The Blue Hole in the National Key Deer Refuge

Located on Big Pine Key, the Blue Hole offers a short trail and observation deck where you can immerse yourself in nature.

The Blue Hole is a large sinkhole. The sinkhole became a quarry and the limestone was used to construct roads in The Keys as well as Henry Flagler’s Oversea Railroad. After being included in the National Key Deer Refuge, the Blue Hole was replanted with native vegetation and returned to nature.

The water in the blue hole is a freshwater lens. This means that freshwater from rainwater floats on top of the saltwater that lies underneath. The Blue Hole provides a unique ecosystem for the wild plants and wildlife that thrive there.

The Blue Hole is included in the Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Trail. Look for Key Deer, fish, alligators, turtles, iguanas, and a variety of birds (including wading birds), and snakes.

Sea level rise is an immediate threat to the Blue Hole. Lying only 3 to 6 feet above sea level, freshwater in wetlands in the Keys will become brackish or saltwater habitats if the sea level continues to rise. Mud turtles, marsh rabbits, and endangered Key Deer will be impacted by the loss of freshwater. When we make choices that protect our planet from climate change, we ultimately are protecting Florida and all of its inhabitants.

Photo credit: Dan Kon, Christian Kon

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