Yellow-rumped Warbler
Known affectionately as Butter-Butts, Yellow-rumped warblers, (Setophaga coronata), migrate south in the winter. These flocks of Florida snowbirds can be found in mangroves, scrub, forests, or your yard.
Their winter diet consists of fruit from shrubs such as wax myrtle, juniper berries, poison ivy, and poison oak as well as many seeds including those from goldenrod and beach grasses.
Merlins, Falco columbarius, are stocky, strong falcons. This bird of prey was found wintering at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Merlins have an average flight speed of 30 miles per hour.
Merlins spend their summers in northern North America where they breed in open areas near rivers and lakes. Some have taken over crow’s nests in residential areas.
Their favorite foods are a variety of small to medium-sized birds. They enjoy House Sparrows and Least Sandpipers. Watch for Merlins to mount a high-speed attack where they will catch a bird in midair. Merlins also dine on dragonflies, bats, rodents, reptiles, and nesting birds.
The Merlin population significantly declined in the 1960s from pesticides. With reduced pesticide use, their population has stabilized. Loss of habitat is also a concern but Merlins have adapted by taking up residence in human neighborhoods.
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)
These beautiful birds tend to make homes in deciduous forests but can also settle in your backyard. Once they establish a nest, they rarely move. Both parents care for the nest and will leave in search of insects. They are excellent hunters, moving quickly and picking off insects on the ground or even in flight.
Great Crested Flycatchers have also been known to bring snake skins back to their nest. Occasionally, they may mistake plastic for snakes’ skins. Males defend their nest with loud calls and will even fight when threatened. Breeding takes place throughout the U.S. and southern parts of Canada in spring and summer. During non-breeding seasons, from fall through winter, Great Crested Flycatchers migrate to Central or South America.
Photo Credit ~ Aymee Laurain
In the Sabal Point neighborhood near Longwood lies 600 acres of wild Florida where wildlife play and wildflowers bloom. Sabal Point Sanctuary, purchased and maintained by Audubon Florida, is a 600+ acre piece of land that has a 1/2 mile frontage on the Little Wekiva and Wekiva Rivers. Together, the sanctuary along with St. Johns Water Management District protects 2500 acres where the rivers meet.
Hike or bike the 3.5-mile trail through the wetlands. Explore the shaded trail and discover deer, otters, and limpkins. Listen for a variety of birds and woodpeckers. The secluded trail provides plenty of opportunities to discover prints from wildlife who make their homes there. Take a moment to admire the beauty of orchids and other wildflowers that thrive in the ecosystem.
The iconic Florida Black Bear occasionally passes through the sanctuary. Most are shy and will be hard to spot. Curious bears may stand up to get a better look at you. You can ask the bear to move along simply by standing tall, raising your hands, clapping, and in a loud stern voice, telling the bear to Go Away.
Take some time to Get Outside and visit this piece of natural Florida. Sabal Point Sanctuary is open every day from sun up to sunset.
For more information:Â https://fl.audubon.org/conservation/sabal-point
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
Moss Park, an Orange County park located in Orlando, is a 1551-acre preserved habitat of wildlife and flora located between Lake Mary Jane and Lake Hart. The many hiking trails and roads in Moss Park make it the perfect spot for walks, bicycle trips, and car visits.
Discover Florida sandhill cranes, gopher tortoises, alligators, deer, raccoons, and many other animals. Moss Park also has a hiking trail with beautiful views that leads you to Split Oak Forest, the home to a 200-year-old live oak tree.
Moss Park provides 54 camping zones suitable for RV or tents. All campsites have fire rings, grills, picnic tables, water, and electricity. Moss Park also has five group sites available that can accommodate up to 450 campers when combined. A dock and boat ramps are available for the visitors and a playground is waiting for the kids to enjoy.
The park is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day except Christmas. Only service animals are permitted in Moss Park.
Gather the family and discover all that Moss Park has to offer. Bring your binoculars, a picnic lunch, and immerse yourself in Nature.
