tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13965928230691629932024-03-13T08:02:31.228-07:00Floridian NatureDiscover the beauty and wonder of Floridan nature.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-27672773846207626562018-12-30T09:04:00.003-08:002018-12-30T09:04:54.607-08:00Purchase our book of Michael Arnold's artwork <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtGSEBwClRCrjN962P6BluztklQD8EU_wz1ZBgY1uLbTVhSeMBBrDGo-tQOrnZ4wHvWIV_GsNH3y9t1bwpsclVSJugqJ3OwnzinDzjhHuwyq6X_82aI6JqPSpU6iPxgI4pqbfj5ZfYu7O/s1600/51cxsHJT6QL._SX385_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="387" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtGSEBwClRCrjN962P6BluztklQD8EU_wz1ZBgY1uLbTVhSeMBBrDGo-tQOrnZ4wHvWIV_GsNH3y9t1bwpsclVSJugqJ3OwnzinDzjhHuwyq6X_82aI6JqPSpU6iPxgI4pqbfj5ZfYu7O/s640/51cxsHJT6QL._SX385_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
If you ever wanted to purchase art pieces by Michael Arnold but couldn't
afford it or didn't have enough space, try buying his book filled with
his complete collection of artwork. It's on sale on Amazon! A great selection of artwork with descriptions by award winning Florida artist Michael Arnold.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1731403828">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1731403828</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-42969011414117300712018-08-24T08:43:00.002-07:002018-08-24T08:43:43.257-07:00Florida Armadillos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/armadillos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/armadillos.jpg" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="448" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/NinebandedArmadillo.htm" target="_blank">Armadillos</a>
are small placental mammals, known for having a leathery armor shell.
The word <i>armadillo</i> is Spanish for "little armored one". In the
United States, the sole resident armadillo is the Nine-banded Armadillo,
which is most common in the central southernmost states. Armadillos have
been consistently expanding their range over the last century due to a
lack of natural predators.<br />
<br />
Armadillos
feed primarily on insects and their larvae. They also eat earthworms,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/scorpions.htm">scorpions</a>, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Spiders.htm">spiders</a>,
snails, and small vertebrates and their eggs. Reports of armadillo
damage to birds' nests on the ground are rare. People cannot help but
appreciate the fact that armadillos consume large amounts of armyworms,
cockroaches, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Ants.htm">ants</a>, wasps, flies,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaBeetles.htm">beetles</a>, and grasshoppers. They have
been known to dig up entire yellow-jacket nests. Armadillos usually
search for food by rooting or digging in ground litter, but will
occasionally eat berries and mushrooms. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Nine-banded_Armadillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Nine-banded_Armadillo.jpg" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="448" height="464" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Armadillos were not always present in Florida. During the past century,
they expanded their range from Texas into the Florida panhandle.
Armadillos are now found in uplands throughout Florida, except in the
Keys and parts of the Everglades and Big Cypress swamp.
<br />
<br />
Armadillos like forested or semi-open habitats with loose textured soil
that allows them to dig easily. Armadillos tend to frequent the vicinity
of streams and water holes, although they seem to avoid marshy areas.
Tracks in the mud around small ponds give evidence that the armadillos
visit them not only for purposes of drinking and feeding, but also to
take mud baths. <br />
<br />
Armadillos are fascinating mammals. When they need to cross narrow water
bodies, they often walk on the bottom under water. If it is a wide body
of water, they will inflate their stomach to twice its normal size,
allowing for enough buoyancy to swim across. When startled, armadillos
often leap high into the air, and then run quickly to a nearby burrow.
Armadillos dig burrows for homes or to escape predators, and a single
armadillo can have several different burrows with multiple entrances. For more information about Florida nature be sure to visit our website <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/">www.floridiannature.com</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-9058165948547919462018-08-16T06:46:00.001-07:002018-08-16T06:46:14.600-07:00Florida Nature: Loons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/red_throated_loon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/red_throated_loon.jpg" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="428" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
The<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/loons.htm" target="_blank"> red-throated loon</a> is the smallest, slightest of the
divers. It is distinctive among loons not only in size, but also in
behavior, vocalizations, locomotion, and other aspects of life history.
The Red-throated Loon, unlike other loons, does not need to patter on
the water's surface on a long takeoff, but rather can take flight
directly from land if necessary. Most loons must paddle furiously across
the surface of the water before becoming airborne, but the small
Red-throated can practically spring directly into the air from land, a
useful ability on its tundra breeding grounds. Whereas only males of
other loon species vocalize, both male and female<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/CommonLoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/CommonLoon.jpg" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="448" height="283" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/loons.htm" target="_blank">Common loons</a> are heavy-bodied birds that sit low in the water just
offshore. They are known as the great northern diver by British birders
and for good reason. They dip their heads below the surface to visually
locate prey and then power through the water with large webbed feet.
