Florida Wildlife

Oct. 12, 2016

Florida's Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes are one of our many Florida "neighbors".  You'll find them walking down the street of your neighborhood and in your backyard. These big birds can be 3 - 4 feet tall with a 5 - 7 foot wingspan.  You'll know them by their bright ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
Aug. 15, 2016

Red-Shouldered Hawks in Florida

Red-Shouldered Hawks

The red-shouldered hawks are permanent residents of Florida due to our canopies of tall trees and neighborhood ponds.  This pair looks a bit ruffled as I took the photo after one of our daily rain showers and they were drying out on a light post near my ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
July 16, 2016

Florida's Ducks

Black Bellied Whistling Ducks

The black bellied whistling ducks are one of the coolest ducks ever seen with their bright orange bills, long legs and feet.  They also sport a Mohawk that they can raise and lower depending on their mood.  Another notable feature is the white ring around their ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
June 5, 2016

Florida Water Birds

Gallinules and Moorhens

The Common Gallinule (also called a Moorhen) shown here is another bird commonly found on the Florida waters.  We see them in the pond in our backyard and in many surrounding areas where we kayak.  You will find them on the waters as well as "hiding ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
May 16, 2016

Florida's Water Birds - Wood Storks

The Wonderful Wood Stork!

The wood stork is one of those "animals" that are so ugly that they are cute! I was mesmerized by seeing photos of them years before I moved back to Florida.  I spent my 40th birthday in the Florida everglades looking for them and finally ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
April 24, 2016

Roseate Spoonbills in Florida

Florida's Pink Bird - the Roseate Spoonbill

There is no better site than seeing a huge pink bird fly overhead (their wingspan is 3-4 feet) ... unless one lands in your backyard like this one did behind our house in Bradenton!  Like many other water birds such as the White Pelican, the ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
April 4, 2016

Great Blue Heron in Florida

The Great Blue Heron!

The Great Blue Heron is another water bird that you see frequently in Florida on all types of waterways, including backyard lakes and ponds as well on fishing piers waiting to see if someone will share their catch.  They have an intense look to them as ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
March 13, 2016

Florida Birds - Pelicans

Brown Pelican

Another common sight in Florida is the Brown Pelican.  This majestic water bird lives here full-time while their "cousin", the White Pelican is only seen here during the winters.  While you always see the brown pelican in the beach areas you will also see them in ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
March 10, 2016

Florida Birds

Pretty Flamingos!

Just like the palm trees and beaches, the Flamingo has become an icon of Florida, seen on many signs and advertising. However, you do not see them in the wild here except for a small colony in the Everglades.  You will see them at tourist attractions and ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife
March 7, 2016

Birds of Florida

Great Egrets in Florida

The Great Egret, also known as the American Egret is a popular scene in many of the waterways in Florida as well as backyard ponds and lakes - this photo was actually taken in my back yard where it "fishes" in our pond.  There are many varieties of ...

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Posted in Florida Wildlife