For more information: http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx…
Contributor: Steven Marquez – IOF Volunteer
Photo Credit: Steven Marquez
Reddish Egrets, (Egretta rufescens), can be found running and jumping in the shallow saltwater of Florida coasts. Estuaries, lagoons, and waters near mangroves provide a variety of small fish that are brought to the surface by the egret’s intricate dance of jumps, spins, and footwork with wings of 46-48 inches spread open.
A dark Reddish Egret is pictured here. You may also discover a white morph that has a mostly white body. They both have a black-tipped pink bill and blue feet and legs.
Reddish Egrets breed in mainland Florida between February and June. Breeding in the Keys and Florida Bay occurs from November to May. Both the male and female incubate three to four eggs for 26 days. The young leave the nest within 45-49 days after hatching.
Plume trading nearly wiped out the Reddish Egrets. The Reddish Egret is currently State designated as Threatened and is protected by the U.S. Migratory
Bird Treaty Act.
Today, the Reddish Egret population may be in decline once again. Development, degradation of habitat, loss of genetic diversity, human disturbance, and predators are cause for concern.
You can be their voice. Advocate for clean water and the protection of land where Reddish Egrets call home. Respect their right to share our state with us. Give them space, observe from afar, and be mindful of where you hike, boat, and play.
American Flamingo
The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) stands 3-5 feet tall with a wingspan of up to 50 inches. The bright pink color comes from a diet of snails, crustaceans, crabs, and algae. Without this specific diet, they would turn gray.
The most unusual thing about Flamingos is their tongues. The tongue is encased in the lower jaw and does not move. It squeezes mud through structures in the bill called lamellae. Lamellae act as a strainer to extract insects, brine shrimp, algae, and other small prey.
There has been some debate on whether or not Flamingos are native to Florida. If they are spotted, they are usually considered escapees from captive flocks. During the 1800s, flamingos were considered native to Florida. John James Audubon came explicitly to see Flamingos on his 1830 visit to Florida. By the 1900s, Flamingos had almost completely vanished. They were hunted for food, skin, and feathers.
Flamingos are wading birds and can be found around a water source. They have very long, thin necks and legs. Their heads are small, and their bills are large, heavy, and have a crook. Young flamingos have straight bills, but the crook develops as they age.
The Flamingo stands on one leg to conserve heat as their legs have no feathers. Conserving heat is also why they bury their heads in their feathers. It also makes it easier to stand on one leg and reach down into the water with their bills to catch prey.
American Flamingos are monogamous. The flock will mate simultaneously so the eggs will hatch collectively. The flock protects the young from predators. The mated pair will make a mound of mud, and the female will lay one egg, which is between 3 to 3 1/2 inches long. It hatches in 27 to 31 days. Hatchlings are born white and turn pink within two years. Both parents produce a crop of milk in their upper digestive tract, which they feed to the young until they begin to eat solid food.
Florida has removed Flamingos from the non-native list. Hopefully, flamingos will regain their native species’ status and become subject to federal and state protections.
Conservation efforts to protect Flamingos will be necessary to ensure these birds continue to survive even as they face increasing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and invasive predators. This historical population is in the very beginnings of a recovery. When we work together, we will ensure American Flamingos will not become extinct.
Photo Credit: Paul Waller Natureboy Photography and Lynn Marie
Hillsborough River State Park
Nature and history abound at Hillsborough River State Park located just outside of Tampa. Explore one of the 7.3 miles of trails, learn about the Seminole Indian Wars at Fort Foster, and find peace along the waters of the Hillsborough River.
Fort Foster was originally built in 1836 to defend the bridge which crossed the Hillsborough River on Fort King Military road. It served as a place to resupply soldiers during the Second Seminole War. In 1936, Civilian Conservation Corps realized the historic significance of Fort Foster and the allure of the Class II rapids located nearby.
The Corps opened Hillsborough River State Park to the public in 1938. Today, visitors are invited to explore within the reconstructed walls of Fort Foster complete with blockhouse stairs and cannons. Plan your trip in January to see reenactments at the Fort Foster Rendezvous or in December at the Candlelight Experience.
