I wonder if the reason this Hawk is hunting is because it knows something is coming. Wildlife have an interesting sixth sense. They are somewhat aware (as aware as an animal can be) of major impending storm systems, things like Continue reading Red Shouldered Hawk
Category Archives: Species Library
Cottonmouth Snake
The cottonmouth snake is an aquatic venomous snake. These snakes prefer areas surrounding wetlands, areas around lakes, rivers, and swamps. Their primary source of food are small creatures like mice and frogs. They are found throughout the entire state of Florida. Continue reading Cottonmouth Snake
Sea Turtle Release
Loggerhead turtles make up the majority of the nesting turtles along the northern Pinellas county beaches. Hatchlings incubate for about two months in the nest. Since the main nesting months are from May to October, the hatchling emergence often occurs during the peak of the hurricane season, between August and October. This puts the hatchlings at risk of being washed back onto the beaches of the coast, exhausted from battling ocean waves in their attempt to get out to the weed-line many miles offshore. Once the turtles get washed onto shore they become especially at risk of mortality. Fortunately, there are many caring people who watch over the turtles, doing what they can to preserve the reptile.
Frigate Bird Gallery
The Common Egret and a Shallow Grass Flat
Late in the evening just an hour or so before the sun set, the tide drew off the shallow grass flat lining the intracoastal waterway. The grass flat, only inches deep, became the feeding grounds for a variety of species of wading birds, patiently and deliberately stalking the shallow pools of water. As the Common Egret moved across the shallow pool of water, moving its feet through the grassy patches along the bottom, bait fish hiding in the patches of grass swam out from under the bird to avoid capture. As the bait fish swam in and out of the grassy patches the egret watched for a slow moving fish, one that could be easily captured for a tasty treat. It paused for just a second as it saw Continue reading The Common Egret and a Shallow Grass Flat
Gopher Tortoise
The gopher tortoise (gopherus, polyphemus) can be found all over the gulf’s barrier islands. They are terrestrial animals, and as such they cannot swim very well. This turtle likes dry sandy areas, areas like sand dunes, and arid coastal islands. Its legs are designed for digging in the sand, instead of swimming in the water. The turtle can grow up to a foot long, and weigh 30 pounds. The tortoise’s lifespan can range from 40 to 60 years. Continue reading Gopher Tortoise
Frigate Birds
The frigate bird is an offshore species of bird. This is a bird primarily found soaring through the air far offshore, scanning for a meal or just cruising. They can also be seen near to shore, as in the pictures below.