Streamlined and efficient underwater swimmers, loons can quickly move in
on small fish, crabs and invertebrates, usually swallowing them while
still submerged. Most dives are shallow and last less than a minute, but
deep dives may last up to five minutes. Loons are adapted to life on the
water; their legs are located so far back on their bodies that they are
one of the few birds that cannot walk on land. Instead they must crawl
or push their bodies onto land or into their nests.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For more information on loons and other <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaBirds.htm" target="_blank">Florida birds</a> be sure to visit our website <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/">http://www.floridiannature.com</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-35025881472954597362018-08-08T13:38:00.003-07:002018-08-08T13:38:42.020-07:00Florida Nature: Rhesus Macaque Monkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/rhesusmacaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/rhesusmacaque.jpg" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="336" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
The Florida population of rhesus macaque gained a foothold niche in the <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/SilverSpringsFlorida.htm">
Silver River State Park</a> Local legend has it that the monkeys
descended from animals used to film several Tarzan movies nearly 50
years ago at Silver Springs. The first monkeys were brought here at that
time, but by a former Jungle Cruise operator who figured that the
animals would add an exotic and amusing touch to the lush natural
setting. In addition, various colonies of rhesus and other monkey
species are speculated to be the result of zoos and wildlife parks
destroyed in hurricanes, most notably
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Past%20Florida%20Hurricanes3.htm" title="Hurricane Andrew">
Hurricane Andrew</a>.<br />
<br />
The rhesus macaque has a brown body with lighter brown under parts. The
monkey's face and rump are red. The average height for females is 18.5
to 20.9 inches, and 19 to 25 inches for males. The average weight for
females is approximately 9 to 24 pounds, while males weigh between 12 to
24 lbs. The head is round, the eyes oval, and the ears small. The front
legs are longer than the hind legs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Rhesus_Macaques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Rhesus_Macaques.jpg" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
A diurnal animal, the<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/RhesusMacaqueinFlorida.htm" target="_blank"> Rhesus Macaque</a> is both arboreal and terrestrial;
it is mostly herbivorous and feeds on leaves and pine needles, roots,
and the occasional insect or small animal. The monkey has specialized
pouch-like cheeks, allowing it to temporarily hoard its food. The
gathered morsels are eaten sometime later, in safe surroundings.<br />
<br />
Learn all about Florida nature at <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/" target="_blank">Floridiannature.com </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-83980256246928691172018-08-03T06:19:00.000-07:002018-08-03T06:19:02.844-07:00Ribbit Ribbit: Florida Frogs<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/marinetoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/marinetoad.jpg" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="224" height="400" width="373" /></a></div>
When a heavy evening rain is impending during the spring or summer, many <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Frogs.htm">frogs</a> and <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/toads.htm">toads</a> begin to call. This is the first signal of intense
breeding activity. Frogs and toads generally mate at night, since the
darkness conceals them from sharp-eyed predators, especially wading
birds. As rain starts to fall more and more frog voices are heard, until
in certain places it becomes almost deafening. Although it may seem
like frogs are just singing for fun, it is actually the males who are
calling to set up territories and to attract females. Most frogs in
Florida breed and lay their eggs in shallow, temporarily flooded ponds,
ditches, and depressions. Temporary water holes do not have large
resident populations of predators, such as fish, salamanders, and water
snakes, that would feed on the eggs or tadpoles because theses shallow
pools usually dry up quickly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/PineBarrensTreeFrog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/PineBarrensTreeFrog.jpg" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="235" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
The Pine barrens tree frog
is only about 1–3 inches long and is one of the smaller species of tree
frogs. Members of the species are predominantly green, with wide dark
stripes. They often have spotted orange-gold markings on the hidden
surfaces of their legs, and also tend to have large toe pads. Pine
Barrens tree frogs are most commonly found in brushy areas, often near
peat bogs or shallow ponds. They usually inhabit areas carpeted with
thick moss. Adults are terrestrial, but tend to reside near water
sources. Unlike most frogs, Pine barrens tree frog are tolerant of low
pH levels, and often lay eggs in shallow, acidic ponds. Members of the
species are currently distributed in three distinct populations: New
Jersey Pine Barrens, the Sandhills of North and South Carolina, and the
Florida Panhandle area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/gopher%20frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/gopher%20frog.jpg" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="301" height="312" width="400" /></a></strong></div>
<br />
<strong>Gopher
Frog</strong> (Rana capito)- These nocturnal frogs are noted for their
short, stubby appearance. Their backs are marked heavily with dark
spots, sometimes causing a clouded pattern. Their dorsolateral ridges
are very distinctive. This frog will reach a length of 4.33 in. The
gopher frog usually spends daylight hours in burrows, holes, or tunnels
that are created by other animals. The Gopher frog primarily inhabits
the threatened sandhill communities, flat woods, and scrub in the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Coastline.htm">Atlantic coast</a>al plain, where it
is usually found near ponds. The gopher frog breeds on spring nights in
very wet conditions. They seem to be rare, but their secretive nature
makes it difficult to determine their true population status.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/BogFrog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/BogFrog.jpg" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="205" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
Bog Frogs have rough dark green to
brown backs, black mottled undersides, yellow throats, and may have
light spots on the lower jaw. A light brown line runs along the lateral
fold and does not reach the groin area. This frog is less than 2 inches
long. This frog is uncommon in Florida and is found only in a few acidic
streams in Walton, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties in the panhandle.
The Florida bog frog will call from spring to summer with a call which
sounds like a chuckle -- a series of low-pitched single clucking calls,
noticeably slower at the end of the call.<br />
<br />
Learn more at <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/">www.Floridiannature.com </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-76064277081240083862018-07-26T14:09:00.003-07:002018-07-26T14:09:38.066-07:00Florida OwlsOwls are a common bird in Floridian nature. They come in a variety of sizes and help keep area rodents in check. Five species of owls call Florida home and include the <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/owls.htm" target="_blank">screech owl, barn owl, barred owl, horned owl and burrowing owl.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/barn%20owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/barn%20owl.jpg" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="303" /></a></div>
The barn owl (<i>Tyto alba</i>) is found throughout the state
of Florida and inhabits hardwood and tropical hammocks, urban areas with
abundant <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees(8).htm">palms</a> and large hardwoods, and manmade structures such as
silos, barns, and deserted buildings. Barn owls forage voraciously for
rodents in open areas such as prairies, pastures, fields, and sparsely
wooded areas. Barn owls in Florida breed from March through July and
nest in secluded places like caves, barns, tree cavities, and large bird
houses. They build no actual nest and lay from 3-11 (most commonly 5-7)
white or buff-white eggs. Many people attract barn owls by erecting nest
boxes in an effort to control local rodent populations<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/BarredOwl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/BarredOwl.jpg" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="400" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
The Barred Owl is a medium-sized gray-brown Owl streaked
with white horizontal barring on the chest and vertical barring on the
belly. They are round-headed with a whitish/brown facial disk with dark
brown trim. The eyes are brown, and the beak is yellow and almost
covered by feathers. They have a long tail. There is no difference in
plumage between males and the larger females. A very opportunistic
hunter, a Barred Owl can sometimes be seen hunting before dark. This
typically occurs during the nesting season or on dark and cloudy days. A
Barred Owl will use a perch, from where it dives upon its prey - meadow
voles are its main prey, followed by shrews and deer mice. Other mammals
include <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/rats.htm">rats</a>, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/squirrels.htm">squirrels</a>, young
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/rabbitsinFlorida.htm">rabbits</a>, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/bats.htm">bats</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/rodents(2).htm">moles</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/VirginiaOpossum.htm">opossums</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/evergladesmink.htm">mink</a>, and
weasels. Birds are taken occasionally, including woodpeckers, grouse,
quail, jays, blackbirds, and pigeons. They also eats small fish,
turtles, frogs, snakes, lizards, crayfish, scorpions, beetles, crickets,
and grasshoppers. Birds are taken as they settle into nocturnal roosts,
because they cannot catch birds on the wing. They will also swoop down
to the water's edge to catch <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Frogs.htm">frogs</a>, other amphibians, and occasionally
fish. Barred Owls are attracted to campfires and lights where they
forage for large insects. Prey is usually devoured on the spot.<br />
<br />
For more information on Florida owls be sure to visit <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/owls.htm">FloridianNature.com</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-91531353680350900582018-07-18T10:58:00.004-07:002018-07-18T10:58:48.000-07:00Florida turtles<strong> </strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/gopher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/gopher.jpg" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="280" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
The loveable, slow-moving <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/landturtles.htm" target="_blank">Gopher Tortoise</a> is famous
for digging underground burrows 10 to 35 feet long with "bedrooms" at
the ends. The burrows are found in sandy well drained areas through out
Florida. In good weather, the tortoise emerges from its burrow to browse
on low-growing vegetation, including leaves, grass and wild fruits. Over
seventy other kinds of animals have been found using the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredreptiles(4).htm">
state protected</a> Gopher Tortoise burrows in various ways. These
include burrowing owls, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Raccoons.htm">raccoons</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/VirginiaOpossum.htm">opossums</a>, gopher frogs, spiders,
insects, cotton rats, indigo snakes, and
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/EasternDiamondbackRattlesnake.htm">rattlesnakes</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida_Box_Turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida_Box_Turtle.jpg" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="294" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/landturtles.htm" target="_blank">Florida Box Turtle</a> is an attractive turtle that
has been used a a children's pet. It spends most of its time wandering
through woods, fields, and gardens, but it will occasionally soak itself
in water. A small to medium sized turtle, the Florida Box Turtle is one
of the well known subspecies of eastern box turtle. In both appearance
and color it is unlike its northern cousin the Eastern Box Turtle. It
can be quickly identified by the almost black background to its
elongated shell with the back of the shell flaring out. Box turtles have
a highly domed carapace (upper shell) and a hinged plastron (bottom
shell) that can be completely shut to keep out predators. These
characteristics contribute to this turtle's descriptive name, 'box
turtle'. The Florida Box Turtle feeds on different types of
invertebrates, insects and plant matter. This species of box turtle
seems to be very carnivorous even as adults. Males are slightly larger
on average than females, the posterior lobe of their plastron is
concave, and the claws on their hind legs are short, thick, and curved.
