Prior to the development of our environmentally damaged phosphate mining site (when it was totally dominated by ~6 feet of cogongrass), birds were rarely seen. Perhaps one of the most gratifying accomplishments is seeing how significant levels of bird populations are returning to site.
While we are very much in a learning phase of fully understanding the "whys" of increased wildlife populations-- certain aspects are clear. For example, with tree canopies shading the forest floor, cogongrass is being effectively controlled. This is allowing native Florida plants such as creeping dayflower (a favorite bard source, especially to Ground Doves) to return to the site. We also are observing tremendous numbers of tree frogs in eucalyptus stands.
Birds
Osprey -- Spring, Summer, Fall Resident. Red Tail Hawk - [pictures]
Red Shouldered Hawk
Common Ground Dove
Redwing Blackbird
Turkey and Black Vultures
Northern Mockingbird -- only along perimeter of farm.
Sandpiper -- Winter Resident.
Ibis
Sandhill Crane
Baltimore Oriole -- Winter Resident.
Egret
Northern Cardinal -- increasing populations.
Yellow-Throated and Palm Warbler -- Winter Resident.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Phoebe
American Robin -- Winter Resident.
Common Grackle
Wood Stork -- found in wet areas.
Carolina Wren
Swallow-tail Kite -- Beautiful!, 1st siting on Farm May 2003.
Butterflys:
Monarch or Viceroy -- (We are not sure)
Zebra Longwing -- State Butterfly of Florida
Snakes:
Black Racer -- most common snake on farm.
Red Rat/Corn Snake -- Very docile and pretty snake.
King Snake
Indigo Snake -- Wow, around 7 to 8' in length!
Cottonmouth -- Common and very agressive snake.
Rattlesnake -- Not common, but are on tree farm.
Large Critters:
Bobcats
Wild Hogs
Alligators
Florida Panther -- One siting in February, early morning.
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