Hillsborough River State Park is designated a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. There are 4 trails within the park that wind through pine flatwoods, a floodplain swamp, a hardwood and hydric hammock, and a cypress swamp.
Hike or bike along the 1.6-mile Wetlands Trail through cypress domes and Flatwoods where you may encounter bobcats, hawks, and a variety of rare plants. Saunter down the Rapids Trail to the swift, flowing Class II rapids on the Hillsborough River.
Paddle a kayak or canoe down the Hillsborough River or for the more adventurous, down the rapids. Cool off in the ADA accessible swimming pool.
Primitive campsites and 112 campsites for tents or RVs are located in the park. Playgrounds and picnic areas are waiting for you to enjoy. Pavilions are available to rent for reunions and other special events. A poolside cafe, camp store, and bike and canoe rental are located in the park for your convenience. Pets are welcome and must be on a 6′ leash.
For more information click here:Â 
https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/hillsborough-river-stat…
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
Alafia River State Park, located in Hillsborough County, is the place to go for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Alafia River State Park sits on what was once a phosphate mine known as Fort Lonesome. Mining companies donated the 7,733-acre area to the state.
The mining companies changed the landscape and left behind an area with small lakes and steep grades. Alafia boasts elevations high enough to challenge members of the International Mountain Bike Association. Alafia UBC is on-site for bike rentals and repairs.
Spend the night or sleep under the stars at Alafia. Family, equestrian, and primitive campsites are available. Host your family or friends for an outdoor get-together. Rent a pavilion for your next party, reunion, or event.
There are 20 miles of hilly trails waiting to be explored at Alafia River State Park. Hike, horseback ride, or take a leisurely stroll through the forests. Eat your picnic lunch lakeside or under one of the pavilions. Canoe or kayak on the Alafia River. Discover the many birds, wildlife, and plants who call Alafia home.
For more information including what is currently open, click here :
–https://www.floridastateparks.org/Alafia
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) arrive in Florida in early March. They begin their breeding rituals high in the sky. The mated pair will build a nest of sticks, Spanish moss, and lichen near the top of a tall tree. Here they will share the task of incubating 1-3 eggs for about a month.
After hatching, the mother Swallow-tailed Kite will stay at the nest with the young and feed them the food that the father brings for all of them. After a few weeks, both the male and female will leave the nest to bring food back to their hungry chicks. The little ones will begin exploring the tree at about 5 weeks and will make their first flight at 5-6 weeks.
These striking raptors are hard to miss with their black forked tails, and brilliant white heads contrast their ebony bodies. They are most often found gliding through the sky over forests near rivers or open pine forests near marshes and prairies.
When you see a Swallow-tailed Kite soaring through the sky, watch as they twist their tail and swoop near trees and over lower plants. They will often snatch an animal off of a branch or leaf without slowing down. Their favorite foods include lizards, snakes, birds, frogs, and dragonflies.
In early July, Swallow-tailed Kites will gather in large communal roosts. They are dependent on lowland forests to supply the nourishment and calories they need before embarking on their 5000-mile journey to the tropical forests of southern Brazil, where they will spend the winter.
Photo Credit: flying Andy Waldo
Photo Credit: close up, Don Faulkner / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)
Florida Scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is the only species of birds endemic to Florida. These social birds are charismatic, vocal, and friendly. They thrive in sand pine and xeric oak scrub, scrubby flatwoods, sand dunes, and sandy deposits along rivers. Scrub-jays dine on lizards, toads, frogs, mice, insects, and bird eggs. Acorns add protein, and Scrub-jays have been known to bury some to be used during the winter months.
Florida Scrub-jays are cooperative breeders. Both the mom and dad, as well as grown offspring, feed and protect the young. Breeding takes place from March through June. Nests are built from palmetto fibers and twigs and are only 3-10′ above the ground. An average clutch of 2-5 eggs produces new chicks in about 18 days. The babies fledge in another 18 days and remain with their family for a year.
