Florida is a land of islands—over 4,500 of them, scattered like stepping stones along its coasts and through its winding rivers. Some are world-famous, bustling with tourists and resorts. But others remain hidden in plain sight, their stories buried beneath shifting sands, tangled mangroves, and the slow creep of time. These forgotten islands hold echoes … Read more
Beneath the rolling tides of Florida’s coastal waters, scattered like celestial bodies in the sand, lie the sea stars—more commonly known as starfish. Despite their name, they aren’t fish at all but echinoderms, close relatives of sea urchins and sand dollars. With their slow, deliberate movements and striking symmetry, sea stars have captivated seafarers and … Read more
The wood stork (Mycteria americana) is a bird that feels like it belongs to another time. It moves through the wetlands with a slow, deliberate grace, its wide wings cutting across the sky like a shadow of something ancient. Its face—bare, weathered, almost prehistoric—lacks the smooth elegance of a heron or the vivid colors of … Read more
In the quiet corners of Florida’s forests, wetlands, and even suburban fringes, a silent predator moves with effortless grace. The bobcat (Lynx rufus floridanus), named for its distinctive short “bobbed” tail, is one of Florida’s most elusive and fascinating wild cats. Though rarely seen, these adaptable felines play a vital role in maintaining the balance … Read more
A striking silhouette along Florida’s waterways, the Great Blue Heron is both graceful and elusive. These majestic wading birds have an air of patience and mystery, making them a fascinating subject for nature lovers. Watching a heron hunt is like witnessing a master at work—standing motionless for long periods before striking with lightning-fast precision. With … Read more
Florida’s alligators have been around for millions of years—prehistoric survivors that have witnessed the world change around them. Whether you’re hiking near a freshwater pond, canoeing through a slow-moving river, or walking your dog near a lake, there’s always a chance of spotting one of these ancient reptiles basking in the sun. While they may … Read more
Florida’s coastline is home to one of nature’s most resilient ecosystems—mangroves. These salt-tolerant trees thrive in the brackish waters of estuaries, providing shelter for marine life, stabilizing shorelines, and even serving as Florida’s first line of defense against hurricanes. But did you know Florida has three distinct types of mangroves? Each has unique characteristics that … Read more
On the shores of Florida, where the waves slip in and out with the patience of something that has always been and will always be, the ancient ones still crawl. Their armored bodies glisten in the tide, their long, spined tails tracing patterns in the sand. To some, they look alien—strange relics of another world. … Read more
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are some of the most recognizable wildlife in Central Florida. They’re common in forests, wetlands, and even suburban areas where wooded spaces remain intact. Yet, despite their numbers, spotting one still feels special—like a quiet reminder that the wild world is never far away. Each encounter plays out the same way: … Read more
There’s a certain magic in the marshlands, and for me, that magic has always been embodied by the roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja). That vibrant pink, glowing like a sunset against the greens and blues of the Florida wetlands—it’s the kind of beauty that stops you in your tracks. I’ll never forget the first time I … Read more