Males also have thicker and longer tails. Females' rear claws are
longer, straighter, and more slender, and the posterior lobe of their
plastron is flat or slightly convex. Males have red irises and females
have yellowish-brown irises.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-10106327222597170852018-07-12T09:18:00.001-07:002018-07-12T09:18:11.765-07:00Florida Coastline<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/intracoastal-waterway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/intracoastal-waterway2.jpg" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="443" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="style11"><a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/">Florida </a>has a longer coastline facing the Gulf of Mexico than the
Atlantic Ocean. With 580 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and 770 miles
along the Gulf of Mexico the state of Florida has a total of 1,350 miles
of coastline! Florida is a water wonderland with it's pristine rivers
and lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean coastline, and it's
mixtures of brackish backwaters. As you may know, Florida has some of
the best beaches in the world. No matter where you are in Florida, there
is a beach just a short drive away.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Captiva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Captiva.jpg" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="375" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
The waters from Fort Myers through Pine Island Sound and Charlotte
Harbor have to be one of the most diverse boating and fishing locations
anywhere in the world. Pine Island Sound is bounded on the west by <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/SanibelIsland.htm">
Sanibel</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/CaptivaIsland.htm">Captiva</a> and North Captiva Islands.
Hundreds of islands dot the Sound; redfish, snook, pompano and speckled
trout delight the patient angler. To the east, Pine Island's <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/MangrovesCoastalEcosystem.htm">
mangrove</a> shorelines, tidal creeks and oyster bars still resist the
crush of development. Explore Matlacha, Pineland and Bokeelia for a
taste of the real Florida, where <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/calusa.htm">Calusa Indians</a>
farmed and fished 1,000 years ago.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-44661671031852935012018-07-02T13:08:00.002-07:002018-07-02T13:08:26.307-07:00Florida Nature: Canaveral National Seashore <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/cana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/cana.jpg" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="300" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Canaveral%20National%20Seashore.htm">The Canaveral National Seashore and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge</a> are
located midway on Florida’s east coast between Daytona Beach and
Melbourne. The history of Merritt Island extends from prehistoric times
to the space age! Inhabited by Indians since about 7000 B.C., the island
in recent years has rocketed to the site of Cape Canaveral, with which
the refuge and seashore share a border. The National Park Service
protects ten National Seashores in the United States. Canaveral National
Seashore is a step into the past, protection for the present, and a
doorway into the future. The 100
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeAmericans%20(5).htm">Timucuan</a> Mounds that are
within it's boundaries are evidence of past generations of people that
lived here. Canaveral National Seashore covers 57,000 acres and the 24
mile stretch of undeveloped beach is the longest stretch on Florida's
east coast. Fourteen endangered species make their home within
Canaveral's boundaries. Kennedy Space Center owns the land that is
managed by the National Park Service and Merritt Island National
Wildlife Refuge. Joint efforts of three agencies protect it from
development and preserve the history, the wildlife and the diverse
habitats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/canaveral-national-seashore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/canaveral-national-seashore.jpg" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" height="265" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The
Wildlife refuge can be explored by car along two nature drives or by
foot via two short hiking trails. Either way the range of wildlife is
stunning. Many of the 250 bird species that have been observed here make
their nests on the refuge, including
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/wadingbirds.htm">great blue herons</a>, snowy egrets,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/vultures.htm">turkey vultures</a>, pi-billed grebes and the
rare black skimmers. <br />
<br />
The refuge is also home to nineteen endangered species, most notably the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/eagleandospreyraptors.htm">southern bald eagle</a> and the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredbirds(2).htm">
brown pelican</a>. Porpoises,<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/westindianmanatee.htm"> manatees</a>,
and
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/whales.htm">whales</a> are occasionally glimpsed
offshore. Canaveral National Seashore serves as an important nesting
area for <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/seaturtles.htm">sea turtles</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-70987425417845960692018-06-26T11:49:00.002-07:002018-06-26T11:49:37.024-07:00Florida Osprey<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/osprey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/osprey2.jpg" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="307" height="400" width="389" /></a></div>
Ospreys, also known as “fish hawks,” are expert
anglers that like to hover above the water, locate their prey and then
swoop down for the capture with talons extended. The undersides of the
toes on each foot are covered with short spines, which help them grasp
slippery fish. In Florida, ospreys commonly capture saltwater catfish,
mullet, spotted trout, shad, crappie and sunfish from coastal habitats
and freshwater lakes and rivers for their diet.<br />
Read more at <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/eagleandospreyraptors.htm"> http://www.floridiannature.com/eagleandospreyraptors.htm</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-87609905038615103192018-06-20T11:54:00.002-07:002018-06-20T11:54:51.690-07:00Blackwater River State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/BWR-Riverview03-park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/BWR-Riverview03-park.jpg" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="550" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Blackwater River State Park is considered one of the purest sand-bottom <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Rivers.htm">
rivers</a> in the world, the Blackwater River is in its natural state
for almost its entire length. Beginning 45 miles upstream in Alabama, it
continues downstream for 13 miles before emptying into Blackwater Bay.