A scrub-jay family lives in a 24-acre area. The family will take turns being the “look-out” bird while the rest forage for food. If a predatory bird such as a hawk is sighted, the “look-out” bird will call to the family, and they will all take cover. If the threat is at ground level, the family may join together in attacking a snake or other predator.
Sadly, Florida Scrub-jays have been declared Threatened under the Endangered Species Act and classified as Vulnerable to Extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There are only about 8,000 Scrub-Jays left in Florida. The U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects Florida Scrub-jays.
Over the last 200 years, humans have claimed Scrub-jays well-drained habitats for development and agriculture. A history of fire suppression caused much of their remaining habitats to become overgrown and unlivable. Because development has caused forests to become fragmented, when young birds leave their family home, they have a hard time finding a suitable habitat where they can settle down and start their own family. This fragmentation has caused isolation between families, and thus, each group of Scrub-jays has adapted by developing their own unique vocalizations.
Photo Credit Dan Kon
House sparrows were introduced at various stages throughout New York (Barrows 1889), Maine, Massachusetts, and Nova Scotia. Some of these releases were a sentimental connection to the homeland of many European immigrants. Others were to help control cankerworms or linden moths(Marshall 2014). In some cases, the release of house sparrows failed and the birds died without breeding. One of the more successful attempts was in Nova Scotia. This population spread and the presence of other populations in the U.S. Northeastern states may have helped them thrive.
Today, house sparrows have spread throughout all of the United States, most of Mexico, and the southern parts of Canada. They have even made their way to South America. In most regions, they are considered an invasive species due to their aggressive and territorial tenancies. They will even go to such extremes as to damage the nests of other birds. They out-compete many native birds for food and reproduce at a rapid rate making them difficult to control. Oddly enough, many places in Europe are seeing declines in house sparrow populations. The United Kingdom has a 71% reduction since the mid-1990s. This decline has been linked to avian malaria and areas of increased nitrogen dioxide. Italy experienced a 49% decline in house sparrow populations from reductions in nesting sites, reduced food availability, and possible disease. Paris reported a 12.4% reduction by year primarily due to city gentrification. Yet, these birds continue to thrive in North America.
One way you can help is by providing a nesting box for house sparrows. If eggs are laid you can simply poke them with a pin to prevent the eggs from further developing. Removing the eggs entirely can cause the female to produce more eggs at a faster rate. Removing an entire nest could force sparrows into more wild landscapes and could pose a greater threat to native birds. While we might never be able to fully eradicate house sparrows from Florida, it never hurts to try and reduce the growing population.
House Sparrows are sexually dimorphic with the male having a classic black mask across his eyes. The photos below show a male (Left) and female (Right).
Photo credit: Aymee Laurain
Reference:
Barrows, W.B. (1889). “The English Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in North America, Especially in its Relations to Agriculture”. United States Department of Agriculture, Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy Bulletin (1).
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.182197
https://www.theguardian.com/…/pollutionwatch-city-sparrows-…
https://www.researchgate.net/…/230139769_Recent_declines_in…
Malher, F. and Maintigneux, P., 2019, The House Sparrow in Paris: decline and monitoring, AGIR pour la biodiversité.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
“This park is like nothing else in Florida. Being able to see the stars at night in unbelievable detail was absolutely worth the trip.” Jonathan Holmes, IOF Contributor
There is a place in Florida that is world-renowned for stargazing. Designated as a Dark Sky Park due to the absence of light pollution, the stars and planets can be enjoyed the way nature intended.
Located in Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is part of the headwaters to the Everglades and is the largest remaining dry prairie ecosystem in Florida. Once spanning coast to coast and from Lake Okeechobee to Kissimmee, the prairie has been reduced to a mere 10% of its original expanse.
Throughout the years, humans have altered the prairie to suit their needs. The State Park is working to restore the land to pre-European influence. Over 70 miles of ditches and canals have been restored to swales and sloughs. Old plow lines are slated for reconditioning, and a cattle pasture will be restored to native shrubs and grasses. As a fire and flood dependent ecosystem, these efforts will allow the prairie to thrive once again.
