If you’ve ever wandered near a Florida marsh or lake, you’ve likely seen the tall, reed-like stalks of cattails swaying in the breeze. Their distinctive brown, sausage-shaped flower spikes stand out among the reeds, making them one of the most recognizable plants in North America’s wetlands. But beyond their striking appearance, cattails are a powerhouse … Read more
Each morning on my hike, I pass by a plant that many people dismiss as a weed—Bidens alba, commonly known as Spanish Needles. With its delicate white petals and bright yellow center, it doesn’t demand attention like some of Florida’s more showy wildflowers, but for those who know, it is a hidden gem. This unassuming … Read more
There’s something otherworldly about an American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) drifting across the water. Unlike their brown pelican cousins, who dive headfirst into the sea with reckless abandon, white pelicans hunt with patience and precision—silent phantoms gliding across Florida’s winter waters. Every year, as the temperatures drop in the northern plains, flocks of white pelicans … Read more
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 waters surrounding Florida have long been known as a graveyard for ships. From Spanish galleons loaded with treasure to forgotten merchant vessels swallowed by storms, the ocean holds stories of adventure, tragedy, and mystery—many still waiting to be discovered. As a writer, I can’t help but be drawn to these lost histories, imagining the … 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