Deep Hole is best known for its quantity of alligators, and I have seen over 200 on its shores in the past. Last Sunday was a quieter day, overcast and cool, and only a few of our reptilian friends were on the shores, between 20 and 40. But the pot continues to be beautiful and […]
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Sandhill St. John’s-Wort (Hypericum tenuifolium)
Commonly known as Sandhill St. John’s-Wort or Low St. John’s-Wort, this species is a testament to the evolutionary brilliance of Florida’s upland flora. While many members of the Hypericum genus prefer the soggy margins of cypress domes or wet prairies, H. tenuifolium has carved out a niche in the most well-drained, sun-scorched soils the Sunshine […]
Patrick at Deep Hole
Sword Fern (Nephrolepis)
The genus Nephrolepis, commonly known as the sword fern or Boston fern, is a staple of Florida’s landscape. Yet, within this single genus lies a dramatic contrast: a beloved native species providing critical habitat, and an aggressive, “tuberous” imposter that is systematically dismantling local ecosystems. Understanding the Sword Fern in Florida requires peeling back the […]
Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
While the “Sunshine State” is often associated with coastal herons and swamp-dwelling egrets, the Eastern Meadowlark represents a different side of Florida: the vast, open interior. From the historical “Florida Dry Prairie” to modern-day sod farms, this striking icterid—a member of the blackbird family—has carved out a niche in a state rapidly losing its open […]
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
The Snowy Egret is a medium-sized heron, easily recognized by its pure white feathers and contrasting black bill and legs. Their yellow eyes and feet add a splash of color, making them one of the most visually striking birds in Florida. Measuring about 24 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 41 inches, […]
Rita at the Big Pool
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
The Great Egret, also known as the Common Egret or Great White Heron, is a large, stately bird that is easily recognizable by its pristine white feathers, long black legs, and yellow bill. Measuring about 39 inches in height with a wingspan that can exceed 51 inches, the Great Egret exudes an air of grandeur […]