The most famous resident of the prairie is the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. Critically endangered, the sparrows rely on a healthy prairie ecosystem for survival. Crested Caracaras, Burrowing Owls, Wood Storks, Swallow-Tail Kites, and White-Tail Kites find refuge at the park. Watch for Bald Eagles, White-tailed Deer, and Indigo Snakes. Native wildflowers are abundant. Look for Blazing Stars, Yellow Bachelors Buttons, Meadow Beauty, Pipewort, and Alligator Lilies.
There is plenty to do at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve. Hiking, horseback riding, and biking are wonderful ways to experience Nature up close. Camping, primitive camping, and equestrian camping are offered for those who want to spend the night. A ranger-led prairie buggy tour and an astronomy pad are spectacular ways to enjoy the park.
For reservations, times, fees, and more click here:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/kissimmee-prairie-prese…
Photo Credit – Jonathan Holmes
Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) are seen flying low to the water with the lower part of their bills skimming the water for food. Their bills are wide at the top and come to the point. When a skimmer senses a fish in the longer, lower mandible of its bill, the upper part instantly snaps shut.
Striking and easily recognizable, skimmers are medium-sized tern-like seabirds with red and black bills and a 3 to 3.5 feet wingspan. They have black wings with white edging, black backs, and a white underside and head. Black skimmers inhabit coastal areas such as beaches, estuaries, and sandbars.
Breeding and roosting occur between May and early September in colonies of up to several hundred pairs. Skimmers lay three to five eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 23-25 days. Skimmers are protective parents, and the colony acts as a village when it mobs a predator as a group in an effort to protect nests—the young fly at 28-30 days old. A successful colony will use the same nest site next year.
Black skimmers are threatened in Florida and are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Coastal development and human activity without regard to seabirds pose the biggest threat. Predators such as crows, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, and feral hogs find skimmer eggs and chicks to be a delicious meal. Pets, beach driving, recreational activity, oil spills, shoreline hardening, and more cause parents to abandon their nests. Sea level rise poses another threat to the black skimmer population.
With all of these threats, most of the colonies in Florida are managed by local land managers and volunteers. Documented black skimmer colonies in Florida are managed with fencings and/or informational signs.
With your help, black skimmers can make a successful comeback. Heed the signs you see while at the beach. Call the number on the signs at a beach near you and volunteer to make a difference. Let’s all do what we can now to protects these beautiful Florida seabirds.
Photos courtesy of FWC and Kon Studio
Once known as Devil’s bend, Spring Hammock Preserve is made up of several ecosystems including a hydric hammock, cypress dome, floodplain forest, mesic flatwoods, and scrubby flatwoods. It is a wetland and watershed area that acts as a natural filtering system for Soldier’s Creek Drainage Basin which eventually drains into Lake Jesup.
Located in Seminole County, Old Bear Trail which is now known as County Road (CR) 427, runs through Spring Hammock Preserve. The preserve is accessible from County Road 419. The Senator, the world’s largest living cypress tree made its home here for over 3,500 years before being burnt down by a human.
On the hiking trails, you may encounter wildlife such as gopher tortoises and alligators. If you are lucky, you may even see an indigo snake who makes his home here. Bird viewing opportunities include migrating birds as well as wood storks, limpkins, snowy egrets, and bald eagles who share space at the preserve. Trees in the preserve include longleaf pine, loblolly pine, slash pine, scrub oak, sweetgum, and bald cypress. Be on the lookout for native plants such as the Florida willow, Okeechobee gourd, and cuplet fern.
Make a plan to get outside and explore natural Florida.
You will be surprised at what you will discover.
Photo credit: Andy Waldo
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
There’s something for everyone at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park!
Nature trails, birding, equestrian trails, biking, walking, jogging, camping, cabins, picnic areas, horseshoe games, volleyball court, pavilions, and playgrounds assure your entire family will enjoy their day. You can even bring your dog on a 6-foot leash to the hiking or paved bike trail.