The river's sand bottom, dark tannin waters and contrasting large, white
sandbars have drawn worldwide attention and provide the perfect setting
for this 590- acre park. The river attracts paddlers from far and wide
and has been designated a Florida canoe trail. The last two miles of the
trail are located within the park. Besides being a favorite destination
for canoeists and kayakers, Blackwater River offers opportunities for a
variety of outdoor recreation. The river is one of the purest
sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for
swimming, fishing, camping, and paddling. Shaded campsites are just a
short walk from the river, and visitors can enjoy a picnic at a pavilion
overlooking the river.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/BWR-Riverview02-park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/BWR-Riverview02-park.jpg" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="448" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
Upland
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/PineFlatwoodsandDry%20PrairiesEcosystem.htm">pine forests</a>
dotted with
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees.htm">
persimmon</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees(7).htm">turkey oak</a>, sweetgum, flowering
dogwood and other shrubs are found in the park. Open canopy forests
combine different types of pine and dense groundcover such as
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees(5).htm">
gallberry</a>, s<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees(8).htm">aw palmetto</a>,
wiregrass, wild blueberry and wax myrtle. Along the river and large
streams in the floodplain area, the forest is dominated by various
species of oaks and hickory, red maple, sycamore, magnolia, holly,
tupelo and azaleas. The water level in the floodplain and swamp lakes
fluctuates and may even become completely dry. Plants vary according to
the water supply. Look for water fern, water lily, coontail,
bladderwort, spatterdock and other emergent plants.
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/deerinFlorida.htm">White-tailed deer</a>, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/bobcats.htm">
bobcats</a> and
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/gamebirds.htm">turkeys</a> are quite common.
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/NorthernRiverOtters.htm">
River otter</a> may be seen occasionally and the graceful Mississippi
kite is often observed soaring overhead in the summer. <br />
<br />
The park has such amenities as birding, boating, canoeing, fishing,
hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, swimming, tubing, wildlife viewing
and full camping facilities. The main picnicking area has covered
picnicking pavilions, restrooms, and a spacious parking lot. Bring your
tubes and enjoy a leisurely float down the river to the Deaton Bridge.
It is a short 1 mile hike back to the parking lot to retrieve your
vehicle. Very kid friendly park with a variety of areas for swimming.<br />
<br />
Blackwater River State Park was established in 1967. The park opened to
the public on November 22, 1968 and consisted of 360 acres. On July 17,
1981, the park acquired 230 acres from the Division of Forestry. Today,
the park contains 590 acres of upland pine forests, swamps, and scrubby
ridges and is surrounded by the Blackwater River State Forest. Atlantic
white cedars line the river and the 1982 Florida Champion, recognized as
the largest of its species, is found within the park. The park was also
certified as an official Registered State Natural Feature in 1980 for
possessing “exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of
Florida”.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-16224189558257227352018-05-28T12:30:00.003-07:002018-05-28T12:30:57.395-07:00Florida Nature: Natural Bridge Battlefield<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncrCj7Er73bUC52M790hPi9HcyxJnh7lwQlFUXMwWIdWLi4asTI_Ah-vzmfeLZTEkO8TSv3U5rWbZFhRqo10dhgbuPF4bnbOBxhclfTj6IQNgTuqttHWtWwv0ZDRKUmk7I1wc4IpiIaow/s1600/naturalbridgefla2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="336" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncrCj7Er73bUC52M790hPi9HcyxJnh7lwQlFUXMwWIdWLi4asTI_Ah-vzmfeLZTEkO8TSv3U5rWbZFhRqo10dhgbuPF4bnbOBxhclfTj6IQNgTuqttHWtWwv0ZDRKUmk7I1wc4IpiIaow/s400/naturalbridgefla2a.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In honor of Memorial Day, we want to remind people of a great historical battle ground in Florida. <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/NaturalBridgeBattlefieldFlorida.htm">Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site </a>is a Florida State Park in Leon
County, Florida. It is located roughly between the city of Tallahassee
and the town of St. Marks. During the American Civil War, the Battle of
Natural Bridge was fought here on March 6, 1865. The site is named for a
natural bridge over the St. Marks River.<br />
<br />
Natural Bridge is the site of the second largest Civil War battle in
Florida and where the St. Marks River drops into a sinkhole and flows
underground for one-quarter of a mile before reemerging. <br />
<br />
This site illustrates the crucial role the lay of the land can play in
military strategy. In early March of 1865, Union General John Newton and
naval Commander William Gibson mounted a two pronged advance toward
Tallahassee. Newton landed his troops and headed north, but Gibson's
gunboats ran aground in the St. Marks river. When word reached
Tallahassee, the limited Confederate forces were quickly reinforced with
volunteers. Some volunteers were recuperating veterans, while others
were men as old as seventy and boys as young as fourteen.<br />
<br />
When General Newton encountered stiff resistance at Newport Bridge, he
opted for a surprise attack across a nearby natural bridge. This move
had been anticipated by Confederate General William Miller, who
entrenched his forces there. The Confederate repelled three Union
attacks in twelve hours. Union losses totaled 21 killed, 89 wounded, and
38 captured. Confederate losses totaled 3 killed and 22 wounded.<br />
<br />
Deciding the battle was lost, Newton retreated. Southern pride still
warms to this victory for it left Tallahassee the only confederate
capital east of the Mississippi never to be occupied by Union armies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-65687113653448811052016-08-15T12:40:00.000-07:002016-08-15T12:41:11.500-07:00Nature Spot of the Week: Fanning Springs<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/fanning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/fanning.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></div>
This week's pick is in honor of my son Sean who just started working as a writer for the Chiefland Citizen. <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FanningSpringsFlorida.htm">Fanning Springs</a> is a Florida city in Gilchrist and Levy counties. The
population was 737 at the 2000 census, with an estimated 2004 population
of 800. Fanning Springs Florida is famous for the springs and the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Rivers.htm">Suwannee River</a>. Located on the
central, west coast of Florida on the Suwannee River. Fanning Springs
is breath taking at first sight. It has a large basin with very clear
water and excellent scenery all around. Depths vary from 2 to 21 feet
depending on the river height. Water discharges from visible sand boils
and small cracks in the rocks that surround the bottom. <br />
<br />
Fanning Springs consists of two springs or pools, each with a run
discharging to the Suwannee River. Fanning is about 200 ft wide and 350
ft long. Its vent, near the southeast wall, is about 30 feet in
diameter. Pool depth is greatest near the vent, 18 ft or more, depending
on river stage. The vent area is nearly funnel shaped, with a sandy
bottom and limestone sides. The spring run, about 100 ft wide, 8 ft
deep, and 100 ft long, flows westward. Little Fanning Spring has a
nearly horizontal opening into a limestone hillside. It flows nearly
southwest and the water is slightly turbulent for about 10 ft beyond the
vent. The run widens from about 10 to 30 feet, and in a short distance
turns west and joins the Suwannee River about 1,000 feet downstream.
