| When you go to Florida, wildlife confronts you | | | | American White Pelican Mottled Duck |
| everywhere. Especially all the exotic birds | | | | Anhinga Pine Warbler |
| fascinated me, often you come up close to | | | | Bald Eagle Purple Gallinule |
| subtropical bird species while playing golf or | | | | Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Roseate Spoonbill |
| picnicking in a public park. | | | | Black-Necked Stilt Sandhill Crane |
| Central Florida is actually a much more interesting | | | | Crested Caracara Snail Kite |
| destination for naturalists than I would ever have | | | | Eastern Bluebird Swallow-Tailed Kite |
| expected. Both Florida's plant life and wildlife are | | | | Florida Scrub-Jay Wood Stork |
| surprisingly diverse and Florida is the 3rd most | | | | The only alligator we saw was a stuffed version |
| ecologically diverse state after Hawaii and | | | | at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours. |
| California. | | | | Naturally, one of the most well-known Florida |
| It is a nearly flat lowland that gently slopes to the | | | | animals is the American alligator. And although this |
| sea on the east and west coasts. This lowland | | | | time we didn't see any (except for a gator tail |
| has unique physical features that are associated | | | | sticking out from under some shrubs on our |
| with the diverse ecosystems that exist here. The | | | | Swamp Buggy Tour), alligators have made an |
| predominantly low-lying topography was created | | | | incredible comeback after they were headed for |
| by fluctuating sea levels over time. Coastal | | | | extinction due to overhunting earlier in the 20th |
| features include dunes, barrier islands, lagoons and | | | | century. Alligators were taken off the federal |
| tidal rivers, which were formed by tides, currents | | | | endangered species list in 1987, and on particularly |
| and winds. | | | | warm days they can be seen sunning themselves |
| The interior of Central Florida is characterized by | | | | on the edges of ponds and waterways. |
| swamps, marshlands and inland lakes, a haven for | | | | Timacuan Golf Course was where we saw these |
| birds. South of Orlando is the Lake Wales Ridge, a | | | | sandhill cranes, they are extremely tame and |
| ridge of sand hills paralleled by flatlands and sandy | | | | definitely not afraid of human beings. |
| rolling hills. This ridge used to be an island in earlier | | | | Different species of fish also exist in Central |
| geological times when ocean levels were higher. | | | | Florida, a fact that makes it a popular destination |
| As a result many of the species that exist here | | | | with anglers. The species include large-mouth bass, |
| are unique to this area. | | | | bluegill, redear sunfish, sunshine bass, speckled |
| The Florida Birding Trail ( is a collection of sites | | | | perch, catfish and a variety of other sweetwater |
| throughout Florida selected for their excellent bird | | | | fish. |
| watching or bird education opportunities. This | | | | The wildlife of Florida is rich and varied, yet most |
| 2000-mile trail is designed to conserve and | | | | of us are familiar with only a dozen or so species. |
| enhance Florida's bird habitat and promotes bird | | | | Florida's amphibians include amphiumas, |
| watching activities, environmental education and | | | | mudpuppies, newts, salamanders, sirens, frogs and |
| economic opportunity. | | | | toads. |
| Florida truly is a birder's paradise, due to its unique | | | | Many interesting mammals can also be found in |
| geographical location between tropical and | | | | Florida, including armadillos, bears, beavers, |
| temperate regions. Florida is also a destination for | | | | bobcats, deer, feral pigs, foxes, manatees, minks, |
| many migratory birds from the north, some birds | | | | moles, opossums, otters, panthers, pocket |
| fly 3,000 miles to get here. In total Florida is home | | | | gophers, rabbits, raccoons, seals, shrews, skunks, |
| to more than 470 verified species of birds. A | | | | squirrels, and weasels. |
| great article about the different species of birds | | | | Of course reptiles don't only include the American |
| found in Florida can be found at the Florida's | | | | Alligator, but also anoles, geckos, lizards, skinks |
| Birders List, provided by Visit Florida. | | | | and turtles. Hobby naturalists will really enjoy their |
| Some of the unique birds to watch in Florida | | | | getaway to Central Florida. |
| include the following: | | | | A wonderful summary of Florida's wildlife can be |
| American Avocet Limpkin | | | | found in a Wildlife Calendar at Visit Florida. |