You can easily spend an entire day here as you explore this beautiful park of 8,300 acres located in New Port Richey. Take your time as you wander through the wilderness and discover an abundance of wild plants and animals who make their home there. Leave your cares behind while you spend quality time with your family and friends reconnecting with nature. Get Outside. Explore. Discover.
Learn more and/or make reservations here:
https://www.pascocountyfl.net/…/Jay-B-Starkey-Wilderness-Pa…
The Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is more than the symbol of the United States. They are interesting enough to have an entire day dedicated to them. While Save the Eagles Day originated as a way to raise awareness about the then-endangered species, it now serves as a time to learn about the thriving animals. Here are five facts you may not know about eagles:
1. Females weigh more than their male counterparts. The males weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, and females can weigh up to 14 pounds.
2. Eagles can see as much as eight times further than humans, and their eyes are equipped with infection-fighting tears.
3. While the bald eagle population has steadily increased after a severe drop, most of the population’s fatalities remain human-related. Impacts with manmade structures, gunshots, and poisoning are the leading causes of death.
4. The Bald Eagle emits a surprisingly weak-sounding call. Usually, a series of high-pitched, whistling, or piping notes. The female may repeat a single, soft, high-pitched note that signals her readiness to copulate.
5. Eagles can dive up to 100 mph while hunting. When they’re flying casually, they go about 30 mph.
Photo credit: David Gale and Aymee Laurain
Photo Credit: Dan KonÂ
This beautiful male Boat-tailed Grackle is on the lookout at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. He is a permanent resident of Florida. The bright sun makes the beautiful iridescence of his feathers glow for all to enjoy. Females have a brownish coloration and a smaller tail. Boat-tailed Grackles breed abundantly in salt and freshwater marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. These birds forage on the ground, in shallow water, or in shrubs. They eat arthropods, crustaceans, mollusks, frogs, turtles, lizards, grain, seeds, fruit, and tubers. At times they have been known to steal food from other birds, animals, and humans. They overturn shells and stones with their beaks, dunk their heads in water to catch their prey, and pry open mussel shells. Just like us, they will dunk food like rice, dogfood, or bread before eating it.
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a medium-sized bird of prey that is commonly seen along with coastal habitats within Florida. These birds, also called the Fish Hawks, have a brown upper body, white underside, and a black line across their eyes. They can reach 2 feet in length and have a 6-foot wingspan. These raptors hunt for food by using their keen senses, especially their vision, and kill prey with their talons. This is the only raptor with a reversible toe that can grasp prey with two toes in front and two toes in the back. They will soar high above their prey and dive feet first often submerging themselves to catch their prey. Their feet are barbed to be able to hold on to slippery fish. Osprey nests are large platforms built mainly of large sticks, sod, and grasses high above the ground although they will use any high man-made structure. A female Osprey will be attracted to the male that can provide the best nest. Osprey mate for life and will have between 2 to 4, creamy white blotched brown eggs a year. The eggs do not hatch all at once but will hatch 3 to 5 days apart. They fledge at 8 weeks and reach sexual maturity at 3 years of age. Because of its highly visible nest, the Osprey is a prime indicator species that can be used to monitor habitat conditions, fish populations, and overall environmental health.
Fun Fact: An extinct species of osprey, the Pandion lovensis, was discovered through fossils here in Florida. The fossils dated back to the Tortonian stage of the late Miocene sub-Epoch of the Clarendonian age. That’s about 9 million years ago. At that time Florida was an island that spanned from the eastern Panhandle and curved down a narrow stretch of the gulf coast to central Florida. During this time temperatures were dropping and the Earth was entering the ice age known as the Quaternary glaciation. This process took approximately 3 million years in which average global temperatures dropped to between 4-7 degrees Celsius. Not all areas had ice. Florida was much cooler but was not part of the freeze. Despite the lack of a freeze, colder conditions may have prevented the ability of Pandion lovensis to survive.Â
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