Fanning Springs is used primarily as a recreational area. Diving is
allowed with a small additional fee, although it is primarily used for
certification dives for local shops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/fanning%20springs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/fanning%20springs.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
Fanning Springs Florida is also home to the 1836 site of Fort Fanning,
located on a high Suwannee River bluff. Fort Fanning was built in 1838
during the Second Seminole War. The Fort was originally called
"Palmetto", but was renamed in honor of Colonel Alexander Campbell
Wilder Fannin. Made of wood, and situated in a warm humid climate,
remnants of the actual fort have long since disappeared. Colonel Fannin
served under General Andrew Jackson in the First Seminole War. As a
lieutenant at the beginning of the Second Seminole War he was noted for
outstanding service when he lead a charge in a battle near the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Rivers.htm">Withlacoochee River</a>. His objective,
during the Second Seminole War, was to capture Seminoles for deportation
to the West. <br />
<br />
Many visitors enjoy the picnic area, playground, volleyball court or use
the park's large open areas for ball games, throwing Frisbees, and also
for events. There is a canoe/kayak launch available, a nature trail and
a boardwalk that overlooks the river. In the summer the gazebo at the
end of the boardwalk is a fine place to watch sturgeon jumping.
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredmammals.htm">Manatees</a> are often seen in
the springs during the winter months and occasionally in the summer.
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/deerinFlorida.htm">White-tailed deer</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/squirrels.htm">gray squirrels</a>, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/hawks.htm">
red-shouldered hawks</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/woodpeckers.htm">pileated woodpeckers</a>, and <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/owls.htm">
barred owls</a> are some of the other animals seen in the park. The
Fanning Springs River walk, as well as the Nature Coast Greenway Trail
are great walking trails and the perfect spot to enjoy some Floridian
nature.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-31313311204045442662016-05-23T11:22:00.000-07:002016-05-23T11:22:05.763-07:00Florida butterflies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/black%20swallowtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/black%20swallowtail.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
With the warm climate, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/butterflies.htm">butterflies</a> are often in flight year round in <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/">Floridian Nature</a>. From the Giant Swallowtail to the Little Metalmark, the state
has a wealth of flittering, fluttering, flappers, and gliders
brightening the landscape. There are more than 17,000s different
species, or types, of butterflies. They come in many colors and live in
very different types of climates. In Florida over 180 different
butterflies have been recorded. Within that mix, some 40 are considered
either unique to the state or occur mostly within its boundaries,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Firebush_with_zebra_butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Firebush_with_zebra_butterfly.jpg" height="299" width="400" /></a></div>
Who doesn't want to<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/butterflies%283%29.htm"> see beautiful butterflies</a> visiting their Florida
garden?
Planning a butterfly garden in your yard helps attract a wide variety of
butterflies found in Florida nature. Creating a butterfly garden means
choosing plants that are high in nectar and plants in colors of red and
purple that butterflies find irresistible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/polydamus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/polydamus.jpg" height="400" width="357" /></a></div>
The Polydamus Swallowtail lacks the characteristic hindwings tails
common to most other North American members of the swallowtail family.
This trait combined with it's broad, yellow wing span of 4.0- 5.0
inches, makes this butterfly easy to identify. The Polydamus Swallowtail
is a fast and powerful flier with a preference to open areas. Primarily
a tropical butterfly, it is rarely found north of the Florida border.
This is a common butterfly of suburban and urban gardens. Adult
polydamus are good colonizers and readily disperse long distances in
search of suitable hosts.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-49231240321165479432016-04-25T07:12:00.004-07:002016-04-25T07:12:21.134-07:00Florida Nature Spot of the Week: Rainbow Springs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/RBS-Kayaker-park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/RBS-Kayaker-park.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Rainbow%20River.htm"> Rainbow River </a>is located in the southwest corner of Marion County
Florida. It is formed by a first magnitude spring that is ranked fourth
in the state for volume of discharge. In addition to the springs located
at the headwaters, there are many smaller springs that discharge from
numerous caves, rock crevices, and sand boils the entire length of the
river. The Rainbow River is a gently winding river that is 5.7 miles
long and merges with the <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Rivers.htm">Withlacoochee
River</a> at Dunnellon Florida. The headwaters is the anchor for the
Rainbow Springs State Park. This first magnitude spring is not one large
vent but is numerous vents that issue 400 - 600 million gallons of
crystalline water every day. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/RainbowRiver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/RainbowRiver.jpg" height="255" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Rainbow Springs State Park is comprised of 1,459.07 upland acres (which
includes around 100 acres of wetlands) and 12.83 submerged acres. The
most significant natural feature is the first magnitude headspring basin
which produces between 400 - 600 million gallons of fresh water per day,
forming the Rainbow River. The looking glass waters of Rainbow Springs
come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring. The river itself
supports a wide variety of fish , wildlife, and plants, many within easy
viewing by visitors. In total, the park contains 11 distinct natural
communities, including sandhills,<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/PineFlatwoodsandDry%20PrairiesEcosystem.htm">
flatwoods</a>, upland mixed forests, and <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/TemperateHardwoodForestsEcosystem.htm">
hydric hammocks</a>. Visitors are able to see a variety of wildflowers
in season; <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%287%29.htm">oak</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%289%29.htm">longleaf pines</a>, magnolia,
dogwood, redbud, and hickory trees;
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/squirrels.htm">gray squirrels</a>, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/hawks.htm">
red-shoulder hawks</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/raptors.htm">swallowtail kites</a>, <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/owls.htm">barred
owls</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/deerinFlorida.htm">whitetail deer</a>, and a wide variety of <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/wadingbirds.htm">
wading birds</a>. The relative peace and quiet of the winter season
offers much for the nature enthusiast. There is an interpretive room
located in the visitor center displaying historical, natural, and
cultural resources of the park. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-53791358767534409462016-04-11T11:44:00.004-07:002016-04-11T11:44:34.630-07:00Floridian Nature spot of the week: The Everglades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Everglades_National_Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Everglades_National_Park.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/EvergladesNationalPark.htm">Everglades National Park</a>, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States,
boasts rare and endangered species. The largest body of water within the
park is Florida Bay, which extends from the mangrove swamps of the
mainland's southern tip to the Florida Keys. Over 800 square miles of
marine ecosystem lies in this range. Coral, sponges, and seagrasses
serve as shelter and food for crustaceans and mollusks, which in turn
are the primary food source for larger marine animals.
