The bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word! This might be a hook line in a reasonably famous 1997 Timbaland & Magoo song, but it also rings true in Florida. Our state hosts a myriad of ecosystems that are home to numerous bird species. ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
A few weeks ago, I visited the home of my Master Gardener friend, Ginger. She has a bright, colorful yard with lots of plants and is a very knowledgeable backyard birder. There were several different types of bird feeders and multiple kinds ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Wildlife
Florida is one of the most biodiverse states, ranking among the top five in the variety of bird and reptile species, according to studies commissioned by The Nature Conservancy. Unfortunately, Florida is also one of the leading states ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Wildlife
Let Heaven and Nature Sing As 2024 draws to a close, and as we reflect on the past year... do you see what I see? I see trees, plants and flowers growing that weren't there last year. Hopefully, you planted some too, and are enjoying ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Management, Horticulture, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Wildlife, Work & Life
2023 Bird of the Year announced! On December 10, 2022 the American Birding Association announced that the 2023 Bird of the Year is a female belted kingfisher! Watch the reveal of this coming year's bird dedication ceremony and the unveiling ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife, Work & Life
Herons The likely mascot of your neighborhood pond, herons belong to the Family Ardeidae, of which there are around 70 different species of herons, egrets, and bitterns worldwide. Dive in to learn more about the herons of Florida, or navigate ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a... Is it an egret or a heron? Well, biologically there isn't much of a difference. Taxonomically, egrets and herons are classified in the same Order and Family, meaning they are very similar. In fact, the ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
The Plume Trade: When Killing was Fashionable The origins of the Plume Trade can be traced back to the 19th century and Victorian fashion, a style that included elaborate assortments of silk, ribbons, and exotic bird feathers on large, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
“So, there I was minding my own business…” When these words came out of my teacher’s mouth, we all dropped our pens and tuned in; it was story time! Mr. Weinrich was not only one of the most inspiring, funny, and captivating teachers ... READ MORE
Category: Natural ResourcesAbout Lakeside Ranch STA On an early Saturday morning in April, I went on an amazing birding excursion at Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA). South Florida Water Management District manages the approximately 2,700 acre site which ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, , Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife