American Flamingo
American Flamingos were considered non-native to Florida until literature from the 1800s describing them was discovered. A growing body of evidence over the years suggests that at least some American flamingos in Florida have arrived on their own from outside of the state. They now are a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
American Goldfinch in Coreopsis
An American Goldfinch gathers seeds in a field of spent coreopsis blooms before preparing to fly south for the winter. They will lose the bright gold plumage before migration and become a tan color. By the time they return north, the males will again sport bright gold plumage.
Bald Eagle and Chick
A Bald Eagle feeds her chicks one last time before they leave the nest. The next day she called to them from a nearby tree as they tested their wings. a day later they left the nest for good.
Birds of a Feather
Snowy Egrets and White Ibis ply the waters of the Merrit Island Refuge in search of breakfast.
Black Crowned Night Heron
Despite the name, Black Crowned Night herons are often seen during the day. They are very adept predators, consuming fish, frogs, snakes, rodents and other birds.
Northern Gannet
Northern Gannets spend most of their lives at sea, but at many beaches on the Atlantic Coast there are at least a few close enough to be visible from shore. This one was blown off course during a hurricane and ended up in the Florida Keys. Weak and disoriented, he spent a week grounded before regaining his strength and heading back out to sea.
Red Shouldered Hawk on the Wing
A Red Shouldered Hawk in flight clearly shows the reddish color on the leading edges of the wings from which they derive their name. They are an important species in keeping rodent populations under control. They also eat snakes, lizards, frogs and insects.
Screech Owl Peeks from Hollow Tree
A Screech Owl peeks from it’s nest hole in a tree near Dunnellon, Florida. These small owls are quite at home among human neighbors and will often nest in owl boxes set out by humans. They eat small rodents, reptiles and insects.
This Water Tastes Awful!
A Roseate Spoonbill Bathes in Bennett’s Creek near Yankeetown, Florida. Spoonbills typically arrive in this area in late April and stay until the cold weather sets in in October. They over winter further south along the Florida Gulf coast.