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/sharks.htm">Sharks</a>, stingrays, and barracudas also live in
this ecosystem, as do larger species of fish that attract sport fishing.
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/waterbirds.htm">Pelicans</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/shorebirds.htm">shorebirds</a>, terns, and
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredbirds%282%29.htm">
black skimmers</a> are among the birds frequenting park
shorelines. Everglades National Park contains the southern 25 percent of
the original
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Geography.htm">
Everglades</a> marshland region of southwestern Florida. The park
visited by one million people each year and has been declared an
International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of
International Importance, only one of three locations in the world to
appear on all three lists. The Everglades is a slow-moving system of
rivers, flowing southwest at about .25 miles per day, fed by the
Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/everglades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/everglades.jpg" height="321" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unlike most other U.S. national parks, Everglades National Park was
created to protect a fragile ecosystem instead of safeguarding a
geographic feature. Floridians hoping to preserve at least part of the
Everglades first proposed that the area become a national park in 1923.
Five years later, the Florida state legislature established the Tropical
Everglades National Park Commission to study the formation of a
protected area. Thirty-six species designated as threatened or protected
live in the park, including the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredmammals%20%282%29.htm">
Florida panther</a>, the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredreptiles%282%29.htm">
American crocodile</a>, and the
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredmammals.htm">
West Indian manatee</a>. Protecting the largest U.S. wilderness area
east of the Mississippi River, the park is the most significant breeding
ground for tropical wading birds in North America, and contains the
largest
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/MangrovesCoastalEcosystem.htm">mangrove ecosystem</a> in the
western hemisphere. More than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh
and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles
live within Everglades National Park. All of southern Florida's fresh
water is recharged by the park, including that of the Biscayne Aquifer. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-38823961117483920972016-04-04T16:04:00.002-07:002016-04-04T16:04:40.694-07:00Florida Nature Spot of the Week: Anclote Key Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/ANK-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/ANK-.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="style19">Spring is in the air and it is the perfect time to explore <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/">Floridian Nature</a>! The
island of <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/AncloteKeyFlorida.htm">Anclote Key</a> houses both the Anclote Key State Preserve and the
Anclote National Wildlife Refuge. Accessible only by private boat, this
island park has a lighthouse and wildlife area that is a sanctuary for
rare and endangered species. Blue-green Gulf waters lap gently along the
preserve´s beautiful four-mile-long beach. About 1,000 years ago this
island was pushed up from the Gulf floor to rest on a limestone
platform. Its geologic growth hasn’t stopped. Recent research has
documented a 30 percent increase in the size of Anclote since 1957.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/anclote%20key.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/anclote%20key.JPG" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="style19">Much
of the 180 acres encompassed by Anclote Key is very damp and
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FreshwaterMarshesEcosystem.htm">marshy</a>, which makes it hard
to travel around unless you walk along the sand beaches. The color of
the water resembles that of the Florida Keys because it is a
turquoise-color. The island's
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Intracoastal%20Waterway.htm">intercoastal</a> side,
or eastern side, has no beach. Instead, it has
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/MangrovesCoastalEcosystem.htm">mangroves</a> and mushy mud,
almost like quicksand. The western side, or
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Coastline.htm">Gulf of Mexico</a> side, however, is
sandy from the waves. There are more of the taller trees on this side,
like <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%288%29.htm">palms </a>and
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%289%29.htm">pines</a> rather than shrubs and
mangroves. From the top of the lighthouse, you can actually see the
distinct line in which the island is split between short shrubs and tall
trees. One of the wonderful things about this quiet, peaceful paradise
is that you can literally pull up to an un-inhabited part of the island,
set up your chairs, and enjoy your own personal part of the beach.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-13283718765861994942016-03-15T07:05:00.004-07:002016-03-15T07:05:44.907-07:00Red Rat Snakes (Corn Snakes)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/red%20rat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/red%20rat.jpg" height="387" width="640" /></a></div>
Snakes are a big part of <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/">Floridian nature </a>and while some of them are deadly most are not. <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/NonVenomousSnakes%284%29.htm">The Red Rat Snake</a>, often called the corn snake in
Florida, live near pinelands, hardwood hammocks, swamps, agricultural
fields, and residential areas. Corn snakes are one of the most colorful
snakes in Florida. Adult Red rat Snakes are orangish-brown with black
bordered orange, red, or brownish blotches. The belly usually is a black
and white checkerboard pattern, though orange may also be present. The
underside of the tail has 2 black stripes. Adult red rat snakes reach a
length of 18-44 inches. Red rat Snakes are found throughout peninsular
Florida. The species ranges west to Louisiana to north to southern New
Jersey. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSFhEzoyrEj0F7TUt3NMrtLxamdOTJPvuxIBCzDNAXeNAX6obj1dyWPnKP8WIs7lfOxk6Nj4eYFrP6n4Rvrx56o3X4YT13zRiYgrv-YxEOlQHkZjUep6j09erhBVCLqsYciOZPwihapMq/s1600/snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSFhEzoyrEj0F7TUt3NMrtLxamdOTJPvuxIBCzDNAXeNAX6obj1dyWPnKP8WIs7lfOxk6Nj4eYFrP6n4Rvrx56o3X4YT13zRiYgrv-YxEOlQHkZjUep6j09erhBVCLqsYciOZPwihapMq/s640/snake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our daughter-in-law has a pet rat snakes and we built her a custom snake home for Christmas. it was a big hit and you can see that Ginger really enjoys her new home with plenty of room to stretch out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChDeQGtHAMbQR68JzcKOEcvz8Lps-oe1cz0liGr_qUdyoShQ90Wxmrsx28A5e-o8XFqBTpszV6gOb2waVffkiibSMIOr-8JVwg-s_HokSxeUnGybro4SdZ-0NR-J1x56MNWpmk3qOAg95/s1600/snake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChDeQGtHAMbQR68JzcKOEcvz8Lps-oe1cz0liGr_qUdyoShQ90Wxmrsx28A5e-o8XFqBTpszV6gOb2waVffkiibSMIOr-8JVwg-s_HokSxeUnGybro4SdZ-0NR-J1x56MNWpmk3qOAg95/s640/snake2.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-63870734098140197132016-02-22T13:36:00.005-08:002016-02-22T13:36:55.593-08:00Shorebirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/BlackSkimmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/BlackSkimmer.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/shorebirds.htm">Shorebirds</a> are a common sight in <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/shorebirds.htm">Floridian nature</a>. Black skimmers “skim” the surface of the water with
black-tipped bright red bills. The lower half of the bill is longer than
the upper, allowing it to cut through the water and dip down to grab
small fish encountered near the surface. Adult plumage is black above,
white below and this striking combination, coupled with the brightly
colored bill, makes it easy to spot the birds as they hunt over the
water or loaf on the beach with other seabirds and shorebirds. Black
skimmers, and least, royal and sandwich terns nest in colonies in the
open sand on beaches, sandbars, and dredge material islands. Their nests
are built on the ground and often consist of simple scrapes in the sand.
(Due to habitat loss, a very small percentage of black skimmers also
nest on gravel roofs!) Black skimmers rely on camouflage or group
mobbing to protect their nests. Breeding colonies of black skimmers can
be found along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Watch for them in the
early evening when they actively feed, and scan flocks of loafing birds
for this uncommon coastal resident.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Black-necked-Stilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Black-necked-Stilt.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
With its black and white plumage, long, thin red legs,
and long neck, the Black-necked Stilt is both striking and delicate in
appearance. It is a medium-sized shorebird with a black needle-like
bill, black or dark brown upperparts, and a white breast. The iris is
red, and there is a white spot above the eye. Breeding males have glossy
black wings, back, and back of neck, and a pink tinge on the breast.
Non-breeding males lack the glossiness and pink tinge. Adult females
have a brown tinge to the back. Juveniles have brown upperparts with
buff feather margins, and a white trailing edge to the wing in flight.
Five species of rather similar-looking stilts are recognized in the
genus Himantopus. They have the second-longest legs in proportion to
their bodies of any bird, exceeded only by flamingos. This bird's
habitat includes salt ponds, rice fields, shallow lagoons, and mangrove
swamps. Black-necked Stilts most often consume aquatic invertebrates.
They also sometimes eat tadpoles, tiny fish, and seeds of aquatic
plants. Pairs form on wintering grounds, during migration, or on
breeding grounds; pairs remain monogamous throughout the breeding
season. Both sexes choose the nest site, which is often on a small
island in the marsh. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-72935153137839933342016-02-08T12:10:00.004-08:002016-02-08T12:10:55.713-08:00Florida Marine Mammals: Seals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/common%20seal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/common%20seal.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/seals.htm">Seals </a>live in the oceans of both hemispheres and are mostly confined to
polar, sub-polar, and temperate climates, with the exception of the more
tropical monk seals. True seals inhabit all oceans, except the Indian
Ocean. Some species live in inland lakes in Siberia, Russia, and
Finland. Seals forage, search for food, at sea, but haul out (get out of
the water) to land to breed, molt, or shed fur, and rest. Seals eat
mostly fish, but also feed on krill, squid, octopuses, and other seals.
True seals congregate on land or ice to breed and molt. The males and
females of some species migrate, travel, separately from breeding to
foraging areas, some traveling as far south as Florida. Others species
do not migrate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/hood%20seal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/hood%20seal.jpg" height="234" width="400" /></a></div>
Adult hooded seals have black heads and silver-gray coats
with dark blotches of varying sizes and shapes across their bodies. Pups
are called "blue-backs" for their coat of blue-gray on their backs and
whitish bellies; this coat is shed after 14 months of age when they
molt. Adult males measure around 8 feet long and weigh about 660
pounds. Adult females are noticeably smaller, measuring around 7 feet
in length and weighing about 440 pounds. The hooded seal is unique for
the elastic bi-lobed nasal cavity, or "hood", that adult males can
inflate and extend from the front of their face to the top of their
head. Sexually mature males also have an elastic nasal septum, which,
when inflated, resembles a pinkish red balloon, to attract females'
attention during mating season and to display hostility towards other
males. Hooded seals usually dive for food to depths of about 325-1,950
feet for 15 minutes at a time. Adult hooded seals feed on squid,
starfish, mussels, and fish such as Greenland halibut, redfish, cod,
capelin, and herring. Hooded seals live on drifting pack ice and in deep
waters. Some drift far away from their northern habitat towards much
warmer regions every year, but they survive best in colder climates, as
heat and constant sun exposure is harmful to them. Hooded seals are
migratory and can wander long distances; they have occasionally been
found as far south as Florida, California, and the Caribbean.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-76548555653467529882016-01-25T12:08:00.003-08:002016-01-25T12:08:40.247-08:00Florida's Dune & Maritime Ecosystem<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/maritime%20forests.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/maritime%20forests.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
Dunes
and Maritime Forests are part of the Coastal Ecosystem of <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/DunesandMaritimeForestsEcosystem.htm">Floridian nature</a>. Florida's coastal
ecosystems are one of the greatest assets that Florida has. With more
coastline than any other state in the contiguous United States, they are
a source of economic, environmental and recreational benefit.
People come from all over the world to visit the beautiful Florida
beaches. In addition to people
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaEndangeredreptiles%285%29.htm">
sea turtles</a> also come from all over the world to lay their eggs on
Florida's Atlantic coast, one of only a handful of places in the world
that they come. Landward of the fore-dune is the maritime forest. Technically part of the dune
system, this coastal zone habitat has permanent vegetation with tree and
understory layers. <strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
Maritime
forests dominated by broadleaved evergreen trees and shrubs occur in a
discontinuous narrow band along the barrier islands and on the adjacent
mainland from North Carolina to Florida. The flora and fauna of maritime
forests typically consist of a distinctive subset of the regional biota
that is particularly well adapted to survive the elevated salt content,
limited availability of fresh water, soil erosion and dune migration,
periodic seawater inundation, and wind damage associated with oceanic
storms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Dunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/Dunes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The beach and dune habitat includes the unvegetated beach, and the dune
zone up
to the point where the stable vegetation of the maritime forests begin.
Landward of the non-vegetated beach zone, is the foredune area. The
species
inhabiting this zone vary depending on location. Sea oats are found in
this zone
throughout the state and there will be several other, low growing
species in
association with this species. <br />
<br />
Generally, the vegetation is sparse closest to the active beach and transitions
to an association of grasses and shrubs. The species composition varies
depending on location. Along the northeast beach
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%287%29.htm">wax myrtle</a>, silverling,
southern red cedar, and
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%288%29.htm">cabbage palm</a> are dominant. The southeast coast has
purple muhly grass,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%2810%29.htm">sea grape</a>,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%288%29.htm">saw palmetto</a>, Spanish bayonet, and agave. nickerbean, bay cedar, catsclaw, buckthorn, lantana, joewood, and several
species of grasses dominate the southwest coastline while woody goldenrod,
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/FloridaNativeTrees%289%29.htm">rosemary</a> and Gulf Bluestem make up the dune transition zone in the Panhandle.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-28021276939592814082016-01-12T08:20:00.002-08:002016-01-12T08:20:49.945-08:00Florida bobcats<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/bobcat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/bobcat2.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
Bobcats are a common cat in Floridian nature and are sometimes even confused for a panther siting. The easiest way to tell the two cats apart
is the famous "bobbed tail "of the bobcat. I encountered a very
large bobcat while walking through the woods on a nature walk. I had
stopped to enjoy the view, looking down on an old limestone pit and when
I got up and turned the next corner a bobcat was standing in the path.
The cat looked as surprised to see me as I was to see her. She was a
large cat, coming up to my waist in height, but there was no mistaking
the bobbed tail which was about half the length of a normal one. She was
gracious enough to go behind a bush and allow me to pass by without an
incident to either of us. Due to its abundance in Florida, the bobcat is
not listed as endangered nor threatened. However, it is classified as a
fur-bearing game animal by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish
Commission and can only be hunted during certain months of the year. In
recent surveys, Florida was the only state to show a decline in bobcat
numbers in recent years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.chronicleonline.com/sites/www.chronicleonline.com/files/imagecache/slide-final/0111_a3_bobcat_cubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.chronicleonline.com/sites/www.chronicleonline.com/files/imagecache/slide-final/0111_a3_bobcat_cubs.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
As we see in this photograph that was in the <a href="http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/playful-neighbors">Citrus County Chronicle</a>, the bobcat's environment and man's environment often overlap, According to FWC, bobcats den and rest in thick patches of saw palmetto
and dense shrub. Bobcats tend to weigh between 12 pounds and 28 pounds,
sport a short “bobbed” tail, and prey on small animals such as rabbits,
rodents, birds and occasionally deer. They help control populations of
other species that may be considered household or yard pests, including
rodents and rabbits. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-70276621448843658302016-01-06T12:47:00.000-08:002016-01-06T12:47:01.357-08:00Florida loons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/red_throated_loon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/red_throated_loon.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
Florida is home to two native loons; the common loon and the red throated loon. The red-throated loon is the smallest, slightest of the
divers. It is distinctive among loons not only in size, but also in
behavior, vocalizations, locomotion, and other aspects of life history.
The Red-throated Loon, unlike other loons, does not need to patter on
the water's surface on a long takeoff, but rather can take flight
directly from land if necessary. Most loons must paddle furiously across
the surface of the water before becoming airborne, but the small
Red-throated can practically spring directly into the air from land, a
useful ability on its tundra breeding grounds. Whereas only males of
other loon species vocalize, both male and female Red-throated Loons make calls, often together. The Red-throated Loon is
the only loon that regularly forages far from its breeding territory,
returning from distant lakes or the sea with fish for the young. Unlike
other loons, the Red-throated Loon does not carry its young on its back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/CommonLoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/CommonLoon.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
The common loon, with its exquisite breeding plumage and
yodel-like call, has come to symbolize wilderness and northern lakes to
many people. But once the breeding season ends in Alaska, Canada and the
northern U.S., loons head south to winter along the Atlantic and Gulf
coasts. Thousands of loons dot the bays and open oceans surrounding
Florida and are a very visible part of the winter coastal landscape.
While in Florida, both male and female winter loons have a white
underside and a gray-brown head, neck and back. In late spring along the
Gulf Coast and in north Florida lakes, a few birds acquire breeding
plumage just prior to their migration north.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-84783749426919753122015-12-05T07:37:00.001-08:002015-12-05T07:37:19.734-08:00Manatee Season is on its way!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/florida-manatees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/florida-manatees.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
The
Florida manatee is a native species found in all parts of the State.
Protections for Florida manatees were first enacted in 1893. Today,
they are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, Florida
Statutes and are federally protected by both the Marine Mammal
Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/manatee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/manatee.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
Manatees
are herbivores, which means they eat plants. Also known as a "sea cow,"
manatees usually spend up to eight hours a day grazing on seagrasses and
other aquatic plants. A manatee can consume up to 10 percent of its body
weight in aquatic vegetation daily. The manatee uses its muscular lips
to tear plants much like an elephant uses its trunk.<br />
<br />
Manatees are mammals. They must surface approximately every five minutes
to breathe, but can hold their breath for as long as twenty minutes when
resting. The manatee's nose is usually the only part of its body that
comes out of the water when it breathes. If they are using a lot of
energy, they may surface to breathe as often as every 30 seconds.
Manatees rest from 2 to 12 hours a day either suspended near the water's
surface or lying on the bottom, usually for several hours at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1396592823069162993.post-74626234855985807042015-11-16T13:15:00.000-08:002015-11-16T13:15:00.816-08:00Florida Nature Spot of the Week: Sebastian Inlet State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/SebastianInlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/SebastianInlet.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
The
history of the <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/SebastianInlet%20StatePark.htm">Sebastian Inlet </a>area goes back to the end of the last ice
age. The barrier islands formed from sandbars off the coast of the
mainland. As vegetation took hold on the sandbars, animals moved in,
followed by the first human inhabitants, the Paleo hunters. The
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/ais.htm">Ais Indians</a> were more recent inhabitants of the
barrier islands. They were a tribe of hunters and gatherers who lived
off the bounty of the land and sea. By 1760, all of the Ais Indians were
gone. Like the other natives of Florida, they succumbed to European
diseases and mistreatment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/seagrassshoals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.floridiannature.com/seagrassshoals.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Sebastian
Inlet State Park is a Florida State Park located 10 miles south of
Melbourne Beach and 6 miles north of Vero Beach, Florida. The park lies
on both sides of the Sebastian Inlet, which forms the boundary between
Brevard and Indian River counties. The land for the park was acquired by
the state of Florida in 1971. In 2006, it was the sixth most visited
state park in Florida. The park occupies 755 acres on the barrier island
on the <a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Coastline.htm">Atlantic coast</a> of Brevard
County, at a point where a channel links the Indian River
<a href="http://www.floridiannature.com/Florida%20Intracoastal%20Waterway.htm">Intracoastal waterway</a>
with the Atlantic. Part of the Park is south of the Inlet on Orchid
Island in